Shooter at Fort Lauderdale airport had no Canadian connection

“The suspect did not fly from Canada and was not on a Canadian flight. We understand from officials he was on a flight originating in Anchorage, transiting through Minneapolis and landing in Ft. Lauderdale. There is no Canadian connection,” a statement from the embassy said CP24 reports said.

Canadian embassy in Washington had also confirmed that Fort Lauderdale airport shooter, identified as Esteban Santiago, had no connection with Canada.

Air Canada also confirmed they did not carry any passengers with a checked gun to Florida.

Canadian government officials were trying to find out if any Canadians were among the casualties of a mass shooting Friday in the baggage area of the airport in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Air Canada spokesman Peter Fitzpatrick said in an email that passengers on the airline's departing flights were safely evacuated on the tarmac. Passengers on flights arriving from Montreal and Toronto were being held off gate while the terminal remained closed.

Air Canada implemented a rebooking policy for passengers travelling to and from Fort Lauderdale on Friday and Saturday, Fitzpatrick said.

Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport is operational Saturday. Travellers are requested to check with their airlines and to follow the airport's social media accounts for more detailed information.

(Reported by Asha Bajaj, Image of Esteban Santiago: Instagram)