Florida airport shooting: Gunman open fires at US airport, five people killed and eight others injured

Florida :

Five people have been reportedly killed after a gunman opened fire at the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport in Florida on Friday. With yet to be known motive behind the attack, a news channel reported that the attacker has been taken into the police custody.

The Broward County sheriff's office tweeted that there were unconfirmed reports of additional shots fired on airport property and it was conducting an active search.

President-elect Donald Trump and Vice President-elect Mike Pence tweeted about the situation.

Trump tweeted: "Monitoring the terrible situation in Florida. Just spoke to Governor Scott. Thoughts and prayers for all. Stay safe!"

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families and our first responders in Fort Lauderdale, FL," Pence wrote on Twitter.

In a news conference, the law enforcement officials said the situation was "fluid and active". They confirmed the shooter was unharmed and in custody. Law enforcement did not fire any shots, officials said.

The airport tweeted the shooting, in which five persons lost lives, took place at the Terminal 2 baggage claim area in the lower level. It said the airport would be closed for an extended period of time.

Hundreds of passengers and airport workers could be seen gathering and evacuating via the tarmac.

The airport has four terminals and serves more than 73,000 travellers every day. It ranks 21st in the US in total passenger traffic, with more than 650 commercial flights a day.

(Provided by IANS)