Authorities say multiple people have died after a lone suspect opened fire at Fort Lauderdale Airport in Florida. ABC News have reported five confirmed dead.

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A suspect is in custody. Senator Bill Nelson told MSNBC that the suspect had been identified as Estaban Santiago who was allegedly found carrying a military ID.

The rampage took place in the bagging area of Terminal 2 at the busy Florida airport.

The Broward County Sheriff's Office tweeted the information following Friday afternoon's shooting.

Broward County Mayor Barbara Sharief told CNN that authorities "have an active crime scene investigation involving Terminal 2".

Miami area TV stations reported that at least six people were shot. Later reports have place the number of people shot at 9.

News stations showed video of medics taking care of a bleeding victim outside the airport. News helicopters hovering over the scene showed hundreds of people standing on the tarmac as an ambulance drove by and numerous law enforcement officers, including tactical units, rushed to the scene.

Former White House spokesman Ari Fleischer tweeted that he was at the airport when shots were fired and "everyone is running".

Fort Lauderdale Airport shooting passengers evacuated
Travelers are evacuated out of the terminal and onto the tarmac after airport shooting at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport in Florida, US, 6 January 2017. REUTERS/Andrew Innerarity
Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International shooting
Photo of a wounded victim after a gunman opened fire inside Terminal 2 of Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport on 6 January 6, leading to multiple casualties. twitter.com/MxWllSolutions