FLL Shooter Is Off Medication, But IS Mentally Competent, Lawyers Say

Lawyers for a man charged with killing five people and wounding six at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport say he has stopped taking anti-psychotic medication but remains mentally competent.

The attorneys said at a hearing Thursday that 27-year-old Esteban Santiago, of Alaska, stopped taking medication to treat schizophrenia because of side effects. But they said Santiago's mental condition is good.

Santiago pleaded not guilty to a 22-count indictment in the Jan. 6 shooting at FLL. The Justice Department may seek the death penalty in a trial still months away.

After the shooting, the FBI says Santiago told agents he acted under government mind control, then claimed inspiration by the Islamic State extremist group. 

No terrorism links have been found.


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