Lawyers: Suspect in rampage ill but legally competent

MIAMI (AP) — Lawyers for the Alaska man charged in a Florida airport shooting rampage say he’s definitely mentally ill but is also competent to stand trial.

The attorneys say in court papers that 26-year-old Esteban Santiago of Anchorage, Alaska has been diagnosed with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder.

He’s accused in the Jan. 6 shooting that killed five and wounded six at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.

Santiago’s lawyers say he is taking an anti-psychotic drug and is able to communicate clearly, understand legal issues, is cooperative with jail staff, and is not disoriented or delusional.

A hearing is set this week on Santiago’s mental condition. He previously told the FBI he acted under government mind control, then claimed inspiration by Islamic State extremists.