Gov. Scott On Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood Int'l Shooting: We 'Won't Tolerate Senseless Acts Of Evil'
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FORT LAUDERDALE (CBSMiami) – Florida Gov. Rick Scott says "the citizens of Florida won't tolerate senseless acts of evil."
Those were the first words he spoke at a press conference Friday evening in regards to a mass shooting at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.
"According to the sheriff's department, we have five individuals that have lost their lives. We still have people fighting for their lives in the hospital," he said. "My heart goes out to every family impacted – those who lost loved ones and those who have loved ones fighting for their lives."
He mentioned the Orlando night club shooting that claimed the lives of 49 people.
"We went through Pulse, the biggest thing is pray for the individuals that ended up in hospital, pray that every one of them survives," he said.
Scott went on to say the suspected shooter, Esteban Santiago-Ruiz, "will be held accountable to the full extent of the law."
Gov. Scott said he was in Fort Myers when he heard of the shooting and immediately reached out to all airports across the state.
I am on my way to Fort Lauderdale International Airport to be briefed by law enforcement.
— Rick Scott (@SenRickScott) January 6, 2017
"I now went to our National Guard to make sure they were ready, if there was any need for the National Guard," he said.
Scott added he also spoke with all of the airports and sheriffs across the state to ensure he would provide whatever resources they needed.
Scott also said he spoke with President-elect Donald Trump and Vice President-elect Mike Pence multiple times.
In Ft. Lauderdale. Monitoring the shooting with law enforcement. Spoke to @realDonaldTrump, FL airports about security and safety.
— Rick Scott (@SenRickScott) January 6, 2017
"They told me whatever resources we need from the federal government that they would do everything in their power to make that happen," he said.
"The President was apprised this afternoon by Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism Lisa Monaco of the shooting at Fort Lauderdale airport and will be kept updated as the investigation unfolds," said National Safety Council Spokesperson Ned Price.
During a question and answer session, Scott said he had not spoken with President Barack Obama.
The governor was also asked if there should be a ban on guns at airports.
"Look, this is, it's horrible what happened here. It's not a time to be political," he said. "It's a time to mourn those that lost their lives, finish the investigation and pray for those still fighting for their lives."
The shooting comes a day after Gov. Scott made several stops to tout his request of nearly $6 million to bolster anti-terrorism squads.