Immediately following a gunman's shooting attack on passengers at the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood Airport in Florida Friday afternoon, groups and individuals began to send prayers for the victims, and their families and friends. Some say they are praying for a nation during this current transition period, which is also riddled with confusion, anger and sorrow.
"My prayers are with those impacted by the Fort Lauderdale Airport shooting. Every time I fly, I pray when I get on the plane and when I get off the plane. I used to only pray for the flight and traveling, though since the U.S. has experienced so much terrorism, for years, I've prayed for everyone on the flight -- for their hearts, their minds, and their spirit. Then, I started to pray before I even got to the airport for everyone in the airport," stated Daphne Valcin on Facebook.
"This one hits so close to home...I'm at the Fort Lauderdale Airport all the time...And now, I'm there all of the time with baby Jasmine too...We really must pray for our nation."
"As more news comes in, let's keep Fort Lauderdale, FL and it's people in our prayers today," stated Joyce Meyer of Joyce Meyer Ministries.
"Once again we bow our heads in prayer for victims of a senseless tragedy," stated Maggie Worley on a United Methodist Church posting to unify those praying about this tragedy.
"We don't know all the details yet, but the most important thing we can do is pray," suggested Franklin Graham.
Elizabeth Banks wrote, "Five people died today. We could honor them with #gunsense laws that might save lives or keep tweeting into the void and killing each other."
Josh Gad expressed, "I am praying for everyone in my hometown of #FortLauderdale. My God. This is frightening. Just flew out of there 5 days ago."
Carson Daly tweeted: "Another shooting. So sad. Praying for those affected in Florida."
Sarah Skinner tweeted: "#PrayersForFortLauderdale really wish the violence would stop and people would spread love instead of killing each other. All love to you FL."
Brandi Glanville shared, "My heart is breaking for everyone at the Fort Lauderdale airport what is this world coming to!" And along with heart and praying hands emojis, Snooki wrote, "FLL Airport so upsetting."
President-elect Donald Trump tweeted, "Monitoring the terrible situation in Florida. Thoughts and prayers for all. Stay safe!" Billy Eichner stated, "This is so sad and horrifying. And Congress continues to do nothing, except get paid off by the NRA. There is blood on their hands forever." "Wow! Prayers up 4sho," added Vivica A. Fox.
The suspected shooter was apprehended in possession of a military ID with the name Esteban Santiago, law enforcement sources said. It has not been confirmed if the gunman is Santiago or he was simply carrying Santiago's ID. Authorities have not released the gunman's name. An Esteban Santiago was discharged honorably from the Army National Guard last year, according to the Army criminal investigation division, reports ABC News.
