US to file murder complaint against LAX shooter

FBI Special Agent in Charge David Bowdich (L), Transportation Security Administration Administrator John Pistole (C) and US Attorney Andre Birotte, Jr. talk to reporters at a news conference regarding a shooting incident that occurred the previous day at Los Angeles airport (LAX), in Los Angeles, California November 2, 2013. [Photo/Agencies]

LOS ANGELES - The Justice Department will file a murder complaint against Paul Anthony Ciancia, who opened fire at Los Angeles International Airport Firday, killing a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officer and injuring 6 others.

The chief federal prosecutor for Los Angeles, Andre Birotte Jr. said at a press conference Saturday that Ciancia may face life in prison with no parole possible or death penalty. He will also be charged with commission of violence at an American airport.

FBI agent David Bowdich told media that Ciancia's intention "was very, very clear". "He indicated his anger and his malice, I would say, to TSA officers," said Bowdich.

Ciancia, a 23-year-old white male, remained hospitalized Saturday with four gunshot wounds, including one on his head, and the FBI was unable to speak to him.

Four of the injured, two TSA emloyees and two civilians, were shot by Ciancia with an assault rifle. And the other two were injured in the ensuing panic.

In a signed, handwritten note Ciancia carried with him, he said he wanted to install fear into the "traitorous minds" of TSA officers, Bowditch said.

Witnesses told local media that Ciancia asked people at the checkpoint of Terminal 3, whether they are TSA, and opened fire only to TSA officers.

The killed is 39-year-old Gerardo I. Hernandez, who was working in the pre-screening area. Video shows Ciancia shooting Hernandez multiple times.

The Terminal 3 reopened Saturday. A total of 1,550 flights with an estimated 167,050 passengers were affected at LAX Friday, an airport spokeswoman said. It is the third largest airport in the United States.

TSA security agents at LAX and nationwide began wearing black mourning bands Friday in honor of Hernandez, the first TSA agent to die in the line of duty in the agency's 12 years of existence.

The oscillating-color 100 foot-high glass pylons at the LAX entrance, a landmark of the airport will stay blue through Sunday to honor Hernandez, the airport said.