Return to Transcripts main page

CNN Live At Daybreak

News of FBI Reorganization May Have Been Upstaged by Disclosure of Two Events

Aired May 30, 2002 - 06:03   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: The news of an FBI reorganization may have been upstaged by the disclosure of two pre-September 11 events that signaled possible terrorist activities.

CNN's Kelli Arena has that.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

KELLI ARENA, CNN JUSTICE CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): It was a day for reorganizing and mea culpas.

ROBERT MUELLER, FBI DIRECTOR: It is critically important that we have that connection of dots that will enable us to prevent the next attack.

ARENA: Still reeling from criticism that the FBI failed to act on information pre-9/11, FBI director Robert Mueller disclosed new information about other possible missed signals. An FBI pilot back in 1998 warned about -- quote -- "large numbers of Middle Eastern males receiving flight training at Oklahoma airports." He called it a recent phenomenon that -- quote -- "may be related to planned terrorist activity."

It was also disclosed that an unidentified country, which sources say is Middle Eastern, tried to buy a flight simulator in the United States, even though the country was restricted from purchasing U.S. technology.

MUELLER: Our analytical capability is not where it should be. Our analysts are working harder than ever, and they need help.

ARENA: Mueller says that lack of analytical ability is to blame for the mishandling of information on Zacarias Moussaoui, who investigators believe was supposed to be the 20th hijacker, and for the lack of attention given to a Phoenix agent's memo in July suggesting Middle Eastern men in U.S. flight schools be investigated.

SEN. ARLEN SPECTER (R), JUDICIARY COMMITTEE: There is no doubt there needs to be a reorganization. More than a reorganization, there needs to be a change of attitudes. There has been identified the cultural concealment, where the FBI has not shared information with the CIA. We have got to break down those barriers.

ARENA: Mueller insists there was no specific information previewing the 9/11 attacks, but admits there were several red flags.

(on camera): And for the first time, Mueller conceded if all of the pieces had been put together, it is possible the FBI may have come across information that would have led investigators to the hijackers.

Kelli Arena, CNN, Washington.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com.