Return to Transcripts main page

CNN Wolf Blitzer Reports

California Teen Gets 50 Years for School Shooting; Could Possible War With Iraq Go Nuclear?

Aired August 15, 2002 - 17:00   ET

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

WOLF BLITZER, CNN ANCHOR: Let's go and hear a family spokesman make a plea to the court for less than 425 years in prison.
(JOINED IN PROGRESS)

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: ...was under the influence of methamphetamine, ran over him, crushing him to death. Though hundred of cards, letters, and words of encouragement were sent to remind me that Brian was in a better place, the community was devastated, parents outraged, and children grieved the loss of their classmates.

Andy learned that his best friend died on his 15th birthday. Andy read the newspaper articles on how angry the community was for turning a blind eye to the bullying that was taking place in school. He would also read about how badly the children felt for making fun of Brian, and how counselors were helping them deal with their feelings.

But Andy had to deal with his feelings alone, while his classmates continued their daily ritual of kicking, punching, pushing and using their so-called friend. So less than one month later, he chose to take matters into his own hands, and after this horrific event, the community was devastated, parents outraged, and children grieved the loss of their classmates.

I can understand the outrage of this community, but what I have learned from my son's bus driver's case is there is no justice in the justice system. Though she tested almost seven times over the amount of drugs that was considered to be under the influence, she will only serve two years for her crime because she was not convicted of being under the influence.

But, ironically, she will serve an additional eight months for being in possession of methamphetamine while awaiting her sentencing. Killing my son was not enough to sober her up, but hating her doesn't help heal our wounds. Hating Andy will not make your lives happier.

I don't know what happened in Andy's life to make him do what he did but losing his best friend didn't help. If we are fortunate, we will never know such a desperate feeling of helplessness. We need to take positive action in our communities to promote a safe environment for our children.

I turn to the lord and to my son every day and ask whatever I'm supposed to do to make good come from this, then let me do my part. I have a nice long list of things that Brian needs certainly to work on. Seeing good things come from this list has helped me find some sense of peace. We all have to deal with the same need for peace.

If the lord intends that this be done in prison for Andy, then let his work be done there. Whatever decision is made here, I pray it be God's will. We owe it to our children to make good come from this by actively working to change the laws, piloting character education programs and public speaking to educate the community.

I can keep my son's name alive by doing these things. I plead with Andy and the victims to keep Randy Gordon and Brian Zuckor's name alive in a positive way.

I grew up on the philosophy that things happen for a reason. In my faith, that is what I was taught. In Brian's case, I tried to understand it and I was working at it, but then when I heard about what happened with Andy, what good could God possibly have for making that happen?

I was at a loss, so on the verge of falling apart, I asked my priest and he told me, he said don't look at it that way. He told me that when bad things happen, we have to make good come from then and that's what I ask of the victims and their families and from Andy and from his family and friends, that we make good come from this.

I know for myself, it has been my saving grace. It has gotten me through and it continues to get me through these difficult times. That's all I have to say.

HERBERT EXARHOS, SUPERIOR COURT JUDGE: Thank you, ma'am. Mr. Mize.

RANDY MIZE, WILLIAMS' ATTORNEY: Your Honor, we'll submit to the Court.

EXARHOS: All right, representing the Probation Department.

KELLY FASCANO (ph), PROBATION DEPARTMENT: Kelly Fascano, Probation Department, and I did receive some updated victim compensation program information. I submitted it to the court, the District Attorney, and to...

BLITZER: And so an appeal to the Court on behalf of Charles "Andy" Williams, an appeal asking the judge not to impose the maximum sentence of some 425 years, the defense attorney for Andy Williams asking for a sentence of 35 years to life. That would make him eligible for parole, the 16-year-old, at the age of 51 years old.

We heard several statements on behalf of family members, friends, asking the judge for this reduced sentence. Andy Williams pleaded guilty, two counts of Murder, 13 counts of Attempted Murder. Sentencing is expected to go forward soon. We'll continue to monitor this dramatic development in this shooting spree at a California high school near San Diego. Our coverage will continue now with WOLF BLITZER REPORTS.

Now on WOLF BLITZER REPORTS, two courtroom dramas unfolding at opposite ends of the country, facing his victims today out West, a school shooter.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Am I bitter? Your darned right, I have every right to be. My son was shot.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BLITZER: And, in the East, a former sheriff.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: A hole that you're responsible for and I pray you never to get it.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BLITZER: The U.S. and Iraq move closer to confrontation. Could it spin out of control? Could it go nuclear?

They're on the frontline of America's fight to keep the skies safe, but are air marshals getting the training they need? Find out why so many have quit.

September 11th families take their fight to court.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We will beat them.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BLITZER: Can they drive the terrorists bankrupt?

It's Thursday, August 15, 2002. I'm Wolf Blitzer in Washington.

As we've just seen here on CNN, very emotional testimony today at sentencing hearings not only in California, but in another case as well. Let's begin in California, where prosecutors are seeking a life sentence for 16-year-old Charles "Andy" Williams. He killed two, wounded 13 during a shooting rampage last year at a high school near San Diego.

CNN's Eric Horng has been following this case. He joins us now live from our Los Angeles bureau -- Eric.

ERIC HORNG, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, Wolf, the defense in this case asking the judge for leniency, asking for a 35-year sentence. The prosecution, however, arguing for life in prison, or at least 425 days (sic) in prison. And throughout the day in that courtroom in El Cajon, California, some very emotional moments, some emotional statements from a number of people.

We've heard from students who were wounded in that attack March 5, 2001 as well as some of the relatives of those students, some of the parents of the two students killed in that attack as well as school officials. Many of those speakers today recounting the terrifying events at Santana High School in Santee, California. Two students killed in that shooting rampage, 14-year-old Brian Zuckor, 17-year-old Randy Gordon. Thirteen others were wounded, 11 of them were students.

And throughout most of this hearing, Charles "Andy" Williams, now 16 years old, sitting in that courtroom with his head down not making eye contact with those speakers, sitting in silence. But about a half-hour ago, he did stand up in the courtroom and offered a very tearful, remorseful statement.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

CHARLES "ANDY" WILLIAMS, DEFENDANT: I mean, I feel horrible about it. I'm so ashamed.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Just take your time.

WILLIAMS: It really hurts me to know that I'm responsible for all this stuff. And if I could go back to that day, I wouldn't have gotten out of bed. For what it's worth, I want everybody to know that I'm sorry and that I feel horrible about what happened. I'm sorry.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HORNG: Charles "Andy" Williams, now 16 years old, stands well over six foot tall. He has grown a number of inches over the last few years, a far cry from the scrawny 15-year-old the defense has argued was bullied by much larger students throughout his junior high and high school time. He pleaded guilty in June to two counts of first- degree murder, 13 counts of attempted murder and is expected to be sentenced today. Wolf, back to you.

BLITZER: Eric Horng, thanks and we'll continue to monitor the sentencing hearing. And, of course, if there are developments inside the court, we'll go back there live. Eric Horng reporting. The prosecution seeking 425 years for Andy Williams. The defense seeking a sentence of 35 years to life.

Let's move on to another dramatic sentencing hearing also today. A former Georgia sheriff was sentenced to life in prison for the murder of his successor. CNN's Charles Molineaux joins us now live from Decatur, Georgia. That's just outside Atlanta -- Charles.

CHARLES MOLINEAUX, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Yes, Wolf, the judge has pretty much thrown the book at former DeKalb County sheriff Sydney Dorsey for the murder of sheriff-elect Derwin Brown. Dorsey's sentencing hearing today included emotional and sometimes fiery testimony from his family, Brown's family, and unlike what we saw during Dorsey's trial, Dorsey himself took the stand for the first time.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SIDNEY DORSEY, FORMER DEKALB COUNTY, GEORGIA SHERIFF: Your honor, and the Brown family and my family, I know you're going to sentence me severely, but I do not have the blood of Derwin Brown on my hands.

PHYLLIS BROWN, VICTIM'S WIDOW: Testimony in the tape recording, you said Derwin was the lowest scumbag of the earth. I beg to differ. That is you. That is you. As you watch yourself in the mirror, understand you are the lowest scumbag of the earth.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

MOLINEAUX: Derwin Brown was three days away from being sworn in to replace Dorsey as sheriff of DeKalb County when he was gunned down in front of his home. Prosecutors said Dorsey had him killed to protect the gravy train he had set up, having his deputies run errands for him and work at his outside business, pat taxpayers' expense. He is convicted of murder and 11 more counts, including theft, racketeering and abuse of his office. His sentence on the long list of charges boils down to life plus 23 years in prison. Ironically, the minimum sentence for his racketeering conviction is longer than for his murder conviction. He'll be up for parole in 18 years. But prosecutors say no problem. He is never getting out.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

J. TOM MORGAN, DISTRICT ATTORNEY, DEKALB COUNTY, GEORGIA: We're very pleased with the sentence. The judge crafted a sentence that Mr. Dorsey will have to spend his natural life in prison. And that's what we wanted. We do not believe that our pardons and parole board will ever give anyone a parole consideration for political assassination, which is what this was.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

MOLINEAUX: Dorsey's lawyers say everything went wrong with this trial. An innocent man was convicted. They're asking for a new trial and planning their appeal. Now while that appeal is in the works, Dorsey will stay in county jails. If the appeals don't work and his conviction is upheld, then the Georgia state prison system is going to have to figure out what to do with a convict who was a cop for more than 30 years -- Wolf.

BLITZER: Charles Molineaux in Georgia reporting for us live. Thank you very much.

Let's turn now to the growing confrontation, at least a potential confrontation, between the United States and Iraq. There's another strong signal the Bush administration may be, may be on an inevitable collision course toward war with Iraq. This as Israeli officials refuse to rule out the possibility of the use of nuclear weapons if attacked by Iraq.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

(voice-over): President Bush's national security advisor Condoleezza Rice says Iraqi President Saddam Hussein is an evil man, who if left unchecked, would wreak havoc on his own population and his neighbors. And she says in a radio interview with the BBC if he gets weapons of mass destruction and the means to deliver them, he would wreak havoc on the rest of the world as well.

CONDOLEEZZA RICE, NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISER: Clearly, if Saddam Hussein is left in power doing the things that he's doing now, this is a threat that will emerge in a very big way. And history is littered with cases of inaction that led to very grave consequences for the world.

BLITZER: Rice insists President Bush has not yet signed off on any war plans, but her strong words were widely seen as an escalation in the war rhetoric. Still, the debate over the merits of going to war is escalating. The latest to chime in, the national security adviser to the first President Bush.

Writing in the "Wall Street Journal," Brent Scowcroft urged caution, saying a speedy preemptive strike could "put at risk our campaign against terrorism as well as stability and security in a vital region of the world."

In Israel, the political leadership already appears convinced a U.S. military move against Saddam Hussein is inevitable. The government says it's begun vaccinating against smallpox and would soon hand out anti-radiation pills to the public. Foreign minister Shimon Peres tells CNN it would be reckless to underestimate the consequences of war with Iraq.

SHIMON PERES, ISRAELI FOREIGN MINISTER: It can be quite dangerous, but postponing it will surely be more dangerous. Important today is not if but when. And do they think that if you wait, Saddam Hussein will change? If he will change, it will be through the wells. He'll have more weapons.

BLITZER: During the 1991 Persian Gulf War, the U.S. strong-armed the Israelis to remain on the sidelines even in the face of 39 Iraqi Scud attacks against Tel Aviv and other populated centers. But that restraint might not happen now. And if the Iraqis tip their Scud missiles with chemical or biological warheads, all bets are off, including a possible Israeli nuclear response.

RETIRED BRIG. GEN. SHLOMO BROM, ISRAELI AIR FORCE: Securing community in Israel, the defense community, has to take precautions for any eventuality.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

BLITZER: And we are going to have a debate on whether the United States should move quickly against Saddam Hussein in just a few moments. But until then, I want to go back to that courtroom in California where the judge is getting ready to sentence Charles "Andy" Williams.

(JOINED IN PROGRESS)

EXARHOS: His use reflected a complete disregard for human life and the safety of others, and its use inflicted death, pain and suffering. This court does have the discretion to impose concurrent or consecutive sentences. Consecutive sentences may be imposed in this case because the crimes involved separate acts of violence with multiple victims and there is no limit as to the total length of those sentences.

As circumstances supporting the imposition of consecutive sentences, the court has considered the following. One, the crimes involved great violence, great bodily harm and other acts disclosing a high degree of cruelty, viciousness and callousness. Two, the defendant was armed with and used a weapon in the commission of the offenses. Three, the victims were particularly vulnerable. Four, the manner in which the crimes were carried out indicates planning and sophistication. And five, the defendant engaged in violent conduct which indicates that he is a serious danger to society.

As circumstances supporting the imposition of concurrent sentences, the court has considered the following. One, the crimes were committed so closely in time and place so as to indicate a single period of abhorrent behavior. Two, the defendant has no prior criminal history. Three, as set forth in the psychological reports of Drs. Scott and Freedman (ph), the defendant suffered from emotional and psychological disorders that influenced his decision in this matter. Four, the defendant voluntarily acknowledged his wrongdoing at the time of his arrest and admitted his guilt at an early stage of the criminal proceedings, thereby sparing the victims the additional trauma of a preliminary examination and trial. Five, the defendant appears to be remorseful and has cooperated with the district attorney's office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation in their efforts to better understand and prevent this type of crime. And six, concurrent sentences would avoid the imposition of consecutive sentences, which would constitute a de-facto sentence of life without the possibility of parole.

If concurrent sentences were imposed, the defendant would be sentenced to state prison for the term of 50 years to life. Because he could receive no additional credits, he would become eligible for parole 50 years from the date of the offense in the year 2051 when he was 65 years old. That is not to say that he would be, in fact, paroled at that time, but merely that he would become eligible for parole. In other words, he would have his first parole hearing. The decision would be in the hands of the Board of Prison Terms, commonly referred to as the parole board, and the governor.

If consecutive sentences were imposed, Defendant will become first eligible for parole not less than 100 years from now, effectively a sentence of life without the possibility of parole. In determining the appropriate sentence in this case, the court has weighed and considered the circumstances in mitigation and those in aggravation (ph) as required by the California rules of court. Additionally, the court has considered the existing prohibition against imposing sentences of life without the possibility of parole on defendants 15 years and younger. And although we often hear of sentences of two, three, or 400 years or multiple consecutive life terms, there is no specific prohibition in those cases as there is here.

In this case, because of the defendant's age, there is a specific prohibition against the sentence of life without the possibility of parole. Because the circumstances supporting the imposition of concurrent sentences outweigh, however slightly, the circumstances supporting the imposition of consecutive sentences, and because the imposition of consecutive sentences would effectively constitute a sentence of life without the possibility of parole, a sentence to which the defendant could not otherwise be subjected, concurrent sentences will be imposed.

It is therefore the judgment and sentence of this court that the defendant be imprisoned in the state prison for the term of 50 years to life. He is remanded to the custody of the sheriff, who is ordered to transport him to the California Correctional Institution at Tehachapi. He will be given credit for the 529 days that he has served. He is to pay a restitution fine in the amount of $10,000. He is to pay actual restitution in such amounts as are set forth in the probation officer's report, together with such other amounts as may be determined by further order of the court. He is to pay restitution according to penal code section 1202.4F to the victim's compensation program for the claims paid by that program. Supplemental probational reports shall be prepared addressing the issues of additional restitution and sent to the defendant with copies to counsel for the defendant. Is there anything further, counsel?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: No, your honor.

EXARHOS: We are in recess.

BLITZER: And so, there we have it. We've been monitoring this sentencing hearing all afternoon. The judge imposing a sentence of 50 years to life for Charles "Andy" Williams. The 16-year-old pleaded guilty to two counts of murder, killing two fellow students at a high school in Santee, California, near San Diego,, injuring 13 other students.

His attorney had asked for a 35-year to life sentence, which would have made him eligible for parole at the age of 51. The judge has decided to go with 50 years to life. The prosecution had asked for a sentence that could have amounted to 425 years in prison, since the prosecution had not been able to get life without the possibility of parole for the 16-year-old. The judge overruled, rejected the arguments of the prosecution, imposing instead a minimum 50-year sentence, maximum life sentence to see what happens over the next, at least few decades for Andy Williams in a California prison.

He's 16 years old. When he's 18, he'll be moved to an adult facility from the juvenile facility he serves in right now. A dramatic development in California, a story we've been following since the shooting occurred more than a year ago.

We have much more news coming up, including a debate. Should the United States immediately go to war against Iraq?

Also, poor training, bad morale and widespread discontent. Is that the working conditions for federal air marshals? How did the first line of defense against hijackers turn into a national question mark? Plus, they risked their lives on September 11. Now, their insurance company is dropping them. We'll tell you why when we come back.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BLITZER: The flooding situation in Dresden, Germany is worsening severely. A dam has officials worried that a wall of water will soon overwhelm virtually the entire city. They've evacuated the central part and they're trying to save some of the historic buildings there as well. CNN's Gaven Morris is on the phone. He's joining us now live with more. Gavin, give us the latest.

GAVEN MOORE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, what's happened is the authorities have just come out with the very last emergency services out of the old part of central Dresden. Now, what's happened, as you mentioned, is that apparently a dam somewhere along the Elbe River has broken. And they're expecting the height of the water in the Elbe River, which is now about at the peak to meet this wave of water from the dam and sweep back through the central part of Dresden.

Now, this is the part of Dresden that is the most historic. It has many, many beautiful buildings, many, many that house artwork, the (UNINTELLIGIBLE) opera house. And what they're expecting is some water to come back through that area. So, in the last half-hour, they have got all the public out. They have got most of the emergency services out. They've stopped pumping water out of the buildings, those precious buildings in the central part of Dresden. And essentially, for now, they've given up the old town and fingers crossed now. It's up to nature to take its course -- Wolf.

BLITZER: Gaven Morris, what a pity for those of us especially who have been to Dresden and seen it. Thanks for that report. We'll continue to monitor it as the situation unfolds.

But let's get back now to the possibility of another war between the United States and Iraq. Joining us now with their insight are two guests with very different opinions. Frank Gaffney is the president of the Center for Security Policy here in Washington. Lawrence Korb is with the Council on Foreign Relations. Both former top Pentagon officials.

Frank, you read the article by Brent Scowcroft, the first President Bush's national security adviser, suggesting this is not the time to go to war against Iraq. You disagree.

FRANK GAFFNEY, CENTER FOR SECURITY POLICY: I do. And I think he brings to bear certain judgments about the facts on the ground that are simply not knowable at this point. And they're different than I think the judgments...

BLITZER: What's the harm in waiting?

GAFFNEY: I think the harm that lies in waiting is that this situation is metastasizing. I think Saddam Hussein, having survived mistaken judgments over a decade ago by Brent Scowcroft, among others by the way, is now in a position to equip terrorists with weapons of mass destruction that would make the kinds of activity that I suspect he was involved in before now, including attacks with Americans, pail in significance.

BLITZER: Larry Korb, what's wrong with that argument? Better now than wait when until he attacks with weapons of mass destruction.

LAWRENCE KORB, COUNCIL ON FOREIGN RELATIONS: Well, who is he going to attack? And Saddam want to stay in power. He's not going to give any weapons to the terrorists. And I think Brent Scowcroft pointed that out quite well in the article. His goal is to stay in power. We've deterred him. The joint chiefs of staff think containment is working fine. And we've got other higher priorities.

We still haven't won the war on terrorism. You can't fight that war without logistic support, and you're not going to get it as long as you haven't dealt with the situation between Israel and Palestine.

BLITZER: Well, speaking about Israel, there's some concern that if the Iraqis were to launch Scud missiles against Israel this time, they wouldn't necessarily be kept on the sidelines. Remember, Paul Wolfowitz and Larry Eagleburger 11 years ago, keeping the Israelis on the sidelines, sent over there by the first President Bush. Do you believe the Israelis would show restraint, Larry Korb?

KORB: Not this time. If they had hit with a weapon of mass destruction, they weren't last time, those were conventional weapons, I'm sure they would respond. And then, of course, you would have a nuclear war in the Middle East.

GAFFNEY: Well, it's certainly important for the Israelis to be saying to Saddam Hussein that's how they would respond to deter him from using them. My concern is that if I'm correct, and I think I am, that the circumstantial evidence of Saddam's involvement in previous terrorist attacks, which have used weapons of mass destruction, let's not kid ourselves, flying an airline into a building with as many as 50,000 people in it...

BLITZER: But you don't know if the Iraqis had anything to do with that.

GAFFNEY: We don't know, and the reason we don't know is because he's been covering his tracks, I believe. There is circumstantial evidence, and I think that evidence suggests that he may well try it again with higher-power weapons if he can.

BLITZER: Larry, I just want to bring you back for one second. You think if the Israelis are immediately would respond with nuclear weapons, if a weapon of mass destruction, a chemical or a biological warhead hit Tel Aviv...

KORB: Oh, I think very, very definitely. The last time, they stayed out because they were only conventional. We wanted to keep them out. But, I mean, given the history of Jewish people, a chemical weapon going off there, I think they would almost have to.

BLITZER: You agree with him on that?

GAFFNEY: I think that they would certainly have to say they will do that, and let's hope they don't have to. Fortunately, they've made a step that we haven't yet in this country, and that is to put missile defenses, with our help, by the way, in place to mitigate the danger of a missile-delivered weapon on their territory. So, it's not an either/or. But they may well have to, and certainly they want to signal to Saddam don't even think about it.

BLITZER: This situation could spiral out of control very easily.

KORB: Very definitely because your goal is regime change. In Iraq, Saddam knows he has nothing to lose. And that's a foolish position to put him in, because we'd have a lot to lose if that happened.

GAFFNEY: The order (ph) is for moving quickly.

BLITZER: Let's continue this debate on another occasion. Unfortunately, we have to leave it right there. Frank Gaffney, Larry Korb, thanks to both of you for joining us.

When we come back, September 11 families move to cut off the life blood of Osama bin Laden. Find out what they're doing to shut down the flow of money. Stay with us.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BLITZER: Families that lost loved ones in the September 11 attacks hoping to fight terrorism by driving the terrorists bankrupt. They filed a huge lawsuit today against those they hold responsible for terrorism, including banks, foundations, individuals and a government. Our national correspondent Bob Franken has details.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

BOB FRANKEN, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: No one feels the outrage, the agony of the events of September 11 more than the members of the victims' families. And now hundreds of them are joining in a multibillion dollar lawsuit aimed at those who allegedly provide support for the terrorists, who provide the money.

DEENA BURNETT, HUSBAND DIED IN 9/11 PENNSYLVANIA CRASH: It's up to us to bankrupt the terrorists and those who finance them so they will never again have the resources to commit such atrocities against the American people as we experienced on September 11.

ELLEN SARACINI, HUSBAND DIED IN 9/11 WORLD TRADE CENTER CRASH: This is now a defining time, when we show terrorists that we will not stand still and allow them to do as they please. I join with the families of September 11 to strike back at the terrorists.

FRANKEN: The suit was filed in Washington, D.C. federal court. The lead attorney, Ronald Motley, one of the principal lawyers in the actions against the tobacco companies. Defendants range from Osama bin Laden to international banks, to Islamic charities, to the government of Sudan. But it is particularly aimed at Saudi Arabia. Targets included three members of the royal family.

RON MOTLEY, PLAINTIFFS' ATTORNEY: That kingdom sponsors this terrorism.

FRANKEN: Saudi officials reserved comment, but in the past, have denied sponsoring terrorism. The plaintiffs' lawyers said they got zero paper, zero help, from the State Department, where diplomatic relations with Saudi Arabia are always a delicate matter.

PHILIP REEKER, STATE DEPT. SPOKESMAN: I think we've been quite clear about the support that Saudi Arabia has given to us in terms of being a strong friend and ally in the war against terrorism.

FRANKEN: The victims' lawyers are the first to admit that their lawsuit faces huge obstacles, legal as well as diplomatic. But they're determined, they say, and so are their clients.

MATT SELLITTO, FATHER OF WORLD TRADE CENTER VICTIM: The banks, so-called charities, and the individuals named in this action have the blood of my son on their hands.

FRANKEN (on camera): Other family members will join the lawsuit. Attorneys say they expect more that 1,000. "There will never be closure," said one. And said another, "I cannot sit back and see if something like September 11 happens again."

Bob Franken, CNN, Washington.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

BLITZER: And that's all the time we have today. "LOU DOBBS MONEYLINE" begins right now.

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