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Radical Cleric Abu Hamza Charged in 11 Count Indictment

Aired May 27, 2004 - 11:00   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.


DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: It is 11:00 a.m. on the East Coast and 8:00 a.m. on the West Coast. From CNN Center in Atlanta, good morning once again, I'm Daryn Kagan. Up first this hour on CNN, more on that terror suspect under indictment in the U.S. and now in custody in Britain. Radical cleric Abu Hamza is charged in an 11 count indictment unsealed last hour. Our Deborah Feyerick is in New York City, she has the latest -- Deborah.
DEBORAH FEYERICK, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, Daryn, Abu Hamza is described by the New York City Police chief as the real deal, a freelance consultant to terrorists worldwide. He has been charged with 11 counts. They include hostage taking and conspiracy to take hostages. This relates to an incident in Yemen in December of '98. Muslim extremists seized a group of tourists -- I'm sorry, a group of tourists. Four of them died.

Now he's also been charged with providing material support to terrorists, for allegedly trying to set up a training camp in the United States.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

JOHN ASHCROFT, UNITED STATES ATTORNEY GENERAL: These charges are relating to Hamza's alleged attempts in late 1999 and early 2000 to set up a training camp for violent jihad in Bly, Oregon, here in the United States.

Hamza is also charged with providing material support to al Qaeda for facilitating violent jihad in Afghanistan, as well as conspiracy to supply goods and services to the Taliban.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

FEYERICK: Abu Hamza preached at a London mosque, it's the same mosque that was attended by the so-called 20th hijacker, Zarqawi Moussaoui. Also, shoe bomber Richard Reid attended this mosque where Hamza preached.

The U.S. Britain and mainstream Muslims see him as a dangerous radical. He has incited young men to become martyrs and fight a holy war, wherever it is they happen to be living. The Britain's are trying to strip him of his citizenship. Meanwhile here in the U.S., they're trying to extradite him back here so he can face the charges -- Daryn.

KAGAN: Deborah Feyerick in New York City, thank you. More now on Abu Hamza. He's been the focus of terror suspicions in Britain. This has been going on for years. Our senior international correspondent Walter Rodgers has more on that.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

WALTER RODGERS, CNN SENIOR INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: To the U.S. and British governments, and some in the Muslim mainstream, Abu Hamza al Masri is seen as a dangerous radical, whose extreme views nourish hatred, mainly among disaffected young Britons.

The Egyptian-born cleric is fighting attempts to strip him of his U.K. citizenship. The British Home Office accuses Hamza of providing support and advice to a number of terrorist groups, including al Qaeda. British government lawyers also allege he's encouraged terrorism and jihad and has offered safe haven for extremists.

Hamza was banned from his Finsbury (ph) mosque in London's northern suburbs last year. Undeterred, he has continued to preach on the pavement outside. Hamza sparked outrage when he added his voice to those claiming the September 11 attacks were a Jewish plot. He also alleges U.S. Astronauts killed in the Columbia shuttle tragedy were, quote, "punished by Allah".

In his sermons the cleric has castigated Britain and called the invasion of Iraq quote, "a war against Islam." Recently he had his Web site banned, after offering a direct link to online footage of the execution of American hostage Nick Berg in Iraq.

But his freedom to air his controversial views could be about to end. This morning, Scotland Yard issued a statement confirming they have arrested a 47-year-old man in his west London home, and anti- terrorism officers are searching the house. He'll appear at London's Bell Marsh Magistrates court later in the day.

Walter Rodgers, CNN, London.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

KAGAN: Now to the heightened concerns about a possible terrorist attack in the U.S. The FBI has issued a lookout for several people said to be associated with al Qaeda. Our Sean Callebs is tracking that story from Washington, D.C. Sean, good morning.

SEAN CALLEBS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Daryn. The warning is out there with the significant caveat, no idea when, where, or how a terrorist attack could take place on U.S. soil.

And while the intelligence from a number of what U.S. Officials are calling credible sources does not point to a specific attack there are seven individuals with apparent ties to al Qaeda to be on the lookout for.

Six of those have already been on most wanted lists. But there is a new name announced yesterday by the U.S. Attorney General and the FBI. That of Adam Gadahn. Gadahn is different in that he is a U.S. citizen, he's from southern California. But apparently the last time he was in that area was back in 1997 or '98.

U.S. Authorities say the 25-year-old attended al Qaeda camps and served as a translator for the organization. He's being sought for possible terrorist threats against the United States.

His family last spoke with him in March of 2001 before the 9/11 attacks. And even though they haven't talked with him for years, they say they doubt he is tied to terrorist activities.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

PHILIP GADAHN, FATHER: I'm hoping that he's not involved in any of this stuff. But it sounds like it's the media that's making it more than what the FBI was telling me. So I'm hoping. Like I said, I can't really comment because he apparently hasn't done anything. I think they just want to talk to him because he may have some information. I don't know. I hope if he's out there that he contacts them.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

CALLEBS: Gadahn has apparently lived in Afghanistan and Pakistan. His family believes he is married with at least one child. He was apparently arrested back in 1997 for attacking someone at a mosque he attended in California. Gadahn also goes by the name of Adam Pearlman and Abu Suhayb Al-Amriki. Daryn, back to you.

KAGAN: Sean Callebs in Washington, D.C.

Thirty-four days to go before the handover in Iraq. Let's start with the situation report from there. U.S. officials announce coalition troops are suspending operations in the holy city of Najaf. Radical Shi'ite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr is proposing to withdraw his militia from Najaf. The holy city has been the site of fighting for weeks now.

Britain is planning to send additional troops to Iraq. Defense Secretary Geoffrey Hoon says 370 will be deployed. Britain currently has about 8,000 soldiers in Iraq, mainly in the south around Basra.

And the man touted for the top job in the interim Iraqi government doesn't want it. Hussain al Shahristani met with U.N. envoy Lakhdar Brahimi several times in recent weeks, but he was not persuaded to take the prime minister's post.

Lets get more on today's developments our Pentagon correspondent Barbara Starr checking in this morning. Barbara, good morning.

BARBARA STARR, CNN PENTAGON CORRESPONDENT: Good morning to you, Daryn.

Well let's talk about one of those issues, Najaf. Now the coalition hopes there is finally some good news. And such good news that they are going to suspend offensive operations in that holy city of Najaf. Here's what's happened. That radical Shi'a cleric, Muqtada al-Sadr, has had an exchange of messages with the Shi'a leadership. And what he is proposing is to withdraw his militia, stop fighting in Najaf, in exchange for a withdrawal of U.S. forces from the holy city.

There is also some language that he will accept tribal leaders coming in from the outside helping to provide security along with Iraqi security forces. But there is a caution from the coalition. Because the U.S. Still wants Sadr's militia disbanded and there is still one other little problem.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

DAN SENOR, CPA SPOKESMAN: According to his statement, he has not said he will turn himself in. But we have not said this is a complete resolution. We've said this is a first step. It's a positive step. We're pleased that Iraqis are working with Iraqis to try to bring this to resolution. We're pleased this was taken at the initiative of Iraqis.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

STARR: So Sadr apparently agreeing to stop some of his operations. The U.S. halting some of their offensive operations. It is a first step. But there is still, of course, two major issues.

Sadr agreeing to disband his militia. And in the words of the coalition, agreeing to the terms of the arrest warrant that is outstanding against him. Still in Baghdad, a lot of optimism about all of this.

Because it is a real first sign of an Iraqi on Iraqi solution to some of the problems and the violence. The coalition so far has been on the sidelines in this matter. What they're hoping is if they just step back and watch that there will be a complete resolution with Sadr and his militia -- Daryn.

KAGAN: Barbara, any resolution or any steps forward toward figuring out what the command of leadership will be once the handover takes place on June 30, who the U.S. military ultimately will report to?

STARR: Well, the commitment is very as always, U.S. soldiers, U.S. troops, will report to U.S. commanders on the battlefield. But as you say a lot of discussions going on.

What they're trying to do is work out essentially a partnership with the Iraqis, as the U.S. does in any country in which U.S. forces operate. What military officials say is they've successfully done this in places like Kosovo and Bosnia. They hope they can do it in Iraq. Basically work out the details but when it really comes down to crunch time, U.S. Troops will report to U.S. troops will report to U.S. Commanders -- Daryn.

KAGAN: Barbara Starr at the Pentagon thank you.

A lot of news happening here in the U.S. He is going for the championship on the basketball court. Today, Kobe Bryant is back in another court. And his defense team actually make that his defense team is playing offense. That is next. Also, Bill Cosby's controversial comments. Were they racist or were they right on the money? We'll take a look.

And later, John Kerry claims he has a better plan to fight terrorism. That's part of your complete political wrap up when CNN LIVE TODAY returns.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

(FINANCIAL REPORT)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KAGAN: Next Tuesday, the double murder trial begins with Scott Peterson in Redwood City California after nine weeks of jury selection. Twelve jurors and 6 alternates are ready to be seated. Peterson is accused of killing his wife Laci when she was eight months pregnant. He is also charged with the death of the fetus.

Kobe Bryant's defense team is playing offense today, questioning the Colorado police investigation that led to the sexual assault charges. Our Adrian Baschuk is in Eagle County at the courthouse there for this morning's hearing. Good morning.

ADRIAN BASCHUK, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Daryn, good morning to you. You know Kobe Bryant is going to be all over TV today. The news media, covering his day in court, sports highlights tonight will be showcasing his performance against the Timberwolves in game four.

However, it's the O.J. Simpson case that takes center stage. I know that sounds odd. But what that means is defense attorneys are arguing a national crimes scene expert who testified during the O.J. Simpson case be used on their side to testify in the Kobe Bryant case when it goes to trial.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

BASCHUK (voice-over): Kobe Bryant spends his day split between pivotal court proceedings in Colorado and the basketball playoffs in L.A.

Today's hearing begins with debate over a defense motion attacking the adequacy of the crime scene investigation conducted at the Cordillera resort.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Their argument is had a good crime scene investigation been done Kobe Bryant might have been exonerated and never charged.

BASCHUK: Judge Terry Ruckriegle will address a defense motion asking the alleged victim's AT&T text messaging records be released. No such case law in Colorado has ever been established.

The hearings will then move behind closed doors. And by day's end, the judge may issue a trial date, something the accuser's mother has demanded. She says she has received hundreds of angry phone calls, including death threats against her daughter.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I'm sure this is going to be some at least small relief for the victim and her family.

BASCHUK: After the hearing, Bryant flies back to L.A. for game four of the Western Conference finals. It's now a routine trip for Bryant. And a routine success.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You want to take Kobe Bryant...

BASCHUK: On sports radio in Colorado, fans have mixed reactions to the trial, especially since Bryant's basketball performances have been so stellar on days he's been in court.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Is what he's doing heroic and admirable? I don't know about what. I would tend to say no. Because he is doing something in the court that he kind of brought on himself.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

BASCHUK: Now, although while those athletic performances may go down as historic, the judge may pass off a potentially historic ruling on those AT&T text messaging records for the State Supreme Court to rule on because it would be the first time that's happened in Colorado. Legal experts have reviewed AT&T contracts and have reported that there is a clause the telecom giant cannot pass on and make public the records of their clients -- Daryn.

KAGAN: Interesting for the millions of people using text messages out there. Adrian Baschuk, in Eagle. Thank you.

Entertainer Bill Cosby defending recent comments about the values and behavior of some lower-income African-Americans. His remarks sparked debate on the issues of race class and personal responsibility. Details now from CNN's Tom Foreman.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

BILL COSBY, ENTERTAINER: I see those people.

TOM FOREMAN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Cosby came to public television to explain why he is speaking out against problems in the black community.

COSBY: You can't just blame white people for this man. You can't. Right wing or left some people are not parenting.

FOREMAN: Back in Washington, D.C., the switchboard is still lighting up at radio station WOL every time they air the speech Cosby made which started this controversy.

COSBY: Lower economic and lower middle economic people are not holding up their end in this deal.

FOREMAN: The comedian said those words during a fund-raiser for Howard University, and went on to attack African Americans who waste money who use improper English who are single parents.

COSBY: No longer is a person embarrassed because they're pregnant without a husband. No longer is a boy considered an embarrassment if he tries to run away from being the father.

FOREMAN: Cosby's comments were spurred when a 12-year-old Washington girl was injured by a stray bullet from a gunfight. The police chief criticized the culture of violence. Cosby went after the families of young men who wind up being arrested.

COSBY: Where were you when he was 2? Where were you when he was 12? And how come you don't know he had a pistol?

FOREMAN (on camera): Cosby has angered some African Americans despite many years of fund-raising and activism in the black community. But if they are waiting for an apology.

COSBY: For god's sake, turn around, let's have some meetings, and say, brother, let me explain to you.

FOREMAN: He is making it clear they can keep waiting. Tom Foreman, CNN, Washington.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

KAGAN: Hundreds dead, entire towns under water. Mother Nature brings death and destruction to a part of the Caribbean. We will have your complete weather wrap-up and report from the Dominican Republic ahead.

And later, are you tired of paying through the hose for gasoline? The British have a little something to say to you our man in London Richard Quest shows us some really high gas prices.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KAGAN: The island of Hispaniola is awash in bodies following devastating floods earlier this week. At least 500 were killed in both Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Hundreds more are missing. Authorities are rushing emergency aid to the stricken region. Officials blame deforestation of the surrounding hills for the calamity.

Plenty of weather woes right here in the U.S. as well. A sever storm toppled an oak tree in suburban St. Louis, nearly slicing a house in two. No one was hurt in the accident. It did cause a huge mess though more than 10,000 people in greater St. Louis lost power in the storm which left behind a blanket of hail in some places.

(WEATHER REPORT)

KAGAN: So, the prices at the gas pump are high. You know, we're telling you, stop your belly aching. You want to see high? Get your fill with CNN's Richard Quest who looks at the dizzying price of petrol in Europe.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

RICHARD QUEST, CNN ANCHOR: This is Bessie. My pride and joy. Now, Bessie likes a bit of a drink. Truth be told, Bessie's got a bit of a drink problem. And getting just 18 miles a gallon here in central London, well, at today's prices, it's going to cost me a fortune to give Bessie a decent drink.

Now, of course in Europe, we sell petrol in liters, not gallons. And there are 4 liters in the American gallon. Which means at these prices, it's going to cost about $6.50 per gallon. Look at the speed that thing's going 'round.

It has cost me more than $100 to fill the tank. And unless the oil cartel OPEC comes to my rescue pretty soon, which seems unlikely Bessie; it's time for a divorce. Delores, we must get to know each other a little bit better.

This is more like it. Come on, dear. Let's see what you can do. So, with the smart car getting 60 miles to the gallon and gas at these prices, it's the little car that can that's driving circles around the gas guzzlers.

Richard Quest, CNN, London.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

KAGAN: Richard, of all people, going for the cheap date. I'm so disappointed.

We're going from pain at the pump to politics. It did take one terrorist attack in Madrid to derail that country's sitting government. With our own election looming on the horizon, some are wondering, could that happen here? Our Bill Schneider looks at the politics of terror coming up.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

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Aired May 27, 2004 - 11:00   ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: It is 11:00 a.m. on the East Coast and 8:00 a.m. on the West Coast. From CNN Center in Atlanta, good morning once again, I'm Daryn Kagan. Up first this hour on CNN, more on that terror suspect under indictment in the U.S. and now in custody in Britain. Radical cleric Abu Hamza is charged in an 11 count indictment unsealed last hour. Our Deborah Feyerick is in New York City, she has the latest -- Deborah.
DEBORAH FEYERICK, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, Daryn, Abu Hamza is described by the New York City Police chief as the real deal, a freelance consultant to terrorists worldwide. He has been charged with 11 counts. They include hostage taking and conspiracy to take hostages. This relates to an incident in Yemen in December of '98. Muslim extremists seized a group of tourists -- I'm sorry, a group of tourists. Four of them died.

Now he's also been charged with providing material support to terrorists, for allegedly trying to set up a training camp in the United States.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

JOHN ASHCROFT, UNITED STATES ATTORNEY GENERAL: These charges are relating to Hamza's alleged attempts in late 1999 and early 2000 to set up a training camp for violent jihad in Bly, Oregon, here in the United States.

Hamza is also charged with providing material support to al Qaeda for facilitating violent jihad in Afghanistan, as well as conspiracy to supply goods and services to the Taliban.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

FEYERICK: Abu Hamza preached at a London mosque, it's the same mosque that was attended by the so-called 20th hijacker, Zarqawi Moussaoui. Also, shoe bomber Richard Reid attended this mosque where Hamza preached.

The U.S. Britain and mainstream Muslims see him as a dangerous radical. He has incited young men to become martyrs and fight a holy war, wherever it is they happen to be living. The Britain's are trying to strip him of his citizenship. Meanwhile here in the U.S., they're trying to extradite him back here so he can face the charges -- Daryn.

KAGAN: Deborah Feyerick in New York City, thank you. More now on Abu Hamza. He's been the focus of terror suspicions in Britain. This has been going on for years. Our senior international correspondent Walter Rodgers has more on that.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

WALTER RODGERS, CNN SENIOR INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: To the U.S. and British governments, and some in the Muslim mainstream, Abu Hamza al Masri is seen as a dangerous radical, whose extreme views nourish hatred, mainly among disaffected young Britons.

The Egyptian-born cleric is fighting attempts to strip him of his U.K. citizenship. The British Home Office accuses Hamza of providing support and advice to a number of terrorist groups, including al Qaeda. British government lawyers also allege he's encouraged terrorism and jihad and has offered safe haven for extremists.

Hamza was banned from his Finsbury (ph) mosque in London's northern suburbs last year. Undeterred, he has continued to preach on the pavement outside. Hamza sparked outrage when he added his voice to those claiming the September 11 attacks were a Jewish plot. He also alleges U.S. Astronauts killed in the Columbia shuttle tragedy were, quote, "punished by Allah".

In his sermons the cleric has castigated Britain and called the invasion of Iraq quote, "a war against Islam." Recently he had his Web site banned, after offering a direct link to online footage of the execution of American hostage Nick Berg in Iraq.

But his freedom to air his controversial views could be about to end. This morning, Scotland Yard issued a statement confirming they have arrested a 47-year-old man in his west London home, and anti- terrorism officers are searching the house. He'll appear at London's Bell Marsh Magistrates court later in the day.

Walter Rodgers, CNN, London.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

KAGAN: Now to the heightened concerns about a possible terrorist attack in the U.S. The FBI has issued a lookout for several people said to be associated with al Qaeda. Our Sean Callebs is tracking that story from Washington, D.C. Sean, good morning.

SEAN CALLEBS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Daryn. The warning is out there with the significant caveat, no idea when, where, or how a terrorist attack could take place on U.S. soil.

And while the intelligence from a number of what U.S. Officials are calling credible sources does not point to a specific attack there are seven individuals with apparent ties to al Qaeda to be on the lookout for.

Six of those have already been on most wanted lists. But there is a new name announced yesterday by the U.S. Attorney General and the FBI. That of Adam Gadahn. Gadahn is different in that he is a U.S. citizen, he's from southern California. But apparently the last time he was in that area was back in 1997 or '98.

U.S. Authorities say the 25-year-old attended al Qaeda camps and served as a translator for the organization. He's being sought for possible terrorist threats against the United States.

His family last spoke with him in March of 2001 before the 9/11 attacks. And even though they haven't talked with him for years, they say they doubt he is tied to terrorist activities.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

PHILIP GADAHN, FATHER: I'm hoping that he's not involved in any of this stuff. But it sounds like it's the media that's making it more than what the FBI was telling me. So I'm hoping. Like I said, I can't really comment because he apparently hasn't done anything. I think they just want to talk to him because he may have some information. I don't know. I hope if he's out there that he contacts them.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

CALLEBS: Gadahn has apparently lived in Afghanistan and Pakistan. His family believes he is married with at least one child. He was apparently arrested back in 1997 for attacking someone at a mosque he attended in California. Gadahn also goes by the name of Adam Pearlman and Abu Suhayb Al-Amriki. Daryn, back to you.

KAGAN: Sean Callebs in Washington, D.C.

Thirty-four days to go before the handover in Iraq. Let's start with the situation report from there. U.S. officials announce coalition troops are suspending operations in the holy city of Najaf. Radical Shi'ite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr is proposing to withdraw his militia from Najaf. The holy city has been the site of fighting for weeks now.

Britain is planning to send additional troops to Iraq. Defense Secretary Geoffrey Hoon says 370 will be deployed. Britain currently has about 8,000 soldiers in Iraq, mainly in the south around Basra.

And the man touted for the top job in the interim Iraqi government doesn't want it. Hussain al Shahristani met with U.N. envoy Lakhdar Brahimi several times in recent weeks, but he was not persuaded to take the prime minister's post.

Lets get more on today's developments our Pentagon correspondent Barbara Starr checking in this morning. Barbara, good morning.

BARBARA STARR, CNN PENTAGON CORRESPONDENT: Good morning to you, Daryn.

Well let's talk about one of those issues, Najaf. Now the coalition hopes there is finally some good news. And such good news that they are going to suspend offensive operations in that holy city of Najaf. Here's what's happened. That radical Shi'a cleric, Muqtada al-Sadr, has had an exchange of messages with the Shi'a leadership. And what he is proposing is to withdraw his militia, stop fighting in Najaf, in exchange for a withdrawal of U.S. forces from the holy city.

There is also some language that he will accept tribal leaders coming in from the outside helping to provide security along with Iraqi security forces. But there is a caution from the coalition. Because the U.S. Still wants Sadr's militia disbanded and there is still one other little problem.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

DAN SENOR, CPA SPOKESMAN: According to his statement, he has not said he will turn himself in. But we have not said this is a complete resolution. We've said this is a first step. It's a positive step. We're pleased that Iraqis are working with Iraqis to try to bring this to resolution. We're pleased this was taken at the initiative of Iraqis.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

STARR: So Sadr apparently agreeing to stop some of his operations. The U.S. halting some of their offensive operations. It is a first step. But there is still, of course, two major issues.

Sadr agreeing to disband his militia. And in the words of the coalition, agreeing to the terms of the arrest warrant that is outstanding against him. Still in Baghdad, a lot of optimism about all of this.

Because it is a real first sign of an Iraqi on Iraqi solution to some of the problems and the violence. The coalition so far has been on the sidelines in this matter. What they're hoping is if they just step back and watch that there will be a complete resolution with Sadr and his militia -- Daryn.

KAGAN: Barbara, any resolution or any steps forward toward figuring out what the command of leadership will be once the handover takes place on June 30, who the U.S. military ultimately will report to?

STARR: Well, the commitment is very as always, U.S. soldiers, U.S. troops, will report to U.S. commanders on the battlefield. But as you say a lot of discussions going on.

What they're trying to do is work out essentially a partnership with the Iraqis, as the U.S. does in any country in which U.S. forces operate. What military officials say is they've successfully done this in places like Kosovo and Bosnia. They hope they can do it in Iraq. Basically work out the details but when it really comes down to crunch time, U.S. Troops will report to U.S. troops will report to U.S. Commanders -- Daryn.

KAGAN: Barbara Starr at the Pentagon thank you.

A lot of news happening here in the U.S. He is going for the championship on the basketball court. Today, Kobe Bryant is back in another court. And his defense team actually make that his defense team is playing offense. That is next. Also, Bill Cosby's controversial comments. Were they racist or were they right on the money? We'll take a look.

And later, John Kerry claims he has a better plan to fight terrorism. That's part of your complete political wrap up when CNN LIVE TODAY returns.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

(FINANCIAL REPORT)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KAGAN: Next Tuesday, the double murder trial begins with Scott Peterson in Redwood City California after nine weeks of jury selection. Twelve jurors and 6 alternates are ready to be seated. Peterson is accused of killing his wife Laci when she was eight months pregnant. He is also charged with the death of the fetus.

Kobe Bryant's defense team is playing offense today, questioning the Colorado police investigation that led to the sexual assault charges. Our Adrian Baschuk is in Eagle County at the courthouse there for this morning's hearing. Good morning.

ADRIAN BASCHUK, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Daryn, good morning to you. You know Kobe Bryant is going to be all over TV today. The news media, covering his day in court, sports highlights tonight will be showcasing his performance against the Timberwolves in game four.

However, it's the O.J. Simpson case that takes center stage. I know that sounds odd. But what that means is defense attorneys are arguing a national crimes scene expert who testified during the O.J. Simpson case be used on their side to testify in the Kobe Bryant case when it goes to trial.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

BASCHUK (voice-over): Kobe Bryant spends his day split between pivotal court proceedings in Colorado and the basketball playoffs in L.A.

Today's hearing begins with debate over a defense motion attacking the adequacy of the crime scene investigation conducted at the Cordillera resort.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Their argument is had a good crime scene investigation been done Kobe Bryant might have been exonerated and never charged.

BASCHUK: Judge Terry Ruckriegle will address a defense motion asking the alleged victim's AT&T text messaging records be released. No such case law in Colorado has ever been established.

The hearings will then move behind closed doors. And by day's end, the judge may issue a trial date, something the accuser's mother has demanded. She says she has received hundreds of angry phone calls, including death threats against her daughter.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I'm sure this is going to be some at least small relief for the victim and her family.

BASCHUK: After the hearing, Bryant flies back to L.A. for game four of the Western Conference finals. It's now a routine trip for Bryant. And a routine success.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You want to take Kobe Bryant...

BASCHUK: On sports radio in Colorado, fans have mixed reactions to the trial, especially since Bryant's basketball performances have been so stellar on days he's been in court.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Is what he's doing heroic and admirable? I don't know about what. I would tend to say no. Because he is doing something in the court that he kind of brought on himself.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

BASCHUK: Now, although while those athletic performances may go down as historic, the judge may pass off a potentially historic ruling on those AT&T text messaging records for the State Supreme Court to rule on because it would be the first time that's happened in Colorado. Legal experts have reviewed AT&T contracts and have reported that there is a clause the telecom giant cannot pass on and make public the records of their clients -- Daryn.

KAGAN: Interesting for the millions of people using text messages out there. Adrian Baschuk, in Eagle. Thank you.

Entertainer Bill Cosby defending recent comments about the values and behavior of some lower-income African-Americans. His remarks sparked debate on the issues of race class and personal responsibility. Details now from CNN's Tom Foreman.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

BILL COSBY, ENTERTAINER: I see those people.

TOM FOREMAN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Cosby came to public television to explain why he is speaking out against problems in the black community.

COSBY: You can't just blame white people for this man. You can't. Right wing or left some people are not parenting.

FOREMAN: Back in Washington, D.C., the switchboard is still lighting up at radio station WOL every time they air the speech Cosby made which started this controversy.

COSBY: Lower economic and lower middle economic people are not holding up their end in this deal.

FOREMAN: The comedian said those words during a fund-raiser for Howard University, and went on to attack African Americans who waste money who use improper English who are single parents.

COSBY: No longer is a person embarrassed because they're pregnant without a husband. No longer is a boy considered an embarrassment if he tries to run away from being the father.

FOREMAN: Cosby's comments were spurred when a 12-year-old Washington girl was injured by a stray bullet from a gunfight. The police chief criticized the culture of violence. Cosby went after the families of young men who wind up being arrested.

COSBY: Where were you when he was 2? Where were you when he was 12? And how come you don't know he had a pistol?

FOREMAN (on camera): Cosby has angered some African Americans despite many years of fund-raising and activism in the black community. But if they are waiting for an apology.

COSBY: For god's sake, turn around, let's have some meetings, and say, brother, let me explain to you.

FOREMAN: He is making it clear they can keep waiting. Tom Foreman, CNN, Washington.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

KAGAN: Hundreds dead, entire towns under water. Mother Nature brings death and destruction to a part of the Caribbean. We will have your complete weather wrap-up and report from the Dominican Republic ahead.

And later, are you tired of paying through the hose for gasoline? The British have a little something to say to you our man in London Richard Quest shows us some really high gas prices.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KAGAN: The island of Hispaniola is awash in bodies following devastating floods earlier this week. At least 500 were killed in both Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Hundreds more are missing. Authorities are rushing emergency aid to the stricken region. Officials blame deforestation of the surrounding hills for the calamity.

Plenty of weather woes right here in the U.S. as well. A sever storm toppled an oak tree in suburban St. Louis, nearly slicing a house in two. No one was hurt in the accident. It did cause a huge mess though more than 10,000 people in greater St. Louis lost power in the storm which left behind a blanket of hail in some places.

(WEATHER REPORT)

KAGAN: So, the prices at the gas pump are high. You know, we're telling you, stop your belly aching. You want to see high? Get your fill with CNN's Richard Quest who looks at the dizzying price of petrol in Europe.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

RICHARD QUEST, CNN ANCHOR: This is Bessie. My pride and joy. Now, Bessie likes a bit of a drink. Truth be told, Bessie's got a bit of a drink problem. And getting just 18 miles a gallon here in central London, well, at today's prices, it's going to cost me a fortune to give Bessie a decent drink.

Now, of course in Europe, we sell petrol in liters, not gallons. And there are 4 liters in the American gallon. Which means at these prices, it's going to cost about $6.50 per gallon. Look at the speed that thing's going 'round.

It has cost me more than $100 to fill the tank. And unless the oil cartel OPEC comes to my rescue pretty soon, which seems unlikely Bessie; it's time for a divorce. Delores, we must get to know each other a little bit better.

This is more like it. Come on, dear. Let's see what you can do. So, with the smart car getting 60 miles to the gallon and gas at these prices, it's the little car that can that's driving circles around the gas guzzlers.

Richard Quest, CNN, London.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

KAGAN: Richard, of all people, going for the cheap date. I'm so disappointed.

We're going from pain at the pump to politics. It did take one terrorist attack in Madrid to derail that country's sitting government. With our own election looming on the horizon, some are wondering, could that happen here? Our Bill Schneider looks at the politics of terror coming up.

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