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CNN Saturday Morning News

Johnson Space Center Killings; Cho Seung-Hui's Family Speaks Out; Royal Canine Recalling Pet Food; Fighting in Somalia; Alec Baldwin's Tirade; Family Safety Expert Talks About Virginia Tech

Aired April 21, 2007 - 09:00   ET

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

T.J. HOLMES, CNN ANCHOR, CNN SATURDAY MORNING: Good morning, everybody. From the CNN Center here in Atlanta, Georgia, I'm T.J. Holmes.
BETTY NGUYEN, CNN CO-ANCHOR, CNN SATURDAY MORNING: Good morning, T.J.

HOLMES: Good morning.

NGUYEN: And good morning everybody at home. Thank you for starting your day with us. I'm Betty Nguyen. It is 9:00 a.m. on the East Coast.

Well the family of the Virginia Tech shooter is now speaking out about the massacre. There are also some new developments in this investigation. We're going to bring you up to speed on all of that.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Pick it up, you know, something like this, and then you just throw it right through a window.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HOLMES: Yeah, increasing your chances of survival, practical skills that will empower you if you're ever under attack. One of America's most recognized safety instructors is going to join us live.

NGUYEN: Plus, parents behaving badly. A celebrity dad caught in a rage. We have the angry voicemail everybody is talking about. That is ahead on this CNN SATURDAY MORNING.

HOLMES: But up first here, a serious breech of security at NASA in Houston, Texas. A gunman kills a co-worker at the Johnson Space Center, another held hostage for hours. But NASA and police are still left wondering why. Susan Roesgen is live at the Johnson Space Center for us this morning. Good morning, Susan.

SUSAN ROESGEN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, T.J. A lot of unanswered questions here this morning. The gunman, Bill Philips, was a long-time contract engineer here who had some kind of dispute with his co-worker, David Beverly, a NASA engineer. Phillips shot and killed Beverly and then he killed himself. But a secretary, Fran Crenshaw, was caught in the middle and survived.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

CHIEF HAROLD HURTT, HOUSTON POLICE: We believe what happened was that David, the other engineer, was shot during the period of time when the first two shots was heard and someone called the Emergency Center. After a period of negotiation and the hostage situation, when the one shot was heard, we think that that's when the individual killed himself, and then shortly after that, Fran called the Emergency Center and set everything in motion.

As I understand the chain of events, she was very courageous, a calming influence in this whole issue, and apparently was a very positive relationship between her and the suspect, because he had no, at no time that we know of, threatened to do injury to her.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

ROESGEN: Phillips was actually tied to a chair, T.J. with duct tape. She had duct tape across her mouth, but again, as you heard, she was not injured. Police say that the gunman, Bill Phillips had bought that gun three days before the shooting, and they also say that as far as they know, there were no metal detectors or surveillance cameras in the area. To get into this facility, you just show a NADA I.D. Badge, and they wave you on through. Sometimes cars are checked randomly, but most times people can come through. And apparently, the gunman had a snub-nosed revolver, walked right in, barricaded himself on the second floor and the rest is what happened.

T.J.

HOLMES: All right, we could be assured that security changes are possibly in the works there at Johnson Space Center. Susan, thank you so much for the report.

NGUYEN: It is back to earth for U.S. billionaire and space tourist Charles Simoni. He just landed in Kazakhstan in a Russian Soyuz capsule after spending two weeks aboard the International Space Station. We're looking at some live pictures right now. The craft also brought back a cosmonaut and an astronaut who spent seven months in orbit. Simoni had more out-of-pocket expenses. Oh yeah, he paid $25 million for that trip. You thought your vacation was expensive. His friend, Martha Stewart, watched the launch in Kazakhstan earlier this month but wasn't there for the landing today.

HOLMES: Well it seems like the questions are coming faster than the answers in that Virginia Tech massacre. Police say they're trying to determine why Seung-Hui Cho went on a shooting rampage, killing 32 people before killing himself. Here now the latest. According to the "Associated Press" have filed warrants seeking Cho's cell phone records to determine he if he told anyone about plans for the shooting spree. Investigators are also examining Emily Hilscher's lap top commuter and cell phone records looking for any possible link to Cho. Hilscher was one of the first students killed.

NGUYEN: And for the first time, we are hearing from Cho's immediate family. In a written statement to the "Associated Press," Cho's sister says in part, "He has made the world weep. We are living a nightmare. Our family is so very sorry for my brother's unspeakable actions. It is a terrible tragedy for all of us." It goes on to say, "Our family will continue to cooperate fully and do whatever we can to help authorities understand why these senseless acts happened."

Well, a sense of normalcy returns to Virginia Tech after a moment of silence. Virginia Tech and the University of Miami took to the baseball field yesterday. It was the first sporting event hosted by Tech since Monday's shooting. The Tech Hokies lost 11-9, but the coach says the scoreboard was insignificant, indicating the game provided a sense of relief.

And this weekend on CNN, an all-new "Special Investigations Unit." CNN's Soledad O'Brien takes you inside the mind of the Virginia Tech killer. That is tonight and tomorrow at 8:00 Eastern right here on CNN.

Plus this, Sunday's Prime Time line-up includes a special report, "32 Lives to Remember" that's at 7:00 p.m., followed by "A Massacre at Virginia Tech" at 8:00 and a "Larry King Live" special at 9:00.

HOLMES: A close call in Nigeria today as the country holds a historic vote. Police say attackers tried, but failed, to blow up the National Election Headquarters in the capital of Abuja. A driver aimed a fuel tanker at the building, put a rock on the gas pedal and apparently jumped out. But the truck veered into a street lamppost and did not explode. It happened just hours before Nigerians went to the polls to choose a new president.

Elsewhere in Africa, the death toll is rapidly growing in Somalia as troops battle Islamic insurgents in the capital of Mogadishu. Reuters is reporting that at least 73 people have been killed so far today, according to medical staff and residents. That's in addition to at least 113 people that human rights groups say have been killed in the last three days of fighting. The insurgents are trying to oust Somalia's interim president. Ethiopian troops are helping Somali forces in that fighting.

NGUYEN: Well back here in the U.S., another company now recalling some of its pet food products. This time over rice protein contaminated by melamine. Royal Canine is recalling five types of widely available dry dog food. The statement on the company Web site says it will no longer buy any vegetable proteins from any Chinese suppliers. The original recalls were made after contaminated wheat gluten from China was found in some pet foods. More than 100 brands of pet food have been recalled, and you can find that entire list at CNN.com.

Also, problems with people food to tell you about, the things that we eat. Frozen hamburger patties sold in five western states now being recalled after three kids were sickened by E. Coli. About 100,000 pounds of the meat were distributed in California, Arizona, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. The meat produced from April to May of last year. Here's a list of the brand names involved. The patties were made by the Richwood Meat Company.

HOLMES: While fire fighters in southern Georgia hoping for some help from the weather today, they are battling wild fires.

NGUYEN: Let's check in now with Reynolds Wolf at the CNN Weather Center with the latest on this. Are we going to get some rain today?

REYNOLDS WOLF, CNN METEOROLOGIST: You know, we're going to get some rain. Not in Georgia where we really need it. We're going to be seeing some storms, possibly some severe weather out in parts of the central Plains. In terms of Georgia and the southeastern United States where they're desperate for some moisture, looks like the best shot of rain is really going to come later next week. We're looking at maybe Wednesday night, Thursday, Friday, that kind of thing. Not much in terms of rainfall, obviously, over the last couple weeks in South Georgia. You see some of the video here, widespread fire not far from the Okefenokee Swamp also near Waycross, Georgia. I believe the fires about 35 percent contained, and now with more moisture working back into most of Georgia, it looks like the humidity's going to make a big difference.

However, right along the I-10 corridor we have fire dangers in effect. Low humidity, gusty conditions at times, could be an issue there as well. Meanwhile, Central Plains from Texas back into Oklahoma, even into parts of Kansas and Nebraska, look for a chance of thunderstorms, some producing possibly large hail, damaging winds, maybe even some tornadoes.

Meanwhile, up in parts of Chicago, it is a lovely morning. Take a look at this live image that we have for you from the windy city. We've got that for you. Looks pretty good, doesn't it? Not bad at all. This is a shot that's looking to the north, and we've got some high, thin clouds. Meanwhile, back in the twin cities we get a rumble of thunder. Perhaps later into the weekend we may see some scattered showers into parts of Chicago. That's a look at your forecast across the nation; lets send it back to you at the news desk.

NGUYEN: Thank you, Reynolds.

WOLF: You bet, any time.

HOLMES: Well, he's probably not the front-runner for father of the year, but actor Alec Baldwin is trying to explain an angry rant directed at his daughter. The voicemail message was published by the celebrity news site TMZ.com and it has been all over the place since then. In that tyrant, Baldwin can be heard calling his 11-year-old daughter a "rude, thoughtless, little pig." On his Web site now, Baldwin says, quoting again, "I'm sorry for losing my temper with my child. I have been driven to the edge by parental alienation for many years now. I am equally sorry that a court order was violated, which had deliberately been put under seal in this case."

And of course, bringing us to our e-mail question of the day. We'd like to know if you think Alec Baldwin should lose custody of his daughter or what else you might think about that message. We're getting a ton of responses to this this morning. Send your e-mails to us at WEEKENDS@CNN.com.

NGUYEN: And the reason why we're asking about losing custody is because right now I believe there is a temporary order in place that's been suspended, the visitation rights. And so according to "TMZ" Magazine, on May 4th there is going to be a hearing to determine if he does lose some of those parental visitation rights. So --

HOLMES: Don't know about that.

NGUYEN: That's part of the question.

HOLMES: That will play into it.

NGUYEN: Regardless, a lot of people talking about this because a lot of people in fact, saying look, I heard that and a lot worse growing up. While it doesn't make it right, we've all heard it before, and we are getting a ton of e-mails. So keep them coming. We'll read them on the air.

HOLMES: Also we will be talking about this, because a lot of people are talking about this these days, certainly in the wake of that Virginia Tech shooting. Barricading doors, jumping out of windows. Virginia Tech students and professors well they did what they could to save themselves from Monday's shootings.

NGUYEN: Would your teenagers know what to do if their school came under attack? Coming up in ten minutes, a safety expert lays out some simple steps your child needs to know.

And we've received an overwhelming response from people across the country wishing to share their thoughts on this tragic event. Some of your i reports, next, from the dot com desk.

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NGUYEN: With Monday's tragic shooting at Virginia Tech, CNN.com has received an overwhelming response from people all across the country. Veronica De La Cruz joins us now with just a few of your i- Reports. Hi, Veronica.

VERONICA DE LA CRUZ, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hey there, Betty. Through our i-Report initiative, we've been asking people to share their photos, their video and their e-mail to remember those who have been killed in this horrific event.

This first one is from Tiffany Price; she is a freshman at Virginia Tech. She expresses disbelief. She says, "I have lived in Blacksburg all my life and I cannot believe that something like this would happen here. It's such a small, peaceful town and I just cannot believe it."

Eric Beeson in West Virginia says, "My thoughts, prayers, and deepest condolences go out to the friends and families of this terrible tragedy. He goes on to ask how many lives are going to have to be lost before we begin to make changes in the way we live to end this cycle of violence?"

And Monica Midkiff in Lynchburg says, "Let us use this tragedy to reach out to our adolescents and teens, listen to them, teach them to share their feelings, stop ignoring their cries for help."

To honor each of the victims, CNN.com has created a dedication page with profiles and a space for you to share your thoughts. Again, you can also read more of the e-mails at CNN.com/VirginiaTech, and you can also send us an I report to CNN.com/exchange.

Betty and T.J.

NGUYEN: All right, thank you, Veronica.

HOLMES: Well from honoring the Virginia Tech students to remembering America's fallen heroes. We want you to use the I report to help us highlight the men and women that have given the ultimate sacrifice for their country. Beginning today, send us your photos and video of the loved ones your family has lost from wars present and past. Tell us about them and let us know how your family has coped. There are two ways you can reach us. Log onto CNN.com/ireport or e- mail us directly at IREPORT@CNN.com.

NGUYEN: We also want to talk about defending yourself against a gunman using hand soap and a fire extinguisher, believe it or not.

HOLMES: Do what you've got to do, I guess. Up next, a family safety expert tells you how.

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EMILY HAAS, INJURED IN VA. TECH SHOOTING: We heard the gunshots, and she put the door -- she put the desks in front of the door, and she said "call 911, get to the back of the room, get under the desks." Everybody, as far as I know, tried to move as far back as they could. I was back up at the back against the wall on the side, just waiting and hoping that he wouldn't come in.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HOLMES: That's Virginia Tech survivor Emily Haas, describing how her French teacher acted to protect her class as the shooting began. Despite those desperate efforts, as many as ten students and Haas's professor were killed in that one classroom. So what can we all do to protect ourselves in such an emergency? God forbid one would happen. But for so many, some suggestions, we're joined by family safety expert Bob Stuber in Sacramento for us this morning.

Good morning to you, sir. We want to let people know though while we're talking to you, we'll be showing some video here. This is actually going to be video of a school drill in Tulsa, Oklahoma, by our affiliate KJRH, so not an actual emergency, just showing you a drill there. Keep that in mind.

So sir, thank you for being here. Tell me, we hear often times shelter in place, stay where you are, and barricade yourself in. That's what some of the Virginia Tech or the whole campus was told to do, stay in place. Is that what they should have done? Is that what you recommend?

BOB STUBER, FAMILY SAFETY EXPERT: No, not necessarily. There is not a general rule in a situation like this. You have to learn about all the different options that are available to you, because when you do this lockdown thing, which most of the schools do, like this young lady was talking about. All she could end up doing then was just praying and waiting, hoping she doesn't get shot. It's not a very smart thing to do, to barricade yourself in a room waiting for a gunman to come in.

There are other exits, and if there is not one that you can see readily, then maybe you have to make one. There is nothing wrong with busting out a window to crawl out of that place. You want to get as far away from the action as possible. But one of the worst things I think anybody can do is make a common policy of go to certain classrooms, turn out the lights, shut the doors, and hide in the corner. Even the gunman knows that.

HOLMES: Even in a chaotic situation like that, would you recommend just get out of there? You just need to high tail it out of wherever you are and just make a run for it?

STUBER: Basically, yes. You need to get out of there. You need to get out. You need to get away. Now, there are some techniques you need to learn about in doing that, in case you come in contact with this guy. But keep in mind, there is only one gunman. This is one gunman and a huge building and a big campus. He can't be everywhere at the same time. But if you're huddled in a classroom and he knows that that's the procedure, because he's a student, then you're just waiting for him.

HOLMES: All right. Well also, we hear in certain instances or several, even that some students, and we heard in this case, they don't have anywhere to go. They're laying; they may be injured, even. They just play dead. Is that a smart, some smart thinking there and something you recommend, just stay there and play dead if you have to?

STUBER: Playing dead is a good tactic. It's one that we teach. Playing dead can work, has worked. And will work very well, because in this type of situation, the gunman, he also is on, you know, hyper speed. He's not going to take time to see if somebody's actually dead. He's just going to keep moving. So if he sees a body lying there, then he's going to go onto somebody that's not. It does work. These kids need to be taught how to find hiding places other than the classrooms, how to navigate their self down long hallways instead of just running in a straight line. Like you said in the tease, how to use a fire extinguisher, which works very well, by the way, and other things.

HOLMES: Now, is it key to go through these drills as well? Because once you get in this situation, you really don't know how you're going to react, and it could be natural for most of us just to panic and freeze up and not know what to do. So if you do go through these drills, at least you've practiced and maybe your body and your mind just instinctively does what the drill tells you to do.

STUBER: You've nailed it right there. That's the reason why in law enforcement we train and train and train. Because you go on instinct when you get into an emergency situation. If you're not trained, if you don't have some idea prior to an event, then that's exactly what you'll do. You'll freeze up and you won't know what to do. It's like shock. In fact, it is shock. But if you have some prior knowledge, then those things will come to you in a situation like that, and you'll know what to do.

HOLMES: All right, and finally here, we mentioned like you said in that tease, about the fire extinguisher but we also mentioned hand soap, little things like this that are around you can use creatively to try to protect yourself. Explain the fire extinguisher first of all, you kind of mentioned, but also that hand soap you were talking about.

STUBER: Yeah, these are the situations. And people have to understand in these situations, unique things like this that make a big difference. A fire extinguisher can be used and they're all over the schools, you can blast that off. That will totally cloud up a hallway, so if the shooter is at one end, he can't see you to shoot at you. So now you can make it down this long hallway without being such a target. The hand soap is all about, if you go into a bathroom, which is not a good place to go into, because there is usually not another exit, and if he comes in at some point behind you, you're in trouble.

But if you take that hand soap and you smear it, take it off the wall and just smear it by the door, this guy will hit it and he'll go down. When he goes down, you've made your exit. Now, people hearing this stuff, they think oh, that sounds like Keystone cops or whatever. This is the stuff that saves people's lives. This is the stuff that works.

HOLMES: All right. Something that simple we might not even be thinking about. Family safety expert Bob Stuber from Sacramento for us, thank you so much for the tips.

STUBER: Thank you.

HOLMES: Hopefully, our viewers won't ever have to use them, but thank you so much.

STUBER: You bet.

HOLMES: Betty.

NGUYEN: Knowledge is power. Thank you, T.J.

Well, pulling cash from your house.

GERRI WILLIS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: How much savings do you think that people can really get by making these little changes along the way?

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I mean, I think you can get thousands of dollars in savings in the first year. It's actually pretty significant. NGUYEN: Yes, it is, and coming up in ten minutes, the seven things you can do this weekend to make your home greener and cheaper to run.

Plus, it is called car-pooling for computers. Up next, how major corporations are letting those servers that run your laptops take a break.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

NGUYEN: Well, almost anything you want to buy these days is just a few computer clicks away. And that saves money and gas. But what about all that electricity? Some major companies are responding to those concerns through something called "The Green Grid." And CNN's Jacqui Jeras explains in today's "Tech Effect."

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

JACQUI JERAS, CNN METEOROLOGIST (voice over): Remember those primitive times when people actually had to get in their car and drive in order to buy a book or book a flight or bid in an auction? No more gas-guzzling for a lot of chores we now routinely do online. So that's good for the environment, right? Well, the computer servers that handle all of those transactions also gobble a lot of energy.

TOM BRADICICH, IBM: For the first time, we're seeing the amount of money spent to provide electricity and cooling for the computer equipment is now greater than the actual money spent to buy the computer equipment.

JERAS: The giants in the tech industry, including IBM, Sun, AMD, and Intel, have created a non-profit organization called "The Green Grid" to adopt energy-saving measures globally. IBM and Silicon Valley is running software that puts computer servers into standby mode when they're not in use.

WILLY CHIU, IBM SILICON VALLEY: We save $39,000 in this small cluster of about 800 machines a year, because we're able to reduce the energy consumption.

JERAS: Many top firms use so-called virtual data centers. This one saves Solvay Pharmaceuticals outside Atlanta $60,000 a year in cooling and electricity costs. Some call virtualization server car- pooling. It allows one server to take the place of many.

BRUCE MCMILLAN, SOLVAY PHARMACEUTICALS: Every place that you see these marks here was where server hardware used to be. We started this project we had 65 physical boxes --

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