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Dead in Virginia Tech Shooting; 5-Alarm Fire in St. Louis; Expanded Access to Plan B Blocked; Two; Suspect in 7-year-old's Murder In Court

Aired December 08, 2011 - 14:00   ET

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

RANDI KAYE, CNN ANCHOR: We want to check in now with Fredericka Whitfield, who actually has a statement from Virginia Tech.

Hi there, Fred.

FREDRICKA WHITFIELD, CNN ANCHOR: Thanks so much, Randi.

We continue to watch the developments here at Virginia Tech campus.

This, now four-and-a-half years after that tragic shooting taking place on that Blacksburg campus. At the time, 33 people killed. Now we understand, according to Virginia Tech authorities, that two people there -- confirming two people have been shot and killed on that campus today. Again, as Randi was reporting, that suspected gunman still at large.

This statement coming from Virginia Tech, saying, "Shortly after 12:00 today, the Virginia Tech police officers stopped a vehicle on campus during a routine traffic stop in the coliseum parking lot near McComas Hall there on campus. During the traffic stop, the officer was shot and killed."

There were witnesses to this shooting. Again, I'm reading this statement coming from Virginia Tech.

"Witnesses reported to police the shooter fled on foot, heading toward a parking lot area. And then, at that parking lot, a second person was found. That person is also deceased."

This coming from Virginia Tech, that statement. So confirmation that two people were shot dead on the Virginia Tech campus.

They're still searching for the alleged gunman. He has been described as a white male wearing a gray sweatshirt, gray hat, and a neon -- with a neon green brim, maroon hoodie, and a backpack, and was last seen on foot.

The campus is on lockdown. This is a procedure that kicked in after that 2007 shooting that took place on campus there. All students, faculty are instructed to stay exactly where they are as authorities continue to look for this suspected gunman.

So, again, if you're just now joining us, here at the Virginia Tech campus in Blacksburg, Virginia, a shooting under way a few hours ago. Two people confirmed dead, according to Virginia Tech, and the suspected shooter still on the loose.

Let's listen in one more time to our affiliate now, WDBJ, as they also talk over these live pictures on campus.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: It looks like right now they're just trying to maybe compare information and really get briefed on this situation. You can actually see people dressed in their armored gear.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: The police headquarters on campus, we're told.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Yes, the police headquarters. And so police right there on the street.

We do remember that Karen (ph) talked about they're setting up checkpoints and stopping cars. So anyone who goes through, I don't think they're letting anyone in. But anyone who tries to --

(CROSSTALK)

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: For anyone traveling from outside, who may or may not have heard what's happening there, they're going to have a really tough time navigating through that area with obviously this investigation under way, all those officers.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: That image right there with the officers walking by is deja vu all over again --

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: It really is. This whole day is, yes.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: -- with their vests, helmets. Obviously, they have to do what they need to do to stay safe out there. And we certainly commend that and thank them for their efforts.

And I'm going to see if we can go ahead and slowly bring Joe Bashield (ph) back in. I know he was actually working his own camera, which is why he stepped away. But if he could give us another report of --

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Southgate (ph) Drive there on the Tech campus is where Joe is.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Where he is.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Yes, Holly, I can hear you now.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: OK.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Again, we're out here along Southgate (ph) Drive, in the vicinity of the Virginia Tech Police Department. And again, we're seeing a lot of different units from different police agencies assembling here on the campus.

Again, I can't see -- I don't have a lot of information on what they're doing, where they're heading, but we've been seeing people coming in and out of this area. And again, a lot of different agencies involved. UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Joe, I'm looking at what you're looking at, which is officers kind of dressing up on the far I guess left corner of the screen, getting their gear together. I saw someone strapping on kind of their pants.

What is the sense of urgency out there?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Well, definitely -- I was listening to you right before I came on with you, and we were definitely seeing quite a few people flying in this direction. Definitely, a lot of -- excuse me -- in terms of trying to get here, get in place, and be prepared for whatever they need to deal with.

We have seen a lot of the officers getting their gear together out of the backs of vehicles, putting on what appears to be bullet-proof vests and that sort of thing. We've seen kind of the special weapons and tactics type of equipment that you see in a situation like this.

So, again, a lot of people amassing in this area, I guess being prepared for whatever kind of situation they might encounter.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Joe, I do see right now where you are focused on that shot, the checkpoint going on. Does it look like people are trying to leave campus or --

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Well, not really. We're not actually at a point of where people are coming and going --

WHITFIELD: All right. You're listening to live coverage of our affiliate there, WDBJ, out of Blacksburg, Virginia.

They're reporting there that on the Virginia Tech campus, two confirmed deaths taking place, one including a police officer during a routine traffic stop, according to Virginia Tech authorities. We're going to continue to watch the developments coming out of Blacksburg there. They still continue to look for the suspected gunmen.

Meantime, another breaking story we continue to follow for you this afternoon. This in St. Louis.

A five-alarm fire taking place. You're looking at the most recently shot images there in St. Louis.

All we know is that it was a downtown building. We don't know whether it's occupied. We don't know if it's a commercial business. But we understand this very severe fire has meant, reportedly, that many of the firefighters are being asked to back up.

A hazmat team, a chemical team has been dispatched there. It's believed that there could be some hazardous materials on the premises there. It's believed, according to our affiliate reporting there, that an explosion took place in that building, and that's what sparked this blaze.

Again, a five-alarm fire. These are pictures that were just recently taken just moments ago, but they continue to try and put out this fire in the downtown St. Louis, Missouri, area.

And, of course, when we learn anything more about it -- we do know that it started around noon Eastern Time, and one building has been evacuated that is nearby that St. Louis building. We're going to be talking to a reporter from St. Louis in just a few moments to get a better grasp as to what is taking place there in downtown St. Louis.

We're going to take a short break right now. We'll be back with more of our breaking news coverage.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WHITFIELD: Welcome back.

We're following two breaking stories. One, a deadly shooting taking place at Virginia Tech. More on that in a moment.

Meantime, in downtown St. Louis, an urgent situation as they try to control a blaze right downtown at a building there. It's a five-alarm fire. We understand that there may be some chemicals within that building, so there is great concern for the firefighters who are trying to douse this blaze.

With us right now for the "St. Louis Post-Dispatch," reporter Christine Byers.

You're on the scene, Christine. Tell me what you're seeing.

CHRISTINE BYERS, REPORTER, "ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH": Right now I can see at least five trucks with hoses trying to bring this fire to a close. There was one firefighter holding a hose from the neighboring building and dousing the building with water as well.

All of the command staff, including the fire chief, is out here for this major event. They have streets blocked off for several blocks around the building at this point. And the north side of the building, we're told, is buckling.

WHITFIELD: OK. So, Christine, you said there have been streets that have been blocked off. We understand, according to our affiliate reporting there, that one of the nearby buildings has also been evacuated.

Is it still the case, according to earlier reports, that there is concern for the firefighters, that they were trying to push back some of the firefighters because of the unknown chemical on the premises?

BYERS: No. The fire chief said that that was just a precaution, that they had a report that there were hazardous materials in the neighboring building. So they have prevented the fire from going into that building at this point, so that concern has been somewhat alleviated.

WHITFIELD: OK. What kind of building is this?

BYERS: It's a six-story brick building with the name (INAUDIBLE) Manufacturing across it. People here that have worked here said that it was at least 100 years, very historical looking wood infrastructure. Apparently, the problem with the fire now is that there are no windows on the north side of the building, making it very hard to combat and extinguish the flames.

WHITFIELD: All right. Christine Byers, thanks so much for that update. Keep us posted.

All right. It appears that very few are in danger there at that situation in St. Louis.

Meantime, a lockdown continues at Virginia Tech, at the Blacksburg campus there, because of a shooting that took place earlier today. And according to the Virginia Tech authorities there, two people have been killed.

We have with us now on the phone, Tauhid Chappell. He's a senior at Virginia Tech.

And Tauhid, are you in lockdown in a particular building on campus?

TAUHID CHAPPELL, VIRGINIA TECH STUDENT: That's correct, Fredricka. Yes, I'm in Torgersen Hall right now, which is right next to the Squires Student Center and the library.

WHITFIELD: OK. Now, where is the building that you're in, this Torgersen Hall, in relation to where this initial shooting supposedly happened in a parking lot area there on campus not far from the coliseum?

CHAPPELL: Correct. If you're looking at the map, Torgersen Hall will be in the northeast corner of the map.

The reports were filed in the coliseum on the left side of the map, if you're looking at a map. It's kind of far away, but it's within walking distance for sure.

WHITFIELD: OK. Now, how were you and others alerted that there had been a shooting on campus and that a gunman was still on the loose?

CHAPPELL: The initial reports is that a siren went off in and around campus. And then everything went into lockdown.

And when a siren usually goes off like that, all the buildings lock down. And we received multiple e-mails through the Virginia Tech alert system, reporting of shots fired. And it's just been incoming as the day has gone by.

WHITFIELD: And what went through your mind when you heard the siren, when you saw the e-mails?

CHAPPELL: Well, when things go on lockdown, there's a siren, and shots fired -- or reports of shots fired, people tend to be a little bit on edge in the beginning. And we're just waiting for more information to come around. It's been a bit tense around here, especially since there have been confirmed shots and injuries. WHITFIELD: What has been taking place on campus? Are you in the middle or about to embark on finals?

CHAPPELL: Sorry. Could you repeat that?

WHITFIELD: Are students including yourself about to have finals, final exams?

CHAPPELL: Correct. Today is the start of reading day. We have finals throughout the week and next week.

WHITFIELD: OK. And have any alerts gone out to you and other students about the person that you should be looking for or the suspected gunman that authorities are looking for?

CHAPPELL: From what I've read through Twitter, and what I've heard through this radio that I've been listening to, the suspect has been wearing black pants and a gray sweatshirt, some sort of green cap. But that's it. That's all we've heard so far in terms of the description.

WHITFIELD: How many people are with you, in the location where you are at Torgersen Hall?

CHAPPELL: In this room that I'm in, it's about at least 20-something students and faculty.

WHITFIELD: Can you kind of describe for me maybe the temperament among everyone? I know you mentioned that most people are kind of on edge, but --

(CROSSTALK)

CHAPPELL: Some students are just trying to get work done and trying to just ignore what's going on. A couple of the students, including myself -- or I was in a room listening to the radio. We've been kind of glued to the radio. It's about me and four other students who have just been sitting here and listening while the rest have been talking, conversing, or just working projects.

WHITFIELD: And if you look out the window, what do you see?

CHAPPELL: Right now, looking out the window, I see two cop cars sitting idly, a couple policemen are walking by. But everything else just seems very quiet and very still.

WHITFIELD: OK. And in the room or hall where you are, are doors locked? What's the procedure?

CHAPPELL: Yes. Everything has been locked and secured. Everything is on shutdown.

WHITFIELD: All right. No one can leave. No one can enter.

Tauhid Chappell, a senior there at Virginia Tech.

Thanks so much.

We're going to continue to monitor the developments there on the Blacksburg campus there at Virginia Tech.

Again, authorities are looking for a suspected gunman who opened fire about midday. Virginia Tech authorities are saying two people were shot dead there on campus.

We'll keep a close watch of the developments there of Virginia Tech and bring them to you.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

WHITFIELD (voice-over): A shocking twist in the hunt for a killer.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: There is just no way that he would do something like this.

WHITFIELD: A man who helped search for a little girl and worked at the same apartment complex where she lived appears in court, accused in her brutal murder.

DR. SANJAY GUPTA, CNN CHIEF MEDICAL CORRESPONDENT: We're so lucky. We're so privileged. And you se people who don't have that. .

WHITFIELD: Dr. Sanjay Gupta like you've never seen him before.

Plus, see this million-dollar mansion on the water? A special investigation reveals a woman who lives there apparently gets welfare.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It's shocking. I had no inkling that this was going on.

WHITFIELD: And President Obama pushing for this man to be the new Wall Street watchdog, but this man is against it. Republican Senator Orrin Hatch joins me live.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WHITFIELD: We continue to watch this breaking story out of Blacksburg, Virginia. On the Virginia Tech campus, a deadly shooting.

Two people confirmed dead, according to Virginia Tech authorities. And the search continues for the suspected gunman. Meantime, the campus remains on lockdown.

We'll keep you posted.

Also, there's growing outcry over a decision by the nation's health secretary to overrule the FDA on Plan B, the so-called morning-after pill. Many are calling the move political. Right now, Plan B is available without a prescription for those 17 or older. The Food & Drug administration was set to remove the age restrictions yesterday, but Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius nixed that move.

President Obama explains why.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

BARACK OBAMA, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: The reason Kathleen made this decision was she could not be confident that a 10-year-old or an 11-year-old going to a drugstore should be able, alongside bubble gum or batteries, be able to buy a medication that, potentially, if not used properly, could end up having an adverse effect.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

WHITFIELD: Teva Pharmaceuticals, which makes Plan B, contested the age limit in court back in 2009. A federal judge ruled the FDA had based the restriction on politics, not science, and ordered the agency to rethink the decision.

Well, does the pharmaceutical company have any legal recourse now? Our senior legal analyst, Jeffrey Toobin, joins us now from New York.

So, can Teva push their case in court again, Jeffrey?

JEFFREY TOOBIN, CNN CHIEF LEGAL ANALYST: They can try, but frankly, I think it's unlikely to succeed. This was a decision that was really left to the Food & Drug Administration, under the supervision of Health and Human Services. There was elaborate testing, and the drug was found safe and effective for women and girls of all ages.

But Health and Human Services does have ultimate authority, and I think a court would be very reluctant to overturn it. That doesn't mean it's the right decision, I just think that's the likely legal outcome.

WHITFIELD: And so one has to wonder why -- if that ruling was to mean nothing, ultimately, because Health and Human Services could override the FDA decision, why go the route through the courts in the first place?

TOOBIN: Well, there was a difference in how intensive the process was. The first time, the courts said that there simply wasn't enough of an investigation, that politics infected the whole process. Now there was more of a scientific investigation.

It is certainly possible that Teva, the company that makes Plan B, could go back to court. It just seems like with the guidance of the first court on how to do the procedures, it's very likely that the Obama administration this time has sort of crossed its Ts and dotted its I's in a way the court would probably not want to interfere with.

WHITFIELD: Won't Teva try to make its case that it's their belief that this latest decision is a political one and not one based on science?

TOOBIN: They will, or they may. And they might have a decent case. I just think that given how long this process took, and given the fact that the administration had the previous decision as a template to work off of, I think the court issue is unlikely to resolve. And I think it's more interesting and a more important political issue.

I mean, here you have Barack Obama, very strongly supported by the feminist community, essentially overriding women's health, which is something he always talks about. He always says it's very important to protect women's health.

Here, girls who obviously are in trouble in the first place, who are pregnant, would have access to this, and he is taking it away from them. That, I think, is more of a political problem with his base than it's likely to be a legal problem down the line.

WHITFIELD: Jeffrey Toobin, thanks so much.

CNN Heroes Awards just around the corner. We take you live to Los Angeles for a preview coming up.

And he is arguably one of the most famous doctors in the world. Our own Dr. Sanjay Gupta getting personal.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

GUPTA: I used to joke around with my wife that when we got married, that I don't think I cried since I was 6 years old. And now I'm getting all misty-eyed right now. I think you get a little -- when you think about the things and --

(END VIDEO CLIP)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WHITFIELD: All right. We're very proud here at CNN of our heroes, and we'll tell you all about them a little bit later. Plus, we've been telling you about them all year long.

And then, Sunday night, you'll find out the number one CNN Hero of 2011 during an all-star tribute which will air at 8:00 Eastern Time.

Right now I want to you meet one of the finalists.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

PATRICE MILLET, CNN HERO: In Haiti, every day of your life, you are seeing poor kids. When the earthquake came, it became harder.

There is no water, no electricity. You have to fight for everything.

In 2006, the doctor told me that I had cancer and it was not curable. I wanted to do something good for my country, for the kids.

My name is Patrice Millet, and I do education through soccer with Haitian kids.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

WHITFIELD: Kareen Wynter is at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles where the event will be held.

Kareen, Patrice Millet, he is one of the finalists CNN is honoring Sunday night. Tell us a little bit more about him.

KAREEN WYNTER, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, we have him here in person. He is going to tell you himself.

WHITFIELD: Good.

WYNTER: We'll get to him in just a second, Fred. We're teasing you just a bit.

But first, here, yes, we're inside the Shrine Auditorium. And let me tell you, the excitement is definitely building to Sunday's huge show. A spectacular one it's going to be. They're laying the groundwork here, literally, getting that stage ready. There will be so many celebrity performers taking the stage to honor the top ten heroes.

Look at the top. We have some photos already going up. You can see one in the corner, green shirt. That's Patrice Millet. Never mind the photo, Fred. Guess what, we have him here.

We're going to chat with him. Patrice is joining us now. You know, we're going to talk a little about all the incredible things that you've done.

But first of all, what a journey you've had. You traveled here all the way from Haiti. How are you feeling today?

MILLET: Very excited, very excited. So glad to be here with you, Kareen.

WYNTER: Now Sunday's show will be about inspirational stories. One thing we want to touch on briefly is your incredible accomplishments.

Working with impoverished children in Haiti, a soccer program, giving them free food, equipment, all while battling cancer yourself. It's amazing. Tell us about that.

MILLET: Well, you know, I think that's maybe God who gave me the strength to do that. That's it. I'm so glad to be here today.

WYNTER: And your children in Haiti thank you as well. They can't make the trip, but they're so proud of you. What would you like the world to know about the amazing things that you've done, the lives that you've touched in your own way?

MILLET: Well, I'm here just representing Haiti and the poor kids in Haiti that are living on the edge, you know, on the edge. And this is an honor for me to be here.

WYNTER: Thank you so much. You're so emotional. We're so proud to have you here. Inspirational stories like that, Fred and that is the theme that you'll hear all night Sunday night. One person can make a difference.

WHIITFIELD: Yes. He is making a huge difference, as are nine others and let alone the many other dozens who were recognized as CNN heroes throughout the year. Kareen Wynter, thanks so much in Los Angeles.

You want to check out the other 2011 CNN Heroes and vote for your favorite. Go to cnnheroes.com. Then watch "CNN Heroes, An All-Star Tribute." Live this Sunday, 8 p.m. Eastern time, 5 p.m. Pacific.

Our own Dr. Sanjay Gupta will have a unique backstage look at CNN Heroes this Sunday night. You can watch at cnn.com. While you're there, check out Sanjay's time in the cnn.com red chair. It's where people you know sit down to share their most personal reflections. Watch.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

DR. SANJAY GUPTA, CNN CHIEF MEDICAL CORRESPONDENT: I used to joke around with my wife that when we got married, that I don't think I had cried since I was 6 years old. Now I -- I'll getting all misty eyed right now. When you think about the things and --

I'm Dr. Sanjay Gupta. I'm a neurosurgeon. I operate on the brain and the spinal cord. I'm also a reporter, a chief medical correspondent for CNN.

I try not to be one of those guys who can say if you have seen what I have seen. If you have time to think, if you sit back and think about the fact that we all live in the same world. Whether or not you live in a developed or a developing world, it is the same world.

That by good luck or fortune you were born into a situation where you have things that other people don't have. That's it. It was good luck or fortune. It's gotten to the point that I feel guilty going because I get to leave.

We get to return to a place with running water, a warm bed, guaranteed food and most of the people in the places where we go, they don't have that.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

WHITFIELD: Go to cnn.com to hear what Sanjay remembers about his first brain surgery patient.

Also up next, a tough story to hear, one that is developing right now. A little Georgia girl is beaten, raped and stabbed to death. And now a man is in custody, charged with her killing. He just appeared in court. Stay with us for more.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WHITFIELD: The latest information we have for you now at that Virginia Tech shooting in Blacksburg. We understand now, confirmation coming from Virginia Tech authorities that two people confirmed dead, one including a police officer, the other, a student. You're looking at live pictures. They're streaming by way of our affiliate WDBJ. Then we have some taped pictures for you most recently of the cordoned off area of the parking lot, which is where the second victim was found dead.

We believe that to be a student. Earlier, a police officer made a routine traffic stop and he was shot and killed and then reportedly the gunman then fled on foot to this parking lot area where this second person was found dead.

We understand now, while this campus remains on lockdown. Students, faculty, et cetera, are expected to stay exactly where they are in all buildings, rooms that are locked, et cetera.

We understand nearby the Montgomery County public school system has been put on lockdown so that authorities can continue to look for the suspected gunman.

Live pictures now by way of our affiliate WDBJ. We understand in addition to Virginia Tech police, Virginia state authorities are part of this investigation as well as ATF agents as well as the FBI has also sent in some dedicated personnel as they continue to look for this suspected gunman.

Also unfolding right now, the maintenance man accused of beating, raping and stabbing a 7-year-old girl and then dumping her body in a trash compactor appears in court.

Ryan Brunn wore a bullet-proof vest for his first appearance before the judge. Brunn is charged with snatching Jerolys Rivera from the playground area at her apartment complex in Canton, Georgia.

Police say he took her to a vacant apartment, then beat, raped and stabbed her. Her body was dumped in a trash compactor. Brunn's adopted brother is defending the suspect. He talked with our affiliate, WXIA.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

CONNOR BRUNN, SUSPECT'S BROTHER: Ryan is my brother. I honestly just think he is innocent. There is no way he would do something like this. He is just a kind-hearted person ever since I've known him, since we were younger.

We've always been playing basketball. This is just a big mistake. They just got him on a big mistake just because he worked there. I think this is a big set-up on his part.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

WHITFIELD: The younger sisters of Joreyls have been in state custody since shortly after the girl's abduction. Children's services took them from their mother for alleged lack of supervision.

The mother has been fighting to get them back and this afternoon, she actually won. A judge has just agreed to return the girls to their family later on today.

Up next, President Barack Obama blasts the Republicans looking to take his job.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

BARACK OBAMA, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA: Ask Osama Bin Laden and the 22 out of 30 top al Qaeda leaders who have been taken off the field whether I engage in appeasement.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

WHITFIELD: The president pulling no punches as the presidential candidates attack his foreign policy chops and one of those candidates rising extremely fast. And Wolf Blitzer sat down with Newt Gingrich. I'll get his thoughts on the one-on-one interview next.

But first we want to take to you Blacksburg, Virginia. A news conference just now underway involving that Virginia Tech shooting. Let's listen now.

(BEGIN LIVE SPEECH)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The Virginia state police take the lead on this investigation. As of right now, the status of the shooter is unknown. We're asking the campus community to stay indoors to secure themselves. We're asking for no visitors, for no one to come on to campus.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Can you talk about the cage parking lot --

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: That person has not been identified. I don't know the identification.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Are you doing -- can you tell me, is it clearing every building? Is it just following -- can you tell me about what they're doing actively right now?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We have many law enforcement agencies. They have the description of the suspect. They are searching all buildings, all public areas, outdoors, indoors, we're looking everywhere for the person who matches the description.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I don't know if you know this, but is there any way that this is connected to an armed robbery yesterday? We've had some reports that the suspect description is very similar to that.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I don't know that. That might be something that we'll have to flush out with police as we're investigating. I think at this point, we don't know, have a lot of confirmed facts.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Can you tell me about today on campus?

(END LIVE SPEECH)

WHITFIELD: You're listening to the spokesperson of the Virginia Tech campus there talking about the ongoing search for the suspected gunman.

A gunman who is now being blamed for at least two deaths on campus there including a police officer and a student. We'll continue to watch the developments there from Blacksburg, Virginia after this.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WHITFIELD: All right, Wolf Blitzer joins us now with an America's Choice 2012 politics update.

Wolf, one of the people hammering the president's foreign policy is Republican frontrunner, Newt Gingrich. You recently sat down with him, but you also today had another high profile interview, right?

WOLF BLITZER, HOST, CNN'S "THE SITUATION ROOM": Donald Trump is always a high profile interview, Fredricka. As you well know, he is not a shy guy. Spend some quality time with him over Trump Towers in New York.

We had a good opportunity to talk about politics, some of the substantive international issues out there. He has a brand new book that he is promoting this week. Just came out.

But at one point, we did discuss, he is supposed to moderate this News Max sponsored debate on December 27th in Iowa. So far only Rick Santorum and Newt Gingrich have agreed and that wouldn't be much of a debate. I pointed that out.

We spoke about endorsements and a whole bunch of other things. Let me play you a little clip of what Donald had to say.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

DONALD TRUMP, REAL ESTATE MOGUL: I'm going to be endorsing somebody. I think that somebody will go on to get the nomination and maybe would go on to win. That would be very good. I love what I'm doing, Wolf. You know that as well as anybody.

BLITZER: You were disappointed when Romney said no to you?

TRUMP: I was surprised he said no because as you know, he wants my endorsement very, very badly. I've spoken to him since. He was very nice. He called me, but I was surprised. Frankly, if I was losing in the polls, I wouldn't be saying no to anybody.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BLITZER: Yes, he's obviously been impressed by Newt Gingrich who did say yes to him together with Rick Santorum. He is slightly leaving open the possibility, Fred, that if the Republicans nominate someone he doesn't like, after the next season of "Celebrity Apprentice" is over with in mid May, he said he is leaving open the possibility that he could run as a third party candidate.

That's irritating a lot of Republicans including Reince Priebus, the chairman of the Republican National Committee who says it would be negligent on his part if he didn't raise those concerns.

It's a problem, why Republicans in his opinion should not necessarily run out and do debates moderated by Donald Trump. Because he is leaving open the possibility that he wouldn't support the Republican nominee.

So it is a source of some irritation. The full interview, we'll air it later in "THE SITUATION ROOM" today 5 p.m. Eastern. So I think our viewers will find it interesting. It's always interesting, as you know, to speak with Donald Trump.

WHITFIELD: Never a dull moment. OK, meantime you spoke with Newt Gingrich and he does not hold back. What does he believe is behind his surge in popularity?

BLITZER: I think he believes it's the substance. He has a lot of breadth of knowledge. He's got a lot of experience. Yes, he's got some flaws, but everyone seems to know all of those flaws already.

He's been an excellent debater in all of these, more than a dozen debates that have already occurred. He's done well. He has come out of seemingly nowhere. Last summer, he was looking like he was not going anywhere shortly after he announced he was a candidate for the Republican presidential nomination.

But he has come back as others have gone down. And he acknowledged at one point, I said to him you still could implode potentially. He said, I know, I worry about it, but I'll do whatever I can based on my experience not to let that happen.

I got the sense he can begin to taste that he will be the Republican nominee based on all the polls coming out, our own CNN/ "Time" magazine, ORC polls that came out yesterday and the first four battleground states for the Republican nomination.

He's beginning to sense it, but he knows it is a struggle out there and he senses Mitt Romney will still be a formidable challenger.

WHITFIELD: Interesting. All right, Wolf Blitzer, thanks so much. We'll be looking for that interview as well.

Meantime, we're going to hop back down to your home city of Washington, D.C. and give you some live pictures, the state capitol there in Virginia.

Senator Eric Cantor is talking about all that he understands to know about what's taking place at the Virginia Tech campus. Reportedly two people have been killed. A suspected gunman still on the loose. Still unclear where he might be, but the campus is on lockdown. We'll tip to listen in to Eric Cantor.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WHITFIELD: All right, this breaking story we continue to watch, the suspected gunman is at large after two people were reportedly shot dead on the Virginia Tech campus in Blacksburg, Virginia. A lockdown is underway right now.

All students, faculty, et cetera, all expected to stay right where they are in the buildings that are locked up as the search continues.

Meantime not far away on Capitol Hill, Senator Eric Cantor is now on the Senate floor there. He is talking about all that he knows about the Virginia Tech shooting. Let's listen in.

(BEGIN LIVE SPEECH)

SENATOR ERIC CANTOR (R), VIRGINIA: There are reports in which law enforcement was involved and we also want to extend our thanks to law enforcement in that community as well as everywhere else in this country.

Certainly in this capital for what individuals and the capitol police and other police forces do for us every single day. But again, we express our sorrow to those who are mourning the loss of life and extend our thoughts to the president at Virginia Tech and to that community. I do thank the gentleman from Maryland for yielding.

WHITFIELD: All right, you are listening to Eric Cantor there. We're going to continue to monitor the developments there in the Blacksburg, Virginia campus at Virginia Tech as they continue to look for that suspected gunman.

Meantime, forget diamonds this holiday. Get that someone special an experience they will never forget. I'm talking about driving a real life tank. Just pay $500 and you can do some serious damage in one. CNN's Poppy Harlow takes one out for a test drive.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

POPPY HARLOW, CNNMONEY.COM CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Meet Larry, a 120,000 pound chieftain battle tank. Here you can drive it and crush almost anything you want. I found Larry about an hour south of my home town.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: We are in the Drive A Tank World Headquarters in Kasota, Minnesota.

HARLOW (on camera): Don't you know.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Sure, you betcha.

HARLOW (voice-over): Marie Bordloom and her son, Tony, own seven tanks. For $500 a pop, people get the ride of their life.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: We imported them in pairs. So we got two and then two more and two more.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We have an investment banker from Saudi Arabia stop by. I've had a group of engineers come from here around the world, one from India, China.

HARLOW: These puppies are all bricks, 60 to 80 grand a pop. Turns out you can't buy American tanks.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: You have to be a thinker to have these. I mean, it's not like just anybody can go out and buy and make them run and keep them running.

HARLOW: You have to take a safety class before getting behind the wheel.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You're here to drive tanks and shoot guns. Do we have any questions so far?

HARLOW (on camera): OK, so this is where we're going to drive them. Take a look. We're in the middle of the woods.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We can get it together!

HARLOW (voice-over): Meet Rick, driving instructor, of sorts.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: A perfect thing for the mid-life crisis.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: What do you get to the man who has everything but a tank?

HARLOW (voice-over): But don't even think of trying to shoot it. These guns won't fire.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Disneyland for an army retiree.

HARLOW: Now, my turn. D own in the hatch. Watch your feet. How do you brake? Here we go?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Go down a little bit. All right, all right, all right! Good job! Perfect! We'll stop.

HARLOW: I only hit one tree.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Well -- you knicked a couple but got one pretty good.

HARLOW: It turns out half the folks who drive them are women.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Women love to be in charge, have power. A tank, that's about as cool as it gets.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: We had gun gal that came in a camel skirt and flip flops.

HARLOW: At the end of the day, you get to do this.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

WHITFIELD: All right. Poppy Harlow joining us now live. You survived it, but you looked like you had a blast.

HARLOW: I certainly did. The most unique assignment I have ever been on. This is surprising, right? This is a small business that who would have ever thought you could do this. They're charging $500 a pop.

They had a bachelor party there. People are surprising their fathers for their 50th and 60th birthdays and those tanks pretty indestructible, Fred. So eventually the returns will be covered the costs to them. I have to tell you a fascinating, fun and mildly terrifying story to do that's for sure.

WHITFIELD: Again, how much is it for each person who wants to partake?

HARLOW: It's $500 a pop. What we saw is a lot of families who come with one driver. The driver pays and all the rest the family rides in the back of the tank and they don't have to pay. By the way, see that car I'm crushing, $500 more if you want to crush a car.

WHITFIELD: My goodness. OK, whatever float's one's boat. Now we know. Poppy Harlow what gets you revved up. Thanks so much.

HARLOW: Exactly.

WHITFIELD: A major development in the Long Island serial killer case. Police may have found a purse, clothing and a cell phone of one of the victims. A live report in 60 seconds.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WHITFIELD: A break in the case that led to ten bodies and the hundred for a serial killer on Long Island. Searchers have found personal items that belonged to a missing prostitute named Shannon Gilbert. They're back on the scene today looking for her remains now.

CNN's Chris Knowles was on Long Island and he is back now in our New York studio. So, Chris, what more did you learn?

CHRIS KNOWLES, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, Fredricka, police say over the last two days they found her purse, clothes and a cell phone, all belonging to Shannon Gilbert. Gilbert from New Jersey went missing in May of 2010 after she advertised sex services on Craigslist.

Seven months later, while searching for Gilbert, police discovered the remains of ten other people, all with ties to the sex trade. Police believe all ten are the victims of one serial killer who has been operating on Long Island for the last 15 years.

Police were able to more effectively search the area on Long Island south shore because the water in the area has receded. They've also pumped some out and cut down some brush. The newly discovered, to get those newly discovered items.

Gilbert was last known to be in that area after she made an early morning 911 call saying someone was trying to hurt her. She also knocked on a door there and screamed, help me, help me. Indicating someone was chasing her, but then she ran off.

Police say they believe they'll find her remains there as well and are searching again today -- Fredricka. WHITFIELD: And so police feel fairly confident that Shannon Gilbert is indeed a victim of the Long Island serial killer?

KNOWLES: They're saying that she is not. Police told CNN they believe she is not connected to the others. The Suffolk police commissioner, Richard Dormer puts it this way.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

POLICE COMMISSIONER RICHARD DORMER, SUFFOLK: This may be just a young lady who ran into the brush in a hysterical state and fell down and you know, expired for some reason.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

KNOWLES: Police will dry out that pocket book and cell phone to see what clues they may be able to get from all the new items they found.

WHITFIELD: All right, Chris Knowles, thanks so much in New York.