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FBI Warns of ISIS threat to Cops, Media; Energy Department: Heating Bills to Drop; NYC Smoke Bomber; Player Safety is Growing Concern in Youth Football
Aired October 13, 2014 - 10:30 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
ANA CABRERA, CNN ANCHOR: As ISIS gobbles up more territory in Syria and Iraq, new concerns that aren't so far away from home. Homeland security officials and the FBI are now issuing new warnings about the threat of ISIS rallying homegrown terrorists to attack here in the U.S. Now, these potential targets, according to the intel from online chatter, are the U.S. law enforcement and even news media.
Joining me now, CNN justice correspondent Pamela Brown in our Washington bureau -- Pam, I know you got this information firsthand. Tell us more about this new warning.
PAMELA BROWN, CNN JUSTICE CORRESPONDENT: Well, We're learning, Ana, this warning was sent out by the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security over the weekend to law enforcement agencies across the country -- state, local and federal law enforcement agencies to be vigilant about their personal safety.
And this is in the wake of an increase of calls by ISIS online -- on extremist forums, on social media -- to target a U.S. government official, particularly law enforcement. We're talking FBI investigators, police officers, also members of the military. And, in fact, one of the threats online included threats against members of the media.
So in light of this and coupled with the fact that there was this plot disrupted in the U.K. connected to extremist groups in Syria and Iraq, there were two police officers in Australia recently stabbed by a terror suspect -- in light of all this together, the FBI and DHS announced this morning as a precaution.
It's important to note here, though, that there aren't any specific threats that officials are aware of happening in the U.S. And, Ana, I think the big concern here is those homegrown violent extremists living in the U.S. who might be inspired by these calls to target government officials.
CABRERA: All right. Pamela Brown -- thanks for the update.
From ISIS to Ebola, the Obama administration finds itself in the middle of multiple crises now at home and abroad. How has the response from the White House been so far? Joining me to discuss a couple of ladies who probably have a lot to say about this -- Sally Kohn, CNN political contributor; and Amy Holmes anchor for the Hot List on theblaze.com.
Amy, let's start with you. As the midterms approach, a lot of criticism about how the Obama administration has handled these two big crises -- ISIS and Ebola; we're seeing new ads rolling out by Republicans targeting the Obama administration and Democrats. Could this be a liability for Democrats?
AMY HOLMES, THEBLAZE.COM: Well, Democrats are reacting this way. We're also seeing ads being rolled out by Democrats attacking Republicans when it comes to Ebola, for example -- a specious and fairly obnoxious attack. But I think the American public where you're seeing with the polling data last week when 53 percent of Americans said that President Obama's presidency is a failure. What they're seeing is a lack of leadership.
And again these critiques of the President's leadership are also coming from Democrats. Leon Panetta's new memoir, we've seen him making the rounds on television. He's talking about a president who is often hesitant, slow to make decisions, and ignoring advice of his top advisors. So I think the President is in a lot of trouble. Democrats don't want him on the campaign trail with them because they know that this midterm as the President himself said is a referendum on the President's policies.
CABRERA: Sally is this a question of competency of the White House?
SALLY KOHN, CNN POLITICAL CONTRIBUTOR: Well, I don't think so -- big surprise. It's interesting, first of all, that it's apparently legitimate for Republicans to criticize the President not only for how he handles ISIS but for the actual existence of ISIS, right? But it's not legitimate for Democrats to criticize Republicans.
The fact of the matter is, Republicans, all they've had since Obama has come into office is criticizing the President to distract from the fact that they don't have solutions to the problems the American people face -- plain and simple. So in the case of ISIS, they're criticizing the President even though he's done exactly what they've called on him to do because their only step they want to take is put actual boots on the ground which they know is unpopular with the American people, let alone the fact that it was the Republican war in Iraq that created ISIS in the first place.
So the only thing more unpopular than the President right now is the Republicans' lack of solutions. That is obvious to the American people. That's why they're trying to critique the President to distract from their support.
HOLMES: What we have now -- what we have now are three former cabinet officials -- two defense secretaries and a secretary of state all who served President Obama criticizing his leadership style. You also have basically now what seems to be overwhelming public opinion that the President needs to get in the game.
Dianne Feinstein, a member of the President's party, she's the chair of the senate intel committee. She said this summer, the world would appreciate the President's attention on these matters and even issued a press release telling the President that the time for inaction is over. So for the most part Republicans are actually sitting back and watching Democrats criticizing this president, including Alan Grayson, a Democrat from Florida; and Senator Bill Nelson also from Florida, also a Democrat, telling this president how about stopping flights from West Africa? We'd like to see that happen.
Republicans are watching this and, frankly, is the President listening? Apparently not.
CABRERA: And let me ask you that question, Sally. You're right, Amy, there have been calls on both sides of the aisle for the President to respond in certain ways, even his own military advisors are telling him one thing, don't take boots off the table, he takes boots off the table. Is the President listening?
KOHN: You have to bear in mind the President's listening to a number of advisors and every example Amy has cited those same people are also saying things that the President has taken their advice. That is what makes him a commander in chief. You know, I love this -- there's almost a game you can play if imagining the President did the opposite how Republicans would come out and criticize him because they'll criticize him no matter what he does. Oh, my gosh, he's already telegraphing he's going to put boots on the ground. The American people do not --
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HOLMES: Sally, do you think flights should be stopped from West Africa?
KOHN: No, I do not. But incidentally, I'm not the President. What the heck does it matter what I say -- right?
HOLMES: You disagree with Senator Bill Nelson?
KOHN: The President is taking into -- the President -- And I agree with a number of other senators, including Republican senators who said that's overreacting. Look, let's talk about another element here which is that fear-mongering, getting the American people afraid, the politics of fear helps Republicans. We know according to polls, we know according to past elections that the more afraid the American people are about ISIS, about Ebola, the more they vote for Republicans. That is a long truism and that's why we're having this conversation.
CABRERA: I'm going to have (inaudible) -- Amy, a very quick response? We need to take a quick break.
HOLMES: I think ISIS is a threat and I think we should be fearful. They've threatened the American homeland. They've said that they will bring the war here to the United States. We have homegrown terrorists who have gone to join ISIS in Syria and Iraq and have traveled in between the United States and Syria since this all unrolled.
Of course I think the American people should be asking tough questions of our leadership, including our commander in chief, of what he's doing to protect fellow citizens.
CABRERA: All right. Thank you both for being here. Sally Kohn, Amy Holmes -- really appreciate it.
Still to come, it was a rough winter for a lot of people. Home heating bills went through the roof last year, but you may get a break this season. Alison Kosik has that story.
ALISON KOSIK, CNN BUSINESS CORRESPONDENT: You know, it's enough to make you do a double take when you hear it. You'll be paying less this winter to heat your home? Maybe -- I'll tell you more when we come back.
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CABRERA: Last winter was just brutal -- not just the weather but the hit on your home heating bill. Good news though, it looks like you might get a break on that bill this winter. CNN's Alison Kosik joins me. Lucky you, you get to be the bearer of good news today.
KOSIK: For once it's a nice job to have, Ana. You know, the Energy Information Administration puts out a report every year. The EIA is a part of the Energy Department and what it basically came out and said is that Americans all across the country can expect to pay lower heating bill this is winter and there are several reasons that this report cites.
For one, it says that we can expect to have a warmer winter, yea, just say no to the polar vortex. Secondly, it says the U.S. is continuing to drill and frack for more oil. You know, as controversial as this is, production certainly is jumping. And then natural gas and commodity prices are dropping on global weakness.
But, yes, you just saw the numbers there, if we can pull it back up I'll translate it into dollars for you. Propane down 27 percent -- that means you're going to spend $767 less. Heating oil, you'll pay $362 less. Natural gas, an average of $30 less. And electricity you'll pay an average of $17 less.
Now, the caveat here, of course, Ana, it depends where you live, it depends if the weather forecast holds up and it is actually warmer than -- is as warm as everybody is predicting. And of course, it matters where you set your thermostat as well. So those are the caveats. We can only keep our fingers crossed that we won't hear that phrase "polar vortex" this winter -- Ana.
CABRERA: All right. Positive thoughts, positive vibes going on. Alison Kosik, thank you so much.
KOSIK: You got it.
CABRERA: Still to come, New York City police are concerned about just how a man managed to -- listen to this -- pop out of an underground subway hatch in New York, then set off a smoke bomb in the middle of a restaurant and then, well, just disappear. The latest on this bizarre attack next. (COMMERCIAL BREAK)
CABRERA: Checking top stories now.
In South Africa, a one-time sports hero is back in court today to determine whether he will go to prison. This is Oscar Pistorius awaiting sentencing after he was convicted of culpable homicide in the death of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp. Now, Pistorius, of course, is a double amputee whose prosthetics and world-class speed earned him the nickname "Blade Runner". he says he mistook her as an intruder.
This morning in Hong Kong, the three-week long pro democracy protests turned rowdy. Dozens of men tried to tear down these barricades that protesters have been using to block roads around the city's financial district. The men claim to be cab drivers, other small business owners who have been losing money because protesters are clogging all the streets through the city.
There's a new development now in the manhunt for suspected cop killer Eric Frein. A law enforcement official tells CNN that searchers have uncovered a second encampment where they believe he's been hiding out since last month's ambush of two state troopers and he killed one of them. Authorities are hoping for some new leads and they think the change in seasons could help as trees, of course, begin losing their leaves and a military search plane then can have a better view.
A toddler from Michigan who had that respiratory illness known as enterovirus has died. Hospital officials say Madeline Reid died Friday in Detroit. She had been on life support for nearly a month. Nearly 700 cases of this virus have now been reported in 46 states and it's been linked to at least five deaths. Health officials believe the numbers could still go up.
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DR. MATTHEW DAVIS, CHIEF MEDICAL EXEC, MICHIGAN: This particular strain of virus has become easier to spread this year and also there may not be as much protection that children have against this particular strain.
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CABRERA: There is no targeted treatment or a vaccine for enterovirus D-68 -- it's a very harmful strain of a very common virus. Children are most vulnerable.
Police in New York are asking for your help hunting down a suspect. Someone managed to creep out of an underground subway hatch, tossed a smoke bomb into this crowded New York City restaurant, and then simply disappeared.
CNN's Rosa Flores has the story.
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UNIDENTIFIED MALE: A guy came out of the subway grates over there, jumped out and threw a smoke bomb at the people here.
ROSA FLORES, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice over): A frightening incident at a New York City restaurant as smoke billows around a crowd of diners. Surveillance cameras capturing footage of this man popping out of an emergency subway hatch and throwing a smoke canister before disappearing back underground.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Because of what's going on, it's scary. It's nerve-wracking.
FLORES: The attack raising questions about the city's ability to secure its extensive underground subway system.
TOM FUENTES, CNN LAW ENFORCEMENT ANALYST: You're talking thousands of miles. Who knows how many of these grates and escape hatches and doors that lead to the outside. You have the idea that obviously a terrorist could pop up out of one of these grates and throw a real bomb and then escape down below. So it does raise concerns.
FLORES: According to authorities, no one was injured in Friday's attack. Police are now asking for the public's help in identifying the suspect who was wearing an American flag t-shirt and is believed to be in his mid-30s.
So far no connection to terrorism has been reported. An investigation into the incident is ongoing and will hopefully shed light on the suspect's motive and how he went undetected underground.
FUENTES: About five and a half million people a day ride on the New York subway and, you know, you're looking at a very difficult task to add enough security to completely prevent an incident like this.
FLORES: Rosa Flores, CNN, New York.
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CABRERA: Still to come, concussions and other injuries now bringing an early end to a high school football season. CNN's Andy Scholes has the story.
ANDY SCHOLES: Ana, the players on the team actually voted to end the season. I'll have the details of why they called it quits after the break.
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CABRERA: Friday night high school football brings communities together all across the nation. But one small Michigan town will be missing that involvement with the local high school now cancelling the rest of its season for the football team because of injuries, including concussions.
CNN's Andy Scholes is here with this story. This one is a little surprising.
SCHOLES: It is. You know, this is a very unfortunate situation. Caro High School in Michigan made the tough decision to cancel the rest of the season because of concerns for players' safety.
The team already had three concussions and four season-ending injuries this is year. They had to call up eight sophomore players from the JV team just to field enough players to compete at the varsity level. But the school feared that the youngsters playing against the older kids would only cause more injuries so they held a vote and the team decided to cancel the season and that decision received some mixed reviews in the town.
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UNIDENTIFIED MALE: When I played football in high school I would have no more thought about quitting halfway through the season than the man in the moon. My father wouldn't have allowed it.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: They have a lot of younger students on the team and if they continue playing them against students that are more experienced that know what they are doing that are physically fit for it, they're going to end up ruining their chances to play in the years to come.
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SCHOLES: So the whether the decision to cancel the season was popular or not, player safety is a growing concern in youth football. In just the past month, three high school players have died after playing on the field and Caro High School obviously wanted to avoid any serious injuries to their players like that this season but the superintendent, Ana, did say that the team will return to varsity play next year.
CABRERA: And this was the players again, themselves, who made the decision -- right?
SCHOLES: That's right. Once they determined they only had I think 14 seniors left on the team out of the 22 players and once all the injuries started to occur and they knew that they weren't just going to have a successful season they ended up having a vote and two-thirds of the team decided to go ahead and end the season which is a very rare thing we see in high school sports especially football.
CABRERA: Right. A courageous decision but it seems like the sensible move for sure. Andy Scholes, thanks a lot. We appreciate it.
And thank you for joining me today. I'm Ana Cabrera -- again, Carol is off.
"@THIS HOUR WITH BERMAN AND MICHAELA" starts now. Have a great day.
MICHAELA PEREIRA, CNN HOST: Hi there, you're watching "@THIS HOUR WITH BERMAN AND MICHAELA". I'm down a Berman but I am Michaela Pereira. Good to have you with us.
We begin with Ebola. A Dallas nurse has become the first American to contract Ebola on U.S. soil. Let's bring you up to date on what we know. This nurse had treated Ebola patient Thomas Eric Duncan at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital in Dallas.
