Return to Transcripts main page

Early Start with John Berman and Zoraida Sambolin

Officers Killed in New York; North Korea Threatens More Cyberattacks; Christie Enters Cuba Debate; Russia Reports GDP Amid Falling Ruble; "The Greatest" Hospitalized

Aired December 22, 2014 - 04:30   ET

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

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

CHRISTINE ROMANS, CNN ANCHOR: A city on edge. New York in shock after two police officers were shot and killed over the weekend. Now, fingers are being pointed at everyone from protesters to the White House.

Plus, we'll have new details about the moments before the deadly shooting and including what shooter told passers by.

New threats overnight from North Korea, now warning it will attack the White House and the U.S. mainland, saying the cyberattacks on Sony were just the beginning. How the White House is reacting to all of this, ahead.

Welcome back to EARLY START. I'm Christine Romans. John Berman has the morning off. Nice to see you this Monday morning. It is 31 minutes past the hour.

Let's begin in New York, where New York City people and the people the police department serves are badly shaken this morning by the murders of two police officers sitting in their patrol car in Brooklyn Saturday night The NYPD stepping up security at police stations, changing protocols and investigating threats now in an unprecedented way.

President Obama calling New York Police Commissioner William Bratton and the co-chair on the task force on 21 century policing, Charles Ramsey. The president expressing his outrage on these senseless murders.

The mother of Eric Garner speaking out and urging supporters of police reform to reject violence.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

GWEN CARR, MOTHER OF ERIC GARNER: Anyone who is standing with us, we want you to not use Eric Garner's name for violence, because we are not about that. These two police officers lost their lives senselessly.

(END VIDEO CLIP) ROMANS: CNN's Alexandra Field for us in Brooklyn with the very latest this morning -- Alexandra.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

ALEXANDRA FIELD, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Christine, people are deeply shaken. This is a city on edge and the men and women who were sworn to protect it on high alert.

Sources telling CNN that extra security is being added at NYPD precincts and that various threats being made to the police department on different social media platforms are also being investigated. As many as 15 different threats all needing to be closely looked into by investigators trying to protect the men and women who serve this city.

This as the city grieves the loss of two officers assassinated at gunpoint in their patrol cars. Officer Wenjian Liu and Officer Rafael Ramos killed in this Brooklyn neighborhood.

And as the city grieves the loss of these two officers, tensions continue to rise between the mayor and the police officers union. Union leaders say that Mayor Bill de Blasio has the blood of these officers on his hands, lashing out at the mayor for his support of protests that have unfolded in this city over the last couple of weeks, following the deaths of Michael Brown and Eric Garner. They say the mayor's support for protesters have put officers at risk.

The mayor says that right now, his focus is not on politics, with the union, but on the victims of the attack over the weekend. He says he's been spending time with the victims' family and hoping for peace in the city. At the same time, the mayor's office is responding to some of the comments made by the police officers union, saying that the rhetoric is overheated and that could be both divisive and cause people to become angry -- Christine.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

ROMANS: All right. Alexandra for us with that this morning.

Now, the tension, you can see it here, the tension between the NYPD and city hall made clear after Saturday's shooting, union leaders and a group of rank-and-file police officers quietly turned their backs on the mayor as he walked into the hospital where the wounded officers were taken. The move clearly meant as a sign of disrespect turning their backs on their mayor.

Dozens of New Yorkers gathering at vigils last night lighting candles and singing prayers remembering the officers.

Thirty-two-year-old Wenjian Liu, a seven-year veteran, married just two months ago.

Forty-year-old Rafael Ramos, two years in the NYPD, the father of sons. His youngest son 13-year-old Jaden Ramos posted a heart breaking message on his Facebook page. Quote, "Today, I had to say bye to my father. Everyone says they hate cops, but they are the people they call for help. I will always love you and will never forget you. RIP, dad."

We have new details coming in on the shooting itself. Officials say the Ismaaiyl Brinsley told two bystanders, watch what I'm going to do. Then he opened fire. He was then chased by two utility workers who happened to see the shootings. Brinsley shot himself on the subway platform moments later.

For a closer look at the events leading up to the shooting, here is our Nick Valencia.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

NICK VALENCIA, CNN NATIONAL REPORTER: Christine, the bloodshed begun in Baltimore, Maryland, just before 6:00 a.m. The shooting suspect Ismaaiyl Brinsley opened fire against his ex-girlfriend, seriously wounding her. It was after that shootings, something after that shooting that he made his way towards Brooklyn, but not before taking his ex-girlfriend's cell phone. Police know that because they used it to track his movements and they also he used that cell phone to post ominous messages on social media towards police officers. Messages like this one, "I'm putting wings on pigs today," he wrote. "They take one of ours. Let's take two of theirs."

Baltimore County Police Department was aware that Brinsley was on his way to the New York area, and they say they tried to notify the local police department. They sent a fax and also made a phone call about 2:10 p.m., 30 minutes before the shooting. But it was just too little too late. At 2:47, Officer Wenjian Liu and Rafael Ramos were gunned down by Brinsley while sitting in their patrol car.

New York Police Department Commissioner Bill Bratton said that they didn't have a chance to reach towards their weapons.

Now, almost immediately after the shooting, local police officers gave chase towards Brinsley, following him into a subway platform where they say he shot himself, taking his own life in front of onlookers. Now, there is a rush to find out exactly what happened in the hours after the shooting. What was Brinsley's motivation? Why would he gun down two of the New York Police Department's finest -- Christine.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

ROMANS: OK, Nick, thanks for that.

Now, New York not the only city this morning reeling from the shooting of a police officer this morning. In Tarpon Springs, Florida, 45- year-old Officer Charles Kondek was shot and killed early Sunday morning. Kondek was a 17-year-old veteran of the Tampa area department. He had served for five years in the NYPD before that. A sheriff's spokeswoman said a 23-year-old suspect is in custody.

Now the other big story this morning. North Korea warning overnight that the huge cyber attack on Sony is just the beginning. A new statement from Pyongyang threatening, quote, "counteraction against the White House, Pentagon", and, quote, "the whole U.S. mainland." But the administration refusing to comment directly on the North Korean threats.

CNN White House correspondent Michelle Kosinski is with the president on vacation in Hawaii and has the very latest.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

MICHELLE KOSINSKI, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: Hi, Christine.

Well, what the president's national security team is saying at this point is they don't want to get into this back and forth with North Korea because over the past few days, we have seen North Korea put out these outrageous statements, most recently blaming the U.S. government for the movie, saying the government was involved in the making of it and should apologize, echoing what the U.S. has said about North Korea being responsible and needing to apologize.

Also, North Korea, though, it has denied responsibility for the hacking, is threatening further and worse attacks by this group, saying that they're sharpening their bayonets and will do damage a thousand times greater than the Sony hacking.

It's interesting to hear the president say, too, in an interview with Candy Crowley, that he didn't consider this to be a war or an act of terrorism, but act of cyber vandalism, in how he described and he is taking some criticism from opponents for putting it that way.

The Sony CEO has already weighed in too about the president saying he wished Sony had called him. The president says the president didn't really know fully what was going on, that movie theaters contacted Sony and said they didn't want to run the film.

But in that same interview, the president explained a little bit further what his meaning was.

BARACK OBAMA, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: I was pretty sympathetic to the fact that they've got business considerations they've got to make. And, you know, had they talked to me directly about this decision, I might have called the movie theaters chains and distributors and asked them what the story was. But what I was laying out was a principle that I think this country has to abide by.

KOSINSKI: So, we know that the president has said the U.S. is going to respond proportionately and in due time to this hacking that the U.S. believes 100 percent came from North Korea. I mean, the White House has been presented with options from advisers. And those could include further sanctions against North Korea, including to its banking and economic sectors -- Christine.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

ROMANS: All right. Michelle Kosinski for us this morning in Hawaii.

Gunfire at the Canadian border. U.S. officers shooting an unidentified Canadian man on the Ambassador Bridge. That's the span connecting Detroit and Windsor, Ontario. Customs officials say this man got out of his car. He was waving what appeared to be a gun and he approached the checkpoint. It turned out to be a replica gun. The suspect was shot in the arm. He has been treated and taken into custody.

And this is a look -- a live look at Pope Francis in Vatican City right now, giving his end of the year address. His Christmas greeting to Catholic Church officials. He is set to give an indication of his plans for the church in 2015. We're going to give you a live update on the speech later this morning. Our CNN senior Vatican analyst John Allen is listening in and going to give us some analysis of what the pope has to say about 2014, and the year ahead, sort of the union for the Catholic Church.

Let's get an early start in your money this morning.

Asian and European markets are higher this morning, so are oil prices. Crude oil, U.S. crude, is up about $4 since last week's low, also how the global markets last week's impressive rally in the U.S. Look at this -- the Dow and S&P up more than 3 percent. The NASDAQ rose 2.4 percent.

The Fed promised to remain patient about interest rate increases, and that was just what the markets needed. Right now, futures are higher.

Just in time for holiday shopping, Staples confirmed hackers stole data for 1.2 million customer credit cards. Now, the retailer first reported this breach in October. We now know the number 1.2 million customers. Now, the fallout should be minimal. About 115 -- only 115 of 1,400 stores were affected. And banks typically shield customers from this kind of fraud.

Staples joins a long list of companies attack by hackers in the past 12 months, including Home Depot, Neiman Marcus, and Michaels and Target. This year 2014 will definitely go down as the year of the retail hack.

Russia's economy is in shambles and this morning, the country releases an important economic outlook. Just how bad could things be in Russia? A live report from Moscow.

And boxing great in the hospital this morning. What we know about Muhammad Ali's condition, just ahead.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

ROMANS: In a matter of hours, we're going to get a clearer picture of how bad things are for Russia's economy. Officials in Moscow set to release GDP, gross domestic product figures this morning. That report on the heels of a huge interest rate hike last week that sent the ruble tumbling.

Joining me now from Moscow, CNN's Matthew Chance.

And, Matthew, this is such an important story, because you have a major world power, at odds with the White House, just about every international issue, with the economy that is reeling here. This report is going to really layout how bad the damage is. MATTHEW CHANCE, CNN SENIOR INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Yes,

absolutely. In fact, we already know the damage is pretty bad. I mean, the latest estimates that came from the Russian central bank is that the economy is expected to shrink between 4 1/2 percent and 5 percent if oil stays at its current price. And really, it's all about the value of crude on the international markets. The Russian ruble is, of course, linked to the value of crude oil, its biggest export earner. And the currency rises and falls with the price of crude.

Now, having said that, there have been measures set in place with the ruble strength over the past week. The interest rates have been raised, as you mentioned, to 17 percent, which is astronomical. You can imagine having a mortgage at that kind of rate? Actually, it's devastating for many people in this country. But also, there has been stabilization of the ruble as well. And it's trading at about 56 to the $1, which many consider is about 80 to $1 a week ago. That's some improvement.

ROMANS: When you talk about those interest rates, 17 percent interest rates. Clearly, what they would like people to have confidence in the economy, and put their money in the bank and get a 17 percent return on those deposits, because investors is fleeing. Money is fleeing from Russia.

So interesting this weekend, I was talking to someone from London who said there are worries in London about real estate for example, because Russian money has been behind so many other investments around the world. It's all very interconnected, isn't it?

CHANCE: Yes, that is something that should be considered when people talk about glee about the sort of the deterioration of the Russian economy. I mean, this is a major world power. It's one of the biggest industrialized countries in the world. And, obviously, the knock-on effect of its currency and its economy collapsing is going to be felt, at least in areas like the banking sector. There are big banks here from Europe in particular.

And the United States isn't particularly exposed to Russia, but the Europeans are very exposed to it. And this is going to have a knock- on effect in the world economy.

ROMANS: Absolutely, something to bear in mind, both economically and obviously politically -- diplomatically how it affects the relationships with Vladimir Putin and the rest of the world.

Thank you so much for that, Matthew Chance. We'll check in again when those numbers do come out.

Breaking overnight: French police arresting a man suspected of driving a vehicle into a crowded pedestrian Sunday in the city of Dijon. At least 12 people were injured. The suspect was heard yelling "Allahu Akbar", Arabic for God is great, as he mowed down his victims. A day earlier, French police shot and killed a man who stabbed and wounded three officers while also shouting that same phrase.

A critical victory for Kurdish fighters driving ISIS forces from the heart of the northern city of Sinjar. Hundreds of citizens under siege for over a month were rescued in Sunday's counterattack. ISIS positions in the region were a target of 47 U.S. airstrikes just last week.

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie asking President Obama to demand that Cuba turnover convicted cop killer Joanne Chesimard. Chesimard killed a New Jersey trooper back in 1973. She's been living in asylum in Cuba since 1984 after escaping from prison here in the U.S. She is on the FBI most wanted terror list. Christie says if this president wants to normalize relationship with Cuba, this is an opportunity for the Castro regime to show it is serious about change.

Legendary boxer Muhammad Ali recovering after being hospitalized this weekend for pneumonia over the weekend. Ali's spokesman says the illness was discovered quickly and that the former world heavyweight boxing champion's prognosis is good. Ali also suffers from Parkinson's disease. His spokesman says he is in stable condition and should be released soon.

A dangerous lightning strike after the Buccaneers/Packers game. Look at this. We have an update on the seven people hospitalized and we will tell you what just happened.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

ROMANS: This just in to CNN. A United Airlines flight from Seattle to Newark, New Jersey, has been diverted to Spokane after encountering engine trouble. A United spokesman says the aircraft landed safely and no injuries reported. A new plane is being brought in to replace the one with the problem, working and getting details for you. More details, keep you up-to-date as we get them.

Florida State University quarterback Jameis Winston has been cleared of rape allegations at a student code of contact hearing. A student claimed two years ago that Winston sexually assaulted her. Winston was not arrested, but he did face a university code of conduct charge. An independent hearing officer has now ruled there is insufficient evidence to uphold that charged. The woman can appeal within five days and Winston could still face legal trouble in a civil case.

In Tampa, scary moments outside Raymond James Stadium at the end of the Bucs/Packers game. At least seven people sent to the hospital after being struck by lightning. A Tampa fire rescue official says the bolt hit the parking lot. It appeared to damage the roof of the SUV. It did not hit the fans directly, but what a dramatic moment. Four or five other people told crews they would take themselves to the hospital.

Sunday night football. The Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks looking like they're ready to repeat setting a franchise record with 596 yards of offense in a 35-6 rout of the Arizona Cardinals. A win next week would give the Seahawks the number 1 seed in the NFC and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.

And take a look at this brawl in the Giants-Grams game. New York's Odell Beckham takes a late hit and the fists are flying. It might be the only way to stop New York's sensational rookie receiver. He caught two touchdown passes in the Giant's 37-27 win.

An unforgettable sketch on "Saturday Night Live" taking aim at North Korea and Sony for giving "evil" a bad name.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It is pathetic to see you two fight over a silly comedy. It is like watching two bald men fight over a comb. Who cares? Come on, Sony, you thought it was a joke to have James Franco assassinate Kim Jong-un? The man almost singlehandedly killed the Oscars. Think.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

ROMANS: "SNL" alum Mike Myers reprising his famous role crashing the show. The actor took punches at North Korea and hackers and Sony. Everyone about the Hollywood studio. Dr. Evil said, why pick on Sony? They haven't had a hit since the walkman. He also called out the hackers who go by the name of Guardians of Peace saying there is already a GOP and they are already an evil organization.

All right. You know Black Friday, you know Cyber Monday, how about Super Saturday? Some are saying it could be bigger than the either of the others.

We're going to get an early start on your money and your shopping I guess next.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

ROMANS: All right. Welcome back. Fifty-seven minutes past the hour. Time for an early start on your money this Monday morning.

Stock futures, they're up, building last week's impressive weekly gain. That's the tally for last week, the Dow and S&P gave more than 3 percent. NASDAQ rose 2.4 percent. The Fed reassured it would remain patient with rate increases and that's just what stock investors wanted to hear.

The NASDAQ and S&P 500 have double digit gains. More analysts expect more gains into the New Year. In fact, a CNN Money poll of analysts put on average, they are expecting 8 percent gain for the S&P next year.

All right. Christmas is just days away. Retailers are betting Super Saturday will save the holiday shopping season. Sales the weekend of Black Friday were disappointing. They were down 11 percent from last year. But Shoppertrak predicted sales this past weekend would hit maybe $10 billion, that's a billion more than Black Friday. Only time will tell if retailers hopes come true.

But a survey by America's research group, another retail tracker, found that 44.6 percent of consumers did not buy anything this past weekend. That's the largest share American consumers ever not shopping. Interesting. The holidays are a big time for movie business, but guess what? 2014

was a box office flop. This year, ticket sales $10.5 billion, 4 percent drop from the prior year. That's according to box office firm Rentrak. Now, there were some major successes. What were they? "Lego" movie, "Divergent", "Guardians of the Galaxy." "The New York Times" reports this is the lowest tally since 2000. In fact, profits for the two biggest theaters were less than half of what they were last year.

All right. Forty-nine minutes past the hour. Almost to top of the hour.

EARLY START continues right now.

(MUSIC)