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Early Start with John Berman and Zoraida Sambolin

Indiana High School Students Injured in Stage Collapse; Deadly Drone Mistake; Hundreds Protest Freddie Gray's Death; Loretta Lynch Confirmed as Attorney General; Obama Honors Patriots, Jokes About "Deflategate". Aired 5-5:30a ET

Aired April 24, 2015 - 05:00   ET

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

[05:00:00] JOHN BERMAN, CNN ANCHOR: Look at this dramatic video. We'll have the details of what happened next, ahead.

The White House apologizing after hostages are accidentally killed in a drone strike. We have team coverage breaking down the mistake and the international repercussions this morning.

And then a rally for answers in the death of a man mysteriously injured during his arrest. There were dramatic movements on the streets and our reporter, you can see him right there, in the middle of it all. We'll tell you what happens ahead.

Good morning, everyone. Welcome to EARLY START. I'm John Berman. It is Friday, April 24th. It is 5:00 a.m. in the East. Christine Romans is out today.

We do have breaking news from Indiana. About two dozen student performers at Westfield High School were injured last night when the stage they were performing on just collapsed during a rock show.

Look at this. We just missed it. We will show you the video right now.

(VIDEO CLIP PLAYS)

BERMAN: Really is terrifying, happened to suddenly. The students were standing close to the stage and those who jumped in to rescue the performers relayed what they saw.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Pieces of wood begun to collapse and then a falling of faces. I just saw this shock and look of shock and this moment of silence after it collapsed. A moment of confusion and then begun the screaming from parents and faculty and staff with a rush to the stage. I personally was in shock because I had just watched approximately 20 to 30 people fall into a pit. It's still hitting me as to actually what happened.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: There was one girl who had nails in her leg and taken out on a stretcher. There was another girl with a dislocated leg. It was bad.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: One woman, about my age, she had a lot of scrapes and cuts on her face. Honestly, it seems to be from nails from the stage. But I -- that was the first person I helped out. I talked to her dad. I got her out of there as soon as she could. And then I just stayed down there. I tried to comfort a woman who her daughter was down there and I think she's fine.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BERMAN: Pictures really so scary.

Westfield police say the injured kids were taken to the hospital. The police chief says most of the injuries were minor. One student initially listed as critical will be OK. At this point, the cause of the stage collapse is still under investigation.

Developing this morning, the United States counter terrorism program facing serious fallout after the president's emotional announcement that two al Qaeda hostages, one American, were accidently killed by a U.S. drone strike. Among those killed in the January attack that was targeting al Qaeda compound and what the White House calls the Afghanistan and Pakistan border, were two aid workers, 73-year-old American Warren Weinstein, and an Italian Giovanni Lo Porto.

Let's get on this and the fallout, bring in CNN's Saima Mohsin.

SAIMA MOHSIN, CNN CORRESPONDENT (via telephone): Good morning, John.

Reaction this morning from the Pakistani government finally (INAUDIBLE) were refusing to talk last night, both the government and military. This morning in the last hour or so, the statement expressing their deep grief and regret at the loss of these aid workers who had done so much for the Pakistani people, recognized as well by the Pakistani government for their hard work, condolences to the families.

They're pointing out, too, and taking the opportunity to do so, this technology has the risk of unintended consequences. A carefully worded statement from the Pakistani government, acknowledging that this was not a deliberate strike that killed two hostages, but it was an accident and something that needs to be taken into consideration.

Human rights groups, too, John, pointing out that this is not the first time as Reprieve, the organization that represents a number of Pakistani drone victims, points out this is not the first time innocent people have been killed by drone strikes. That is the fallout we are seeing particularly from the Pakistan viewpoint. People pointing out that innocent victims have long been killed in drone strikes.

Also, John, following the story since Weinstein was abducted in 2011, I was in Pakistan at the time. These occurrences were rare back then. People were incredibly shocked he was taken from inside his home. And I have been speaking to someone I have been over the years, a source closely that was involved in the negotiations. [05:05:06] This person would speak directly with the captors in

Pashtu, their language, the language spoken on the Pakistan/Afghanistan border. Originally, they asked for a ransom. That changed to asking for a prisoner swap.

More info I received since the last hour. The captors apparently were still speaking to the intermediaries, to these people, going between the families and captors until the 7th of April. Now, of course, the drone strike took place in January, which means there are a lot of questions to be answered. Were the captors stringing the families along or trying to continue negotiations because they wanted their prisoners released in exchange for Warren Weinstein -- John.

BERMAN: Saima Mohsin for us.

And the White House itself says that what happened, these mistakes, in killing two hostages raise legitimately questions about the future of the drone program. The president said he takes full responsibility for the deaths of the two hostages. He offered his deepest apologies.

But the White House also now needs to explain why it took until Thursday to publicly disclose the killings which happened back in January.

Our senior White House correspondent Jim Acosta has that part of the story -- Jim.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JIM ACOSTA, CNN SENIOR WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: John, President Obama says he authorized the disclosure of this operation as soon as his national security team was certain that these hostages were the accidental victims of this drone strike last January. The president personally apologized to the families of hostages, American Warren Weinstein and Italian aid worker Giovanni Lo Porto. Mr. Obama also made phone calls on Wednesday to Weinstein's widow and the Italian prime minister.

This all unfolded back in January when the CIA conducted a drone strike on a suspected al Qaeda compound near the Afghanistan-Pakistan border. That strike was ordered by counterterrorism officials, not the president. After hundred of hours of surveillance, still after all of that, the White House said intelligence officials had no idea the hostages were there. After the operation, senior administration officials say they had indications Weinstein was dead back in February, but only confirmed his death within the last several days.

Here's what the president had to say about this operation.

BARACK OBAMA, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: It is a cruel and bitter truth that in the fog of war generally and our fight against terrorists specifically, mistakes --sometimes deadly mistakes -- can occur. But one of the things that sets America apart from many other nations, one of the things that makes us exceptional is our willingness to confront squarely our imperfections and to learn from our mistakes. ACOSTA: The White House is not using the word drones in talking about

this operation. Aides are defending these kinds of air assaults, noting that two American terrorists, Ahmed Farouq, a leader from al Qaeda, the Indian subcontinent and Adam Gadahn, were killed in these strikes. The president has ordered a review of the operation. But we also understand, the CIA's inspector general is also expected to be on the case, as well as the intelligence committee in both the House and Senate. And the White House confirmed the families of the hostages will be offered compensation from the U.S. government for their losses -- John.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

BERMAN: Our thanks to Jim Acosta at the White House for that report.

Now, the family of Warren Weinstein says they never gave up hope that he would be released during his four years as an al Qaeda hostage. Gunmen abducted him. He was working in aid and development. They abducted from his home in Lahore in Pakistan. They apparently posed as neighbors bringing over food.

His family spent years working to secure his release. They appeared on television, they lobbied government officials. After Thursday's grim news, Warren's wife Elaine released a statement that says, "Were so hopeful that those in the U.S. and Pakistani governments with the power to take action and secure his release would have done everything possible to do so. And there are no words to do justice to the disappointment and heartbreak we are going through."

Elaine Weinstein called for an independent investigation into the deaths of her husband and other hostage.

Police in Italy -- this is breaking news -- police in Italy say they are in the process of arresting 18 suspected terrorists. These arrests are part of what state police a vast anti-terrorism operation. It appears to be significant.

Among those seeking individuals suspected of involvement in, quote, "numerous bloody acts of terrorism including the operation in Pakistan that killed more than 100." They say others provided logistical support for Osama bin Laden himself, and including two, they are searching four of bin Laden's body guards. Most of the suspects are said to be from Pakistan.

Also breaking overnight, a convoy of nine Iranian ships believed to be carrying weapons to Houthis rebels in Yemen has reversed course at least for now. The Pentagon confirms that the vessels are now headed back north, seeming back in the direction of Iran. For the time being, this averts a showdown with the U.S. ships that are stationed off Yemen and the Arabian Sea.

[05:10:01] Among those ships, the U.S. aircraft carrier Roosevelt, which is monitoring the convoy from 200 miles away. The aircraft carrier has 5,000 personnel, 60 war planes on board.

Attorney General Eric Holder can finally clean out his desk. The Senate on Thursday voted 56-43 to confirm his successor Loretta Lynch, this ended the process that began nearly six months ago when the president first nominated her. Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and nine other Republicans joined with Democrats in support of her nomination. McConnell vote was something of a surprise.

Lynch will be sworn in on Monday. She will become the first African- American woman to lead the Justice Department.

The House committee investigating the 2012 Benghazi attacks wants to hear from Hillary Clinton twice. The Republican chairman is asking the former secretary of state and now Democratic presidential candidate to testify at two separate public hearings. The first in May would address her use of private e-mail while at the State Department. The second one in June would cover specifically the issue surrounding Benghazi.

It is time now for an early start on your money. Alison Kosik here with that.

Good morning.

ALISON KOSIK, CNN MONEY CORRESPONDENT: Good morning.

And we keep score so you don't have to, John. It took 15 years and a lot of help from Apple, but the NASDAQ has topped the record high set in March of 2000. Yesterday, we watched the NASDAQ climb to 5,056. That's a major milestone. It means the NASDAQ has finally gotten over the dot-com bubble.

So, the question is, does this record signal another bubble? Many say not likely because during the dot-com era, people were buying stocks that made nothing. No profit. They did not have a proven business model.

Now, a lot of companies in the NASDAQ are well-established. You know the names, Apple, Google, Facebook. They've got a lot of cash on hand as well.

Also, today's NASDAQ isn't all about tech. It's also more diversified. It's home to some of the best performing health care and bio-tech stocks. This is the kind of the record that has some teeth behind it.

BERMAN: All right. Alison Kosik, thanks. Happy news.

We have moments on the streets of Baltimore. Protesters clashing with police over the mysterious death of the man injured during his arrest weeks ago. You can see our reporter Brian Todd in the middle of these demonstrations. He will give us a report next.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[05:15:33] BERMAN: New clashes between police and protesters in Baltimore who are demanding answers in the case of Freddie Gray who died in custody after suffering a severe spinal injury. At least two people were arrested during the demonstrations. You saw our reporter Brian Todd in the middle of them. Let's get the

latest from Brian now.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

BRIAN TODD, CNN CORRESPONDENT: John, very angry protests on the streets of Baltimore tonight. We are in front of the west precinct of the Baltimore police department where the crowds have been very, very spirited, angry but largely peaceful. It seems like this pretty commonplace throughout the evening. You've got protesters talking to police, sometimes yelling at police, very angry at police and the police officers just being very stoic, listening to them, sometimes nodding their heads.

But by and large, this has been a very, very peaceful crowd. Earlier, we did see some confrontation between protesters and the police. When the police arrested two people and tried to take them into police vans.

Some of the marchers who are on the streets then rushed to police. There was a lot of jostling around. We got knocked around a little bit. Some objects were thrown. Everybody was OK, though, and the crowd eventually kind of calmed down. Police got between themselves and other officers who are trying to make the arrests.

That was the flashpoint of today. But, again, this crowd has been self policing. Whenever people started to throw things, or really get more confrontational with police, some of the protest leaders have appealed to them to tamp it down, not to throw objects, not to get violent. So, that has led to the spirit of maybe some anger and some passion.

But at least so far tonight, John, no violence. John, back to you.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

BERMAN: Our thanks to Brian Todd, in the middle of those protests.

So, when the penalty phase of the Dzhokhar Tsarnaev trial resumes on Monday, the defense will take its turn trying to convince jurors to spare him from the death penalty. Prosecutors rested their case on Thursday with emotional testimony from survivors of those bombings.

Let's get more now from CNN national correspondent Alexandra Field.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

ALEXANDRA FIELD, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: John, Martin Richard's family stated they support life in prison but no chance of release and chance of appeals for Dzhokhar Tsarnaev. They did not testify for the prosecution in the penalty phase of the trial. But prosecutors did call a witness who described just how close the 8-year-old boy was standing to the bomb when it detonated.

An FBI photographer demonstrated to the jury that Martin was just 3 1/2 feet away from the pressure cooker bomb. Steve Woolfenden lost a leg in the blast. He said he could hear Denise Richard trying to comfort her dying son on the sidewalk next to him. His own three- year-old boy Leo is seen in this iconic photo being rescued by Boston police officer.

Survivors Heather Abbott and Marc Fucarile also called to testify about how they fought for their lives in the agony of the bombings. She has endured more than 60 surgeries. The prosecutors spent fewer than three days making their case for the death sentence. Next week, the defense will call their own witnesses as they argue for the jury to sentence Dzhokhar Tsarnaev to life in prison -- John.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

BERMAN: Alexandra Field in Boston. So, he is not going to prison, but a federal judge hit retired general and former CIA director, David Petraeus, harder than was spelled out in his sentencing agreement. The former general received two years probation and a $100,000 fine for sharing classified information with his biographer and former lover Paula Broadwell.

After his sentencing in Charlotte, Petraeus was apologetic and said he looked forward to moving on.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

GEN. DAVID PETRAEUS, FORMER CIA DIRECTOR: Today marks the end of a 2 1/2-year ordeal that resulted in mistakes that I made. As I did in the past, I apologized to those closest to me and many others, including those with whom I was privileged to serve in government and in the military over the years.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BERMAN: Now, prosecutors say the investigation is still ongoing which suggests they may be targeting Paula Broadwell.

So, it was Patriots Day at the White House. President Obama hosts the Super Bowl champion and makes a joke about deflategate. Was it funny? You make the call.

Coy Wire has the bleacher report, next.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[05:23:15] BERMAN: Punches thrown. Players ejected in the Royals and White Sox game. Why? Why did this happen?

Coy Wire with the wild video and the answers in the bleacher report.

Hey, Coy.

COY WIRE, CNN SPORTS: Good morning, John.

Yes, we are only two and a half weeks into the Major League Baseball season, and the Royals and White Sox already storing up more drama than (INAUDIBLE), got into a bean ball battle on opening day and went back at it last night.

Top of the fifth, White Sox Chris Sale with chin music on Mike Moustakas. But Moustakas is tough. He stays in the game. Later, Adam Eaton hits the Yordano Ventura who trash talks Eaton before throwing to first. Now it is on. Both benches end up clear and we get into a slobberknocker. Guys on both sides throwing haymakers, five players ejected in the game.

In case you're wondering, well, the Royals did go on win the extra innings 3-2, but the fight was clearly the highlight.

Speaking of fights, all 500 tickets available to the public for Mayweather/Pacquiao yesterday got Nicholas Cage sold out in less than 60 seconds. Actually sold out less than 60 seconds.

Now, tickets for the official weigh-in next Friday will go on sale today, and they'll be 10 bucks. Boxing weigh-ins are typically free to the public by Nevada law. But this is Mayweather-Pacquiao, and they play by their own rules. They won't pocket that, though. The ticket sale proceeds from the weigh-in are going to go to charities for breast cancer research and brain health.

To the NBA playoffs with the Warriors down by 20 points to the Pelicans going into the fourth quarter in game three. But that shot right there from Steph Curry capped off a monumental comeback, sending the game into overtime. It was just absolutely ridiculous. Check it again.

[05:25:01] The Warriors pull away in OT, 123-119, taking a demanding 3-0 series lead.

Now, a lot of stories we could have ended with, but John Berman, this is for you. President Obama honored your Super Bowl champion New England Patriots at White House yesterday. With the stress of deflate-gate looming, the president lightened the mood.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

OBAMA: I usually tell a bunch of jokes at these events. But with the Patriots in town, I was worried that 11 of 12 of them would fall flat.

(LAUGHTER)

(END VIDEO CLIP)

WIRE: I thought you might like that one, Mr. Berman, if you had not already seen it. But absolutely outstanding stuff from our president on that day.

BERMAN: It was funny. The guys behind him weren't laughing so much.

I actually think politically speaking, he almost had to make reference to it, because we don't the report yet. After the report comes out in a week, you know, and it says they cheated and the president was standing there and did not say anything. So, he is covered on the humor sense and political sense as well. Coy Wire, great to see you this week, thanks so much, Coy.

WIRE: You, too, John. Thanks.

BERMAN: All right. Twenty-five minutes after the hour.

At least a dozen students injured when their high school concert stage suddenly gives way. Look at that. We have more on the dramatic video and details of what happened next, ahead.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BERMAN: Breaking overnight: these students hospitalized when their high school concert stage suddenly collapses. The dramatic video as you can see caught on video. We have details and what happens next, ahead.

The White House apologizing after hostages are accidentally killed in a drone strike. Team coverage breaking down the major international implications this morning.