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ISIS Claims Responsibility for Texas Attack; My Brother's Keeper; Emotion from Dzhokhar Tsarnaev in Court; Richard Branson Pushes for Gender Quality in the Workplace; NYU Student Detained in North Korea. Aired 9:30-10a ET

Aired May 05, 2015 - 09:30   ET

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

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[09:32:08] CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: This morning, federal investigators are paying a lot of attention to a bold and disturbing claim by ISIS. It's claiming responsibility for Sunday night's attack in Texas. ISIS says its soldiers tried to storm the contest for cartoons depicting the Muslim Prophet Mohammad. Though cloaked in body armor and armed with assault rifles, the attackers never got close. A police officer, who normally works traffic, shot and killed both of them.

CNN's Ed Lavandera is in Garland, Texas, with more on these hero - on this hero cop.

Good morning, Ed.

ED LAVANDERA, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Carol.

Well, many people celebrating that officer and his actions here Sunday night as the two gunmen, suspected gunmen, pulled up to the scene. This is the civic center. And as you can look, the - the two shooters didn't even make it into the parking lot. They came out, were - the plan was to have a level of security around the civic center, and that's where they were confronted by the off-duty Garland school police officer, as well as the Garland Police officer. There was that first officer that approached the car when the gunmen started shooting, and it was the second officer, using a .45 caliber Glock pistol, that started firing at the two men who had high-powered assault rifles, and taking out the - both of those men very quickly. The whole episode lasted about 15 seconds, we're told. And the Garland Police Department says that particular officer handled himself incredibly well.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

JOE HARN, GARLAND POLICE DEPT. SPOKESMAN: Both of them had assault rifles, came around the back of the car and started shooting at the police car. The police officer in that car began returning fire and struck both men, taking them down. He did what he was trained to do. And under the fire that he was put under, he did a very good job and probably saved lives.

(END VIDEO CLIP) LAVANDERA: And, Carol, saved a lot of lives because those two gunmen only got about within a little less than 200 yards of getting into the building. Like I mentioned, they didn't even get into the parking lot. A SWAT team also responded from the back, also firing shots toward the scene as well. But it was that one particular officer that we're told took out both of those gunmen very quickly.

His identity has not been released yet and he has not spoken publicly. We've put in requests to speak with him as well, and last night we were told last night, they hadn't even spoken with investigators about the shooting as well. So many people anxious to hear from him and both of those officers who were involved in that episode, many of them being - both of them being credited with saving many peoples' lives.

Carol.

COSTELLO: And Garland's mayor is eager to talk to him too. He knows the officer's family, and, I don't know, so it's a mystery guy but he's hailed as a hero this morning. Ed Lavandera reporting live. Thanks so much.

[09:35:03] On to Baltimore now. Against the backdrop of unrest and unease in that city, President Obama says he will form a nonprofit foundation based on his My Brother's Keeper initiative. That initiative, created last year, was designed to address the lack of opportunity for young minority boys nationwide. And during an event on Monday unveiling the foundation, the president recalled his own youth and why he was able to take a much different path.

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BARACK OBAMA, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: We see ourselves in these young men. I grew up without a dad. I grew up lost sometimes and adrift, not having a sense of a clear path. And the only difference between me and a lot of other young men in this neighborhood and all across the country is that I grew up in an environment that was a little more forgiving, and at some critical points I had some people who cared enough about me to give me a second chance or a third chance, or give me a little guidance when I needed it, or to open up a door that might otherwise have been closed. I was lucky.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

COSTELLO: Joining me now to talk about this and more, Baltimore peace activist and radio host Farajii Muhammad.

Welcome back, Farajii.

FARAJII MUHAMMAD, HOST, WEAA'S "LISTEN UP": Thank you. Good morning, Carol. How are you?

COSTELLO: I'm good. Thank you so much for being with me.

MUHAMMAD: Sure.

COSTELLO: Do the president's words resonate in the city of Baltimore? MUHAMMAD: Oh, absolutely. I think that that whole idea of young -

getting young black men back to a place of productivity, back on track is critical and it's much need. And I think that considering where we see what happened with the Freddie Gray case, that that type of service and those types of resources are need all across the country. My hope is, is that when we look at what the president is doing in Washington and all across the country can be duplicated here in the city of Baltimore, and that's one of the key things that we're doing after the uprising here in Baltimore. We are looking to work on the ground level piece by piece Baltimore, in Baltimore United, and all of those who are involved in the Run (ph) Baltimore initiative. We're working to make sure that those resources and services are there, not just in the Sandtown (ph) Winchester (ph) Gilmore (ph) Homes (ph) community where Freddie Gray passed away, but also all in every major part of the city where we see that young black men in particular are in a state of unproductive - in an unproductive manner. So this is definitely something that's needed. It's important. But, most importantly, it should be highly supported on the ground all the way up to the top.

COSTELLO: The board for President Obama's nonprofit consists of several high-profile lawmakers, as well as entertainers and athletes. People like Cory Booker, Eric Holder, John Legend, Shaquille O'Neal and Colin Powell. Are these the right voices?

MUHAMMAD: Well, they are. I mean every party plays a role in this larger movement of what to do with the young black male. And so I think that when you have those type of individuals who are bringing (ph) in those resources and that expertise, that's always helpful. But I think that the also - the initiative should also include the work of those who are doing the ground work, the community activist, and the community organizer. And it's important to reach out also to the faith community, the nation of Islam and other groups that have a proven track record to make sure that young black males are put on a track that is going to help to bring them up.

So I think all of these resources, I hope that this particular initiative doesn't become just a way for high-profile figures to just have their names put out there, but it's connected to a greater work. And I think what we're seeing here, especially here in Baltimore, that with - if there - if it's not rooted in the greater work of redeeming and restoring communities, then the work is not going to really be anything of value. And at this point we don't need any more weak cowardly folks or folks that are just trying to grandstand and be high profile. At this point, Carol, what we need are folks that are serious and very committed to making sure that young black men in this country are not continuing to be victims of police brutality, as we've seen, but also are highly committed to making sure that things are going to be moving forward to change the condition.

COSTELLO: I want to focus now on the white community, because, you know, we're all in this community whether we are like it or not, right?

MUHAMMAD: Right. COSTELLO: "The New York Times" wrote a very interesting article, and it profiled white residents who live very close to the unrest but are unsure of what to do to help. One of those white residents was quoted as saying this. "Most of the people are kind of at a loss as to what they're supposed to do. I listen to news reports, I listen to the clergy men, I listen to the facts of the rampant unemployment and the lack of opportunities in the area. Listen, I pay my taxes. Exactly what can I do?" How would you respond to that resident?

MUHAMMAD: Well, I would just say that the best thing to do is to get yourself involved in an organization that is working in your community. You know, it's enough that we have a lot of sideline type of commentators, but at this point we need folks to be intimately involved in this movement. And what we're seeing right now -

[09:40:14] COSTELLO: Well, I'm talking about - I'm talking about - I'm talking about the white residents of the city of Baltimore. They're wondering what their role in this might be.

MUHAMMAD: That's what I'm talking about.

COSTELLO: OK. What kind of organizations are you talking about?

MUHAMMAD: Absolutely. They need to be intimately involved. Well, you have a host of them. You have whether it's the - with Piece by Piece and the American Friend Service Committee, as you were talking about the coalition with Be More United. There - then you have the faith, the churches, the mosques, the synagogues. All of these institutions, all of these organizations are looking for folks that have well intentioned and have consciousness that are going to get involved. So it's important.

I don't think we need to make this thing a black or white issue because justice, when it comes down to it, Carol, is not about based on black and white, it's based about - based on right and wrong. And so if folks want to get involved, whether you're black, white, Asian or Latino, then just get involved in an organization that's going to turn things around. And I think that we need to be very truthful and honest in this conversation to not get involved in organizations that just makes us feel good but is actually doing the work. So for that person that's looking to get involved, if you don't want to get involved in the organization, then support organizations that are on the ground level, whether it's financially or with other resources. But the movement requires everybody do something because that's where we are at this point. We're at a critical point here in the city of Baltimore.

COSTELLO: All right, Farajii Muhammad, thanks, as always. I appreciate it.

MUHAMMAD: Thank you.

COSTELLO: Still to come in the NEWSROOM, he's heard the heartbreaking testimony from witnesses. What finally made the Boston bomber cry? We'll talk about that, next.

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[09:45:18] COSTELLO: The Boston bombing trial resuming today with the defense calling more witnesses. A rare glimpse of emotion from Dzhokhar Tsarnaeve yesterda, Dzhokhar tearing up in court as members of his family took the stand. One aunt testifying quote, "I think that his kindness made everybody around him kind. They were so good. They wouldn't hurt a fly. My sister's children were such good children." End quote.

The last time she saw the bomber, he was just a boy in Russia. Yesterday was the first time she had seen Dzhokhar Tsarnaev in 13 years.

For the latest developments, let's head outside the courthouse to Alexandra Field. Good morning, Alexandra.

ALEXANDRA FIELD, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Carol. There were several aunts and cousins who were all flown over from Russia to testify on Dzhokhar Tsarnaev's behalf. You spoke about one of his aunts. She was so inconsolable at the sight of Tsarnaev that she broke down in tears; she was hyperventilating to the extent that they actually dismissed her as a witness. She was led off of the stand; she just wasn't able to compose herself.

But when Tsarnaev seemed to get a look at his aunt who had really lost all composure, that's when we saw him sort of wiping away what may have tears, the most emotion we've seen him express throughout the course of this trial. He had several cousins and another aunt who all took the stand. They talked about the Dzhokhar that they once knew, back when he lived in Dagestan. They described him as a very kind, a gentle child, a warm and sunny child who liked to watch "The Lion King" and would cry at points when one of the characters in that movie died.

But they hadn't seen him in person since he was eight years old. So they were also asked to testify about his older brother, Tamerlan Tsarnaev, who returned to Russia in 2012. One of the cousins testified that it was on that return trip that it seemed that Tamerlan had changed. He was expressing radical viewpoints. One cousin said that she felt scared in some ways. Carol.

COSTELLO: Alexandra Field. Alexandra Field reporting live from Boston this morning. Thank you.

And now keep it tuned in tonight on CNN for the inside story on the Boston bombings. Learn what the convicted bomber did after the attacks. Our special report "MURDER AT THE MARATHON" 9:00 p.m. Eastern time.

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[09:51:08] COSTELLO: We're learning more about the sudden death of Dave Goldberg, the husband of Facebook executive Sheryl Sandberg. Goldberg was running on a treadmill while on vacation in Mexico when he fell and hit his head. He was rushed to a nearby hospital where doctors pronounced him dead. Goldberg was the CEO of SurveyMonkey which provides web-based surveys. Sanderg recently described her husband in her best-selling book, "Lean In", as quote, "my best friend, closest adviser, dedicated co-parent, and the love of my life." He was also a champion of equality in the workplace.

Another powerful man fighting for gender equality is Richard Branson, he multibillionaire owns or owned everything with the Virgin brand. Today he's leaning in with Sheryl Sandberg and others.

I sat down with Branson to talk about how to even the playing field between the sexes. His answer, force change. And if it takes government action and quotas, so be it.

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RICHARD BRANSON, FOUNDER, VIRGIN GROUP: There's no question than women get paid less than men.

COSTELLO (voice-over): He's one of the world's billionaires. Business pioneer Richard Branson built his empire Virgin Group at a time when boys ruled the boardroom. Four decades later, that time is still now and so is Branson's ever-present quest to reject the status quo.

BRANSON: We've to get to a situation where women feel 100 percent welcome when they go to work whether they've got children or not got children, whether they're pregnant, whether they're not pregnant. They must feel that they're paid equally; they must feel that they've got a chance to become president or chief executive of the company.

COSTELLO: Branson teamed up for debate with Sheryl Sandberg and other corporate leaders who want to erase inequalities that persist for women at work.

(on camera): So it's awesome to see you leaning in.

BRANSON: Well, I like women.

(LAUGHTER)

COSTELLO: I like that you say that.

BRANSON: I find that women who run the some of Virgin companies are amongst our very best leaders and we can do better. And all companies can do An awful lot better.

COSTELLO: Do you consider yourself a feminist?

BRANSON: Am I feminist? I thought you had to be a woman to be a feminist. No, I don't think I'm a feminist as such. But I mean, I left -- I spent my life campaigning on issues where I think there's injustices.

COSTELLO: More women are making more money than their husbands. In the United States, more women are college educated than men. So where is the disconnect? BRANSON: Well, a lot of these women, they go into companies full of

enthusiasm having come out of college and they end up reporting to men. When they have children, they start to feel that they may be not completely wanted in the company. They go off on maternity leave, they come back, they find their job is maybe not quite as welcoming as it was before or somebody else has taken some of that role away from them. I don't think that if we just leave things as we are, there's -- I think evolution is going to take a long time before you get 50 percent men and women in the workplace.

COSTELLO: And so how do you achieve it? How do you do it?

BRANSON: Well, you certainly do it by having debates like we had today. But there is an argument to be said that you do the standard (INAUDIBLE) way, and that is you actually start forcing it through legally.

COSTELLO: You think the government should require that of companies?

BRANSON: We've done it with our new hotel division, Virgin Hotels. And actually we've got a predominance of women over men. It's much easier to do with it with a new company than it is with an established company.

COSTELLO: So that would be sort of like a quota system and some people might --

BRANSON: I'm sure that there would be a lot of women -- in fact, I know a lot of women I've talked to disagree with it and most likely it will never happen in America.

[09:55:07] But all I'm saying is the sort of quota system that's happened in Scandinavia has worked.

COSTELLO: I want to ask you why you think in 2015 we're still talking about these issues?

BRANSON: From the childhood, a woman's role is a particular role and a man's role is a particular role, and it's pushed into the brain of all of us. So you don't have to shake it off and pledge yourself.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

COSTELLO: Cleanse yourself. Branson's push for gender equality doesn't stop with the debate. In a reent tweet, he said, quote, "Diversity is no longer just nice to have. It's a must have."

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COSTELLO: From a student at NYU to a prisoner in North Korea? Won Moon Joo is a South Korean citizen and permanent U.S. resident who is now detained in North Korea. You might be surprised to hear what he has to say about his ordeal.

CNN's Will Ripley was just granted an exclusive interview.

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WILL RIPLEY, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Why did you go into North Korea?

WOO MOON JOO, STUDENT DETAINED BY NORTH KOREA: Well, I thought that by my entrance illegally, I acknowledge, but I thought that some great event could happen and hopefully that event could have a good effect in the relations between the North and South.

RIPLEY: So what kind of great event did you think could happen?

JOO: Of course I'm not completely sure yet, but I hope that I will be able to tell the world how an ordinary college student entered the DPRK illegally.

[10:00:07] But, however, with the generous treatment of the DPRK, that I will be able to return home safely.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

COSTELLO: Joo has his own room and says he's being well fed and well taken care of, but with no access to a phone, television, or the Internet, he's very much cut off from his family and the outside world.

The next hour of NEWSROOM starts now.