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Tornado Hits Texas Town; Families Devastated by Tornado; George Zimmerman Shot. Aired 2-2:30p ET

Aired May 11, 2015 - 14:00   ET

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

[14:00:05] ANNOUNCER: This is CNN breaking news.

BROOKE BALDWIN, CNN ANCHOR: Here we go. Breaking news on this Monday. I'm Brooke Baldwin. Thank you so much for being with me.

Communities all across the Midwest and the Plains really are now in recovery mode after this deadly line of storms, including more than 70 reported tornadoes hit across multiple states. At least five deaths have been confirmed with many, many more people injured.

But let's focus right now in this area in Texas here because so much of this devastation hit the northeastern Texas town of Van. This is just east of Dallas. I can tell you that two people there are dead, eight others are missing and officials say at least a third of this town, that's roughly, they're saying, 100 homes were just absolutely, as you can see, obliterated. All these buildings, facilities, some schools as well. Schools, businesses destroyed here.

And across much of this region, as much as four inches of rain turned roads into rivers. There were harrowing rescue scenes from the raging waters, cars totally submerged, people just stuck in their homes. The mayor of Van, Texas, praised the way the community pulled together and jumped into action.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

MAYOR DEAN STONE, VAN, TEXAS: We were here all night, and we're still here. And a bunch of them still are. We lost a lot of good properties, but it's just something that you never expect, but we'll be working on it diligently. These gentlemen have already told you some of the things that's going to come to pass, but we just have to stick together and do what we've been doing so far. And there's no place else I'd rather be at this time than right here where everybody sticks together and does their job.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BALDWIN: I've got CNN meteorologist Jennifer Gray. She's live there in Van.

And, I mean, Jennifer, I've covered stories like this and it's one thing to see these images on TV. It is quite another to look at all this in person.

JENNIFER GRAY, AMS METEOROLOGIST: Yes, we rolled up this morning before daylight and then once daylight broke, it was just devastation all around.

We are on Main Street. We keep moving a little bit farther back and back because they are trying to get in there and restore power. There are power lines littering the road everywhere. Trees are down as well. So they are busy trying to get things back up and running. But you can look behind me and you can see the flashing lights. They are working very, very hard.

And then we have just amazing aerials and pictures that I know you're showing as well. Like you said, we do have, unfortunately, two fatalities. We don't know much about them. We do know that it was a male and female, and they were near a mobile home park.

And we also know that about 43 people were taken to hospitals. Many more drove themselves. We also know that those eight people are missing. Some of those on the north side of town, others from the south side of town. They are busy going door to door and looking through all of the rubble to see if they can find those people. I know canine units are out here as well to try to locate the missing.

Fortunately, we did find two people that were reported missing. Those were found safe. So we do have just little - little bits of good news in all of this.

And, Brooke, you know, they did have the tornado sirens blaring. However, they didn't have much time to get to their safe spot. Only a few minutes. We spoke with one lady who said by the time that the tornado siren was sounding, that she didn't have enough time to get to her storm shelter and so she and her two dogs huddled in their bathtub together. She described it as such a scary situation.

You know, and with small towns like this, only 2,600 people, you know, the school was just devastated. And we saw couples walking around. They went to school there. Their children went to school there. And she said that it just feels like your entire childhood is destroyed.

And so people here are devastated, but yet they are coming together, just as we see in times of tragedy. Shelters are open. People are bringing in water, food, clothing, supplies, anything they need to help in their time of need. Of course, all the crews will be out here again looking for those missing eight people and trying to restore power and get Van back up and running, Brooke.

BALDWIN: It is incredible in these moments, the power of community. Our hearts and thoughts go out to them. We'll speak with somebody live who lives there in just a moment. Jennifer Gray, thank you so much.

But just to step back for a minute and show you how dangerous it is, even just for journalists to cover this tornado in Van, I want to show you what happened to a team. This is from our affiliate KLTV, running for cover, cameras were rolling. Take a look.

[14:04:46] (BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Inside!

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I've got to -

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Inside! Go now! (INAUDIBLE). Get inside! Go! (INAUDIBLE). Inside!

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I've got to get -

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Inside!

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BALDWIN: Those are the scenes from the crews covering the storm, but let's talk to some of those people hardest hit. You know, we heard from the mayor of Van a moment ago speaking - tearing welling in his eyes of so many people coming together, people searching for their loved ones, their belongings, their pets. Let me bring in Bryan Shurgot. He was on his way home when that tornado hit.

And, Bryan, good to see you. I'm glad you appear a-OK. How are you? How are your loved ones and friends?

BRYAN SHURGOT, TORNADO SURVIVOR: Shook up and just really glad that somethings - some good stuff has happened. But just devastated that memories of my parents just - 30 years of their - of being in the same house just gone in an instant.

BALDWIN: You're referring to your parents' home. How damaged is it?

SHURGOT: About 80 percent gone.

BALDWIN: How much heads up did your parents have when they were able to at least get out and get to safety?

SHURGOT: Not much time. My mom and dad were thinking, you know, it was OK to go to bed and they were just about to go to bed and then my mom was coming out of the bathroom, about to go lay down with my dad, and then the storm hit and everything fell apart. It was just -

BALDWIN: Bryan -

SHURGOT: My dad - it was just devastating to them.

BALDWIN: I cannot even begin to be in your family's shoes. I've covered events like this. In fact, what struck me most is how hospitable and lovely people are despite the fact that homes are gone. But I'm hearing your voice cracking. This is, I imagine, quite emotional for you.

SHURGOT: Yes, because that's the house I called home for many years.

BALDWIN: What are you doing today?

SHURGOT: Just trying to help people - other people and just - try to just stay strong.

BALDWIN: Where were you when it hit? Tell me what you saw and what you heard. SHURGOT: I was at the laundry mat and it was just starting to rain and

I was talking with some people at the laundry mat saying, you know, I thought it was supposed to rain all - the rest of the day and I said, oh, well, here comes the rain that we were supposed to get earlier today and I said it would be interesting if we lost power because we were all doing laundry at the laundry mat and minutes later the power went out and the sirens went off and then all - and after the sirens went off, I got done with my laundry, folding it, put it in my car real quick, went to head back to where I live and then tried to get back to where I live and there was no way to get there.

And then I - my roommate called me and said, it's bad out here, it's bad out here, try to get home. And I tried to get home and - then I was like - then I tried calling - she's like, I'm like, I'm worried about mom and dad, and I'm going to call them. And I tried getting ahold of my mom and dad and didn't really hear much from them. Then my mom and dad were getting out and they got outside and I was trying to come get them and ended up just having to park at a church and then had to walk towards their house because - and I rushed to get there because my mom - the neighbor said they were going to try to take care of my mom and get my mom calmed down and my dad calmed down. But my mom saw my dad with a flashlight and said, Richard, you're covered in blood. It just shook me and made me rush to get home.

BALDWIN: I am so sorry, Bryan, but I am at least thankful that your parents are OK. Your parents are OK. I understand, too, you know, you have - were you searching for your dog or dogs?

SHURGOT: There was one crew searching for my dog and they found her. It was great to see that they found her because my dad all night was saying, where's my baby, where's my baby? And he refers to the dog as his little baby because all of the rest of his kids have grown up and are on our own and we aren't living at home. And so just to have the comfort of a child, you know, it's like the little dog that's his like little child that's at home that he takes care of.

BALDWIN: Bryan, my dog is my baby as well and I am so glad she's OK. You have your health, your family, your dog. My heartbreaks for you, but I am so glad you are OK. Bryan Shurgot, thank you so much.

SHURGOT: Yes. Thank you.

BALDWIN: We are also following some breaking news now for you out of Florida. George Zimmerman has been shot in what police say is likely a road rage incident. Just two years after the 31-year-old was acquitted in the shooting death of unarmed teenager Trayvon Martin.

[14:10:07] So, Martin Savidge, let me bring you in and you can sort of start piecing this together for me. What - what happened?

MARTIN SAVIDGE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hey, Brooke.

Yes, from what we're hearing right now, this was a shooting that, of course, involved George Zimmerman. It took place in Lake Mary, Florida. Lake Mary is located right next door to Sanford, Florida. And this is the statement that we got from the Lake Mary PE. And it says, "Lake Mary Police Department responded to Lake Mary Boulevard and Trail Head Park after reports of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers confirmed a shooting did occur. George Zimmerman was involved. We aren't releasing any additional information at this time. There were no fatalities. We will do a police briefing later today."

It is said that the injuries, or the wound that George Zimmerman suffered, is described as minor. And then also you pointed out there, there is this report that it appears to be some kind of road rage incident. We don't know exactly how it happened. We don't know exactly who fired upon whom. But what we do know is that George Zimmerman, according to authorities, has suffered a minor gunshot wound, at least that's how it appeared to the first responders on the scene.

And, of course, all of this is greatly being worked on right now. You're looking at aerials that show the area in which this took place. This is very near I-4. So it's a very busy and heavily trafficked area there in central Florida.

Brooke.

BALDWIN: All right. So this is what's happening right now as we're trying to piece this together. But also, let's just back up a half step. Just remind everyone, beyond being acquitted for second-degree murder, I mean, he's made news since being acquitted, right? I mean there were allegations involving his girlfriend. He is no stranger to trouble.

SAVIDGE: Correct. Yes. He's had a number of allegations that have been made. Domestic violence. The charges have been brought and then charges have been dropped. And then, of course, there was, of course, the shooting death of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin. That was February 2012. The trial was a huge sensation in 2013. George Zimmerman was acquitted in that particular trial.

But since then, he has not kept certainly a low profile. He has been involved in a number of controversial cases, and he has made a number of controversial statements. And now you have this incident here, which authorities are still trying to investigate. And it will be interesting to know, you know, in this altercation, was the other person, whoever it may be, aware that this was George Zimmerman? George Zimmerman is known to have a temper. In some way, is that what the road rage is referenced to by the authorities? We don't know. All of that is clearly being investigated. This only just recently happened, Brooke.

BALDWIN: All good questions. Martin Savidge, please stay on it for us. If you get more, we'll put you back on TV. Thank you very, very much.

SAVIDGE: We'll do.

BALDWIN: Next, just a short time from now, the first court appearance of these two men accused of killing two Mississippi police officers. And right now the families of these fallen officers, they're speaking out about who these men were. We have their stories coming up.

Also, that nun featured in the movie "Dead Man Walking" takes the stand in the case of the Boston Marathon bomber. She met with Dzhokhar Tsarnaev in private multiple times. Hear what she had to say on the stand about what he shared with her.

You're watching CNN. I'm Brooke Baldwin. We'll be right back.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[14:17:25] BALDWIN: It is the risk all officers face every shift they start. And right now a community is in mourning after that risk turned into heartbreaking realities for these two Mississippi police officers killed in the line of duty. A vigil has just begun for Hattiesburg Officers Benjamin "B.J." Deen, on the left here, and Liquori Tate. Deen was conducting a traffic stop Saturday,. Tate was backup, when gunfire erupted. Both men shot and killed. Deen was a 2012 officer of the year, a father of two. Tate graduated from the Police Academy just 11 months ago and his sister recalled today how he was a natural protector.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

ALONTE TATE, SISTER OF SLAIN OFFICER: I was the oldest, but he was more like a big brother to me, you know? He would constantly come by in his patrol car around my apartment just to check on me. He would call, send me a text message, just making sure I was all right.

YOULANDER ROSS, MOTHER OF SLAIN OFFICER: He always wanted to be a police officer since he was young. Playing with police cars, and xBox -

BERNELL LONNIE ROSS, STEPFATHER OF SLAIN OFFICER: Xbox.

Y. ROSS: And xBox games, and just having that protective spirit that has always been one of his dreams.

ALISYN CAMEROTA, ANCHOR, CNN'S "NEW DAY": Lonnie, tell us what you want us all to know about Liquori.

B. ROSS: Well, he - we called him Cocoa. His mother nicknamed him that. And most people who know him, know him as Cocoa. He was - will always be remembered as a very respectful young man, very balanced. You know, he loved life. He was fun. He was a fun guy. He was a jokester. He knew how to enjoy life. He loved his mama's cooking, loved to eat.

The thing - the thing I'll remember the most, of course, is every time he came here to Jackson with us, he has three younger siblings here, and it's like a rock star walks in the house. They just go crazy. Cocoa, Cocoa! And I'm going to forget - I mean I'm going to remember that and miss that tremendously, how much he was loved and how much he loved and what a balanced young man that he was. A great example and a very humane police officer. He knew how to treat people with dignity and with great humanity.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BALDWIN: In Mississippi today, crowds are now filling the Lake Terrace Convention Center to pay tribute, something Hattiesburg hasn't had to do for 31 years. Thirty-one years. That was the last time an officer there was killed on duty.

[14:20:08] And as these officers are honored today, their accused killers are due to face a judge in fewer than two hours from now. Two of the suspects, Joanie Calloway and Marvin Banks are charged are two counts each of capital murder.

Attorney General Loretta Lynch paid her respects earlier saying this about Officers Deen and Tate, quote, "the murder of these young men is a devastating reminder that the work our brave police officers perform every day is extremely dangerous, profoundly heroic, and deeply deserving of our unequivocal support." She goes on, "all Americans owe these courageous citizens a debt of gratitude." Loretta Lynch.

Officers around the nation, they are mourning their fallen brothers in blue. The FBI just today released statistics showing that 51 officers were killed in the line of duty in 2014 from criminal acts. But in Baltimore, the deadly risk on the job are not only - the only things here challenging and troubling these officers. "The Baltimore Sun" is reporting the chilling effect some officers are feeling after six of their own were charged in the death of Freddie Gray, the 25-year-old man who died in police custody.

Lieutenant Kenneth Butler from the Vanguard Justice Society, it's a group for black Baltimore police officers, told the paper this. "In 29 years I've gone through some bad times, but I've never seen it this bad." He goes on, "feels as though the state's attorney will hang them out to dry."

With me now, Steve Rogers, retired detective lieutenant with the Nutley, New Jersey, Police Department, and Andy Alperstein, a criminal defense attorney and former prosecutor in Baltimore.

So, gentlemen, welcome to you.

And, you know, this is such an incredibly important conversation to have, but I want you specifically, lieutenant, to react to what we just heard from the president of the vanguard Justice Society in Baltimore saying it's never - he's never seen it this bad. Do you agree?

DETECTIVE LT. STEVE ROGERS (RETIRED), NUTLEY, NEW JERSEY POLICE: I've never - I agree and I've got to tell you, Brooke, that the messages coming from the steps of the White House to the steps of city hall in Baltimore have, in fact, left a chilling effect on police officers, not only in Baltimore, but across this country.

BALDWIN: When we say chilling effect, I want you to be specific. What are you hearing?

ROGERS: I'm hearing from police officers that they're going to be very hesitant before they act in a proactive manner. And this is what police officers have to do. You know, to prevent crime, you want to be proactive. Look, when I was on the job, I would see somebody with an inspection

sticker overdue. I would pull them over and that would lead to either gun seizure or drug seizure. I don't believe that's going to happen anymore. They're going to do their job, but I don't think they're going to go the extra mile because by going the extra mile, they will be presumed guilty instead of innocent as what was said a few weeks ago by the White House and by the mayor and city council people in Baltimore.

BALDWIN: I also - and I know what you're referencing, but also, you know, President Obama, in the wake of what also happened was saying, you know, let's let the justice system be carried out and due diligence on their sides as well.

But, Andy, I mean we've talked before. I mean you're in the trenches there in Baltimore. You're in touch with active officers. And you had mentioned before that, yes, indeed, the chilling effect the lieutenant here had referenced is very real there.

ANDREW ALPERSTEIN, CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY: Well, I think the lieutenant's exactly right. We talked last week about, you know, this idea that there might be a chilling effect and I think what we mean by that needs to be sort of broken down.

BALDWIN: Yes.

ALPERSTEIN: The officers who originally arrested - arrested Freddie Gray, those two are arrested - were charged according to the prosecutor because they made a mistake in thinking that the knife that Gray had was illegal. And I think the point is, is that itself, not that's what's having the chilling effect. In other words, it's deterring police from wanting to arrest people because it makes it such that the police are worried that if they're constitutionally defective in their charging or in their stop or in their arrest, that it - that they're going to be second guessed and be charged. It's not that they were charged, so therefore the police don't want to do their job as a whole. It's that these two first officers that were charged, that's Officer Nero and Officer Miller, that their being arrested and charged is causing the police to hesitate and the consequences of it are coming forth now.

It's not just that they are, you know, not arresting people, but why is that bad? Because we're seeing here in Baltimore a spike in crime, a spike in shootings reported, and it's dramatic. And then beyond that, we're seeing less people on the bail review dockets, that is the people who are coming in for bails. Mondays are normally a very busy day. Today the approximate statistics are, approximate, about 15 to 20 percent down overall and about 50 percent down in felony docket type of bail reviews. Now that's an approximate, but I don't think it's too far off from the folks I'm talking to over at the jail and the courthouse.

[14:24:52] BALDWIN: So Baltimore obviously right now, the epicenter of this national discussion, but lieutenant, you know, I've talked multiple times on this show to a police officer, an active officer in New Mexico, and we talked - he wrote this just beautiful letter in the wake of what happened in Ferguson. And so he mentioned to me months ago that this chilling effect notion and he, too, was saying months ago that officers - he - his own personal worry would be that they would hesitate on the streets. My question would be, do you think what's happening there in Baltimore will have a trickle-down effect - you know, will be pervasive nationwide?

ROGERS: It already is having a trickledown effect across the nation.

BALDWIN: It already is.

ROGERS: And I wish some of these politicians - like I said earlier, the people and the police, they really want to come together. It's the politicians that are creating the problem for political expediency. The police and the people are not enemies of each other because they have to work with each other to solve community problems. But it's when the politicians inject what was injected in Baltimore -

BALDWIN: You're being specific, talking about the state's attorney.

ROGERS: I'm talking about the state attorney, the mayor, all right, coming out with the inflammatory statements that really did a lot of damage to police-community relations. So we have to hope that down the line they wake up a little and just let the people and the police work their problems out together.

BALDWIN: All right. Let's continue having this conversation and watch to see what happens.

Lieutenant, thank you very much. Steve Rogers and Andy Alperstein in Baltimore, thank you.

Next, a catholic nun with a history fighting against the death penalty gets one chance to convince this jury in Boston that the marathon bomber should spend the rest of his life behind bars. Her stunning testimony and her conversations with him ahead.

Plus, just days before a key summit with President Barack Obama, world leaders from across the Middle East are now saying, no, including the king of Saudi Arabia. Is this a snub? We'll talk about the context of this. You're watching CNN.

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