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Early Start with John Berman and Zoraida Sambolin

Police Warn About Bikers Seeking Revenge; Amtrak Derailment Investigation; U.S. Vows to Fight ISIS for Key Iraqi City. Aired 4- 4:30a ET

Aired May 19, 2015 - 04:00   ET

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

[04:00:22] POPPY HARLOW, CNN ANCHOR: Bikers revenge. Police warning that rival bike gangs could bring their fight back to Waco, picking up where a deadly brawl left off. What we are learning this morning, ahead.

Also, investigators are learning new information about the deadly Amtrak derailment. What they're saying about what could have caused the crash.

Happening now, the U.S. vowing to help take back a key Iraqi city from ISIS terrorists. Why this city is so crucial in how Iran is helping in the fight. That's also ahead.

Good morning, everyone. Welcome to EARLY START. I'm Poppy Harlow. It is Tuesday, May 19th, 4:00 a.m. here on the East Coast.

And we begin in Waco, Texas, where people are bracing for the possibility that motorcycle gangs could go to war in the wake of shout-out at Twin Peaks restaurant that left at least nine people dead, 18 people hospitalized, and at least 170 others under arrest.

A new law enforcement bulletin says that leaders of the Bandidos and Cossacks biker gangs have reportedly told members to arm themselves and to head to the Waco area. That bulletin warns police the police presence will not stop gangs from attacking one another.

But a member of the Bandidos denies his club is violent.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SGT. W. PATRICK SWANTON, WACO POLICE DEPARTMENT: When the threat was put out towards law enforcement officers caused us to really step up our game. Obviously, it's something we are concerned about. We would encourage biker groups to stand down. There has been enough bloodshed. There's been enough death here. We don't need additional death in the Waco area.

JIMMY GRAVES, BANDIDOS MOTORCYCLE CLUB MEMBER: We are not a gang. We do not do gang things. They reading too many comic books and watching too many "B" rated biker movies. We have been stereotyped. We are not thugs. When we find a thug in our bunch, we get rid of them.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HARLOW: Late Monday, a Waco judge set bail for many of those jailed at $1 million each. Sources tell CNN the brawl was mainly over territory that the Bandidos don't allow other motorcycle clubs to wear the Texas insignia.

The clash reportedly came as no surprise to police. The law enforcement bulletin obtained by WFAA TV warns of escalating violence between these two biker gangs. In turn, Waco police said they warned the Twin Peaks restaurant was warned of the danger, but they say the restaurant ignored the advice to keep the biker gangs away.

Our Kyung Lah has the latest now from Waco.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

KYUNG LAH, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Poppy.

Law enforcement says the scene is so large that there is so much evidence that the processing of it, the collection of it will spill over into a second day. So, this morning, a continuation of what we've been seeing.

Police primarily focusing on what they can collect like the motorcycles. They are pushing motorcycle after motorcycle on to flatbed trucks, hauling away dozens of them. They are also going through the individual cars, and trying to decide if they're going to release them to the owners or move that into evidence.

More than 100 guns have been collected by police, in addition to other weapons, like knives, batons and chains with padlocks on them. A hundred seventy people in all have been arrested. The sheriff is telling us there are so many people, they had to put the suspects on city buses and then bring them to the convention center for processing.

As far as the restaurant, police say they are now getting cooperation from the owners. The law enforcement here is saying that all of this carnage could have been avoided had the restaurant cooperated with the police in the first place -- Poppy.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

HARLOW: And nine dead left as a result.

Kyung, thanks for that. I appreciate it.

Also new this morning, Shiite militia fighters are preparing to retake the capital of Iraq's Anbar province from ISIS. They are desperately trying to do that. Iraqi security sources telling us here at CNN that nearly 3,000 fighters and the Iranian-backed Hashid al-Shabi militia are gathering at an air base east of Ramadi. This just days after ISIS blasted its way into Ramadi stronghold with armored bulldozers and a series of car bombs. The White House on Monday conceding the loss of Ramadi saying it is a setback and promising to help the Iraqi government retake the city. CNN's Ian Lee is following the latest for us this morning in Iraq. He joins me now live from Cairo.

Ian, it is so critical that they retake Ramadi because if they don't, you could have the highway directly ISIS' heartland in Syria through Ramadi, straight into Baghdad, just 65 miles away.

What other prospects they'll be able to push ISIS out?

IAN LEE, CNN REPORTER: That's exactly right, Poppy. About 80 percent of Anbar province is now in control of ISIS.

[04:05:01] And that does put them closer to Baghdad. It gives them a direct shot to that capital city. Although, it is very unlikely we do not see any indication that they're going to actually try to take the offensive to Baghdad. It's a heavily fortified area. There is a lot of open terrain that would prevent them and make them vulnerable to coalition air strikes.

But retaking Ramadi is going to be difficult. Once you lose ground, they are very good at holding terrain that they have. As we saw in Tikrit, when there are talks of taking that city within days, that turned into weeks because of booby traps and IEDs all over the place. They are fighting to the last men. That's what makes taking ground from ISIS so difficult.

You do have the Hashid Shabi, the Shiite militias that have proven to be effective against ISIS east of Ramadi preparing to go back in. But as we saw in 2005 and 2006, when U.S. forces were in Iraq, it was very difficult for them to bring security, bring control to this area, this Anbar province. It wasn't until the Sunni awakening where they work with the local tribes to bring stability that they were able to do so. That's going to be a difficult task for the Iraqi government to do, especially with the Shiite militias who have bad blood with a lot of Sunnis in Iraq.

HARLOW: No question and that it's that Sunni-Muslim awakening that is now been toppled, and this is going to mean that they're going to have to see urban combat again, like we saw as you just described.

The United Nations this morning saying within the last 48 hours, 25,000 innocent civilians in Ramadi has fled. What is the situation for the rest of them? Is ISIS letting them out?

LEE: That's about 1/10 of the population of Ramadi that was able to flee, and they are the lucky ones. Despite needing food, water, health care, shelter, they were able to get out. For the people who were left behind, as we know from the past, ISIS does not treat people, captives, anyone who they see as an enemy very well.

The spokesman of Anbar province, the governor there gave a story about one person who was executed. Take a listen.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

MUHANNAD HAIMOU, SPOKESMAN, ANBAR PROVINCE: On the first day that ISIS took over the city, they executed a 3-year-old girl whose father was fighting against ISIS. He later died in battle.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

LEE: And we know anyone who they really capture as well as Iraqi security forces don't have really a chance likely to be executed, really quite a reign of brutality when they take ground -- Poppy.

HARLOW: All right. Ian Lee, live for us in Cairo today, thank you, Ian. I appreciate the update.

President Obama ordering the federal government to stop distributing military equipment to police departments. The president saying armored vehicles and war zone weapons make police departments look like an occupying force, not public servants.

And as CNN senior White House correspondent Jim Acosta tell us, the new ban takes effect immediately.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JIM ACOSTA, CNN SENIOR WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: Poppy, nine months after riots turned the streets of Ferguson, Missouri, into what looked like a combat zone, the White House is outlining reforms aimed demilitarizing law enforcement. Under the new policy, federal agencies would be barred from providing police agencies with tank-like vehicles, weaponized the aircraft, high caliber weapons, grenade launchers and camouflage uniforms.

The administration would control, but still allow the acquisition of the armored vehicles that were roaming Ferguson if police departments can show officers are being trained properly. Also permitted under certain conditions are manned aircraft, drones, guns, explosives and riot gear. And after meeting with police officials in Camden, New Jersey, yesterday, the president said too many police agencies look like an occupying force.

Here's what he had to say.

BARACK OBAMA, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: It can alienate and intimidate local residents and send the wrong message. So, we're going to prohibit some equipment made for the battlefield that is not appropriate for local police departments.

ACOSTA: The National Sheriffs Association worries the White House will overreach and leave officers and deputies outgunned. The White House says these new restrictions on that list of banned military equipment takes effect right away. The new training requirements for police departments seeking military hardware kick in later this year -- Poppy.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

HARLOW: And then the question becomes, what happen to all of that that they already have in their departments? What do they do with it?

Jim Acosta, thanks for that. I appreciate it. Well, the Supreme Court cracking down on double taxation. This is a

ruling that could cost the states and cities millions and millions of dollars. The justices siding with Maryland residents who've been forced to pay a state income tax even if they work and pay income tax outside of that state. North Carolina and Wisconsin also double dipped, as do cities like right here in New York, Philadelphia, Cleveland and Detroit. The Supreme Court ruling is expected to cost Maryland $200 million.

All right. Let's get an early start on your money.

[04:10:00] CNN Money correspondent Alison Kosik is here.

Good morning, Alison.

ALISON KOSIK, CNN MONEY CORRESPONDENT: Good morning.

We are looking at stocks at records. Yesterday, the Dow climbed 26 points to top its previous March closing high. The S&P 500 also hitting a record for the third day in a row. So, it looks like that could continue today because we are looking at stock futures pointing higher at the moment.

And there is still a lot more for investors to process this morning because before the bell, we'll hear from Walmart, T.J.Maxx and Home Depot.

Apple losing its claim over the design of the iPhone. A federal appeals court ruled Apple cannot seek damages from Samsung for copying the basic design of the iPhone. Now, the phones do look starkingly similar, rectangle round body, rounded edges, and the placement of the apps on the screen. But the courts said, look, the overall look of the iPhone is essential for smartphones. Apple cannot prevent others from copying it.

It just goes to show that design is so darn good, the judge is saying, tough, you're going to see those copycats.

HARLOW: What do they say copying is the best form of flattery?

KOSIK: There you go. Apple should see it that way.

HARLOW: Not, I'm not sure they do.

Thanks, Alison. I appreciate it.

Well, a new challenge facing President Obama. How to communicate in under 140 characters. The president on Monday joining the Twitter verse with his own handle, POTUS, promising to engage personally with the American people not through a staff member.

The first post was a greeting, reading, "Hello, Twitter. It is Barack. Really, six years in, they're finally giving me my own account." @potus already has more than 1 million followers. There you go, less than 24 hours in, including President Clinton who asked, "Does that use name stay with the office adding?" Adding #askingforafriend.

Well, the FBI releasing new information into what may have caused that deadly Amtrak derailment as injured passengers bond together in court. The latest on that, next.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[04:15:00] HARLOW: Welcome back to EARLY START.

The FBI ruling out a gunshot as the contributing cause of the deadly Amtrak derailment, after examining that grapefruit size damage to the train's windshield. The NTSB says it is possible that another object may have struck the windshield. And there is a mass action lawsuit focusing on the train's speed and lack of speed control technology on the tracks.

Law enforcement meanwhile is keeping its focus on the man who was at the controls of that train, Amtrak 188.

We've got more now from CNN's Rene Marsh.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

RENE MARSH, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Poppy, we have been speaking with law enforcement and government sources here in Philadelphia. And they all indicate that there is a sharp focus on the engineer and his experience, as well as his handling of the train. We do know that this engineer had been on this route, according to the NTSB, for several weeks. That's not a long time.

Now, we should point out although investigators say they are focusing on the engineer's handling of the train, that doesn't necessarily indicate anything criminal. In fact, we know Philadelphia police as well as the district attorney's office here, they're in a bit of a holding pattern. They want to wait and get definitive answers from the NTSB investigation before they move forward with their investigation.

We do know the NTSB has completed the analysis of the train's recorders. That is a fact. So far, so far, they say they have not found any sign of mechanical failure, but a source with the NTSB is stressing that it is too early to rule anything in or out. They say they will not determine the cause of this derailment until this investigation concludes.

And, Poppy, they say that could take 12 months. Back to you.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

HARLOW: And, Rene, thanks so much.

Also this, as Baltimore recovers from those protests and riots that followed the fatal injury of Freddie Gray in police custody. New statistics reveal an alarming increase in shootings and murders in the city. From mid-April to mid-May, 31 people were killed and 39 wounded by gunfire on two occasions. Ten people were shot in a single day. Police say there have been 91 homicides in 2015 that is 21 more at the same point last year.

Breaking overnight, the State Department proposing a January 2016 deadline to complete its review and release of thousands of pages of e-mails from Hillary Clinton that went through her private server while she was secretary of state. Clinton turned over the electronic communications back in December. The agency is responding to a Freedom of Information Act lawsuit seeking all of the former secretary of state's e-mails.

And New Jersey Governor Chris Christie still has not said whether he's running for president or not in 2016, but he sure sounded like a candidate on Monday, laying out his foreign policy vision in a speech in New Hampshire and blasting the current nuclear negotiations with Iran.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

GOV. CHRIS CHRISTIE (R), NEW JERSEY: The framework we've negotiated here seems flimsy, and I have grave concerns over how we're going to make the Iranians live up to their end of the bargain and how we can insure proper, verifiable compliance. The deal structure will lead to a nuclear Iran and then a nuclearized Middle East. That not only threatens, everybody, it threatens the United States and it turns 70 years of nuclear deterrence policy on its head.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HARLOW: Well, the Iraq war has become a political football that prominent Republicans like Jeb Bush and Marco Rubio have bobbled.

Now, Rick Perry is weighing in on this. The former Texas governor and current White House hopeful says knowing what the world knows now, he would not have invaded Iraq as President Bush did. Speaking in Iowa, Perry blamed Iraq's troubles now, including the spread of ISIS on President Obama. Perry accused the president of what he calls, quote, "delusional thinking."

And a deadly fire turning in to a murder mystery in Washington, D.C. A family and their nanny killed, the child as well. New clues the police have in this case, next.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[04:22:41] HARLOW: Police in Washington, D.C. are trying to unravel a bizarre mystery after four people were found dead following a house fire. The victims: a husband and wife, their son and their housekeeper. All three of them had suffered injuries before the fire was set. Now, police have released surveillance video of a person they want to speak with.

CNN's Joe Johns has more.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JOE JOHNS, CNN SENIOR WASHINGTON CORRESPONDENT: Police spent all day Monday at the crime scene gathering evidence when firefighters got to this house in one of Washington's most upscale neighborhood just blocks from the vice president's residence. The smoke and flames were still shooting out of the second floor.

But the fire has turned into a case of suspected arson and a murder mystery. Police are now seeking to talk to one individual caught on surveillance with video, racing away wearing a hoodie and carrying a large white object. Police believe he may have been driving the family's blue Porsche that was found abandoned in a Maryland suburb, outside of Washington, D.C.

The victims include Sawas Savapolous, the CEO of building materials company, along with his wife Amy, a socialite and fundraiser, and their young son Phillip, a student at the famous St. Albans School. Also found in the house with the family, one of their housekeepers.

Adding to the mystery, another employee of the family told CNN affiliate WJLA, she received a text from Amy Savapolous hours before the fire, telling her to stay away. She also said Mr. Savapolous has left her a tense sounding voice message the night before telling her his wife was sick.

As of Monday, the D.C. medical examiner had not determined the cause and manner of death, whether it was blunt force trauma, stab wounds, smoke inhalation or something else. But the police called this a homicide and said the victims had been attacked before the fires.

Joe Johns, CNN, Washington.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

HARLOW: Tragic story.

Joe, thank you for that.

A deadly mudslide and flash flooding devastating a small town in western Colombia. An avalanche of mud, rocks and trees wiping out dozens of homes, killing 62 people, injuring 37 in Salgar. That is some 60 miles west of Medellin. The disaster struck at 3:00 in the morning. Officials say several small children have been rescued. Their parents have not been found alive.

[04:25:00] And in a humanitarian crisis is unfolding in Yemen. Saudi air strikes bombarding Houthi rebel targets with ground fighting intensifying after a failed five-day ceasefire, a ceasefire designed to get much needed food, medicine and fuel to the citizens of Yemen. But they say the help has not reached them. Over 1,600 people have now been killed in this war between the Houthis and forces loyal to Yemen's ousted president.

And the European Union approving the use of military force against human traffickers in the Mediterranean. It is a significant escalation to a migrant smuggling crisis that has already claimed close to 2,000 lives this year alone. The decision allows the European nations to move ahead with the naval operation to include destroying those smuggler vessels that ferry migrants from North Africa to Europe. And police warning that the biker gang violence in Waco, Texas, may

not be over. It may be getting worse. Threats of revenge just days after that deadly brawl. The latest, next.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HARLOW: Biker gang war. Police warning that rival groups of bikers behind a deadly weekend brawl could be coming back for more violence. What we are learning this morning, ahead.

The FBI releasing new information into what could have caused that deadly Amtrak derailment, and the war on ISIS now focused on a key Iraqi city. How the terrorists took over Ramadi and how the United States and Iran are planning to try to take it back.