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New Details on Chattanooga Shooting; Officials Identify One of Four Marines Killed; Community Mourns the Loss of Four Marines; James Holmes Found Guilty on 165 Charges; Obama: Military Shooting "Heartbreaking". Aired 9-9:30a ET
Aired July 17, 2015 - 09:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
[09:00:00] CUOMO: Are you going to apologize for calling "Ant-Man" a pest before we let the show end as the movie opens today?
CAMEROTA: I'm sorry, I'm sorry, "Ant-Man." And time now for "NEWSROOM" with Carol Costello.
(LAUGHTER)
CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: Thanks so much.
CUOMO: Another superhero.
COSTELLO: I like that. Have a great weekend.
CUOMO: There you go.
COSTELLO: NEWSROOM starts now.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
COSTELLO: Happening now in the NEWSROOM, four Marines killed in a hail of gunfire by a lone shooter.
LANEESHA LEWIS, WITNESS: He took a shot, and then it was a pause for about two seconds and then it was just shot, shot, shot, shot.
COSTELLO: The feds investigating the rampage as an act of terror.
BARACK OBAMA, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: It is a heartbreaking circumstance.
COSTELLO: So who was the gunman?
ALMIR DIZDAREVIC, SUSPECT'S FORMER COACH: He was smiling, he was courteous, he was polite. Never raised his voice.
COSTELLO: What we're learning about the man who brought this nightmare to Tennessee.
Also, guilty.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: That was just what we needed to hear. COSTELLO: After 13 hours a jury convicts the Colorado theater shooter
of murdering 12 people.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: We're very happy that this animal, this monster will never see the light of day.
COSTELLO: But one question remains. Will James Holmes live or die?
Plus, a miraculous story of survival.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: There was a light and then it was trees and then it was all fire.
COSTELLO: The teen who lived through a fiery plane crash in the wilderness tells CNN how she not only lived but navigated her way back to civilization.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Scared to be alone in the middle of absolutely nowhere.
COSTELLO: Let's talk. Live in the CNN NEWSROOM.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
COSTELLO: And good morning. I'm Carol Costello. Thank you so much for joining me.
New this morning we're learning more about that shooting spree in Chattanooga, Tennessee, including details of the final harrowing gun battle between the shooter and police.
We've also learned the identify of one of the four U.S. Marines killed. Gunnery Sergeant Thomas Sullivan survived two tours of duty in Iraq, but he was killed on U.S. soil when a gunman sprayed bullets into two military facilities in Chattanooga. The first a military recruiting center inside a suburban strip mall. Despite the shattered windows here, no one inside died. But a much different story seven miles away on his final stop. All four fatalities at the Naval and Marine Center. The gunman also wounded a police officer in that shootout that would leave him dead.
Gunman Mohammad Youssuf Abdulazeez was 24 years old and a Tennessee grad. He was not on any American databases for suspected terrorist. In fact, a drunk driving charge just a few months ago was his lone brush with the law.
So was this the act of a criminal or a domestic terrorist?
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
ED REINHOLD, FBI SPECIAL AGENT: We have not determined whether it was an act of terrorism or whether it was a criminal act. We are looking at every possible avenue, whether it was terrorism, whether it was domestic, international, or whether it was a simple criminal act.
(END VIDEO CLIP) COSTELLO: The feds are not taking anything chances, ratcheting up security at some facilities. This is the military recruiting center in the heart of New York's Times Square. You can see police standing guard, emergency response vehicles at the ready.
We are covering all angles of the story but let's begin in Chattanooga with CNN's Victor Blackwell.
Good morning, Victor.
VICTOR BLACKWELL, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Carol, good morning. Now 22 hours or so after this rampage began, the federal teams are still here at the scene outside that recruitment center collecting physical evidence. But maybe the most important part of this investigation is the intelligence side. And as you mentioned, you know, many of the analysts are learning about Mohammad Youssuf Abdulazeez for the first time because he was not on any U.S. databases of suspected terrorists.
Friends and family and coaches in this community say that what they've learned about what happened over the last 24 hours is just not consistent with the Mohammad Youssuf Abdulazeez they knew. Tales about that shootout from law enforcement sources, we're learning that he had in his possession 30-round magazines and an AK-47 style semiautomatic weapon. And one important thing to say, we do not know yet if Abdulazeez was killed by a self-inflicted gunshot wound or if he was shot by a police officer. There will be an autopsy over the weekend to determine that.
Biographically we know he was born in Kuwait. Had Jordanian citizenship and was most recently a U.S. naturalized citizen. MMA fighter. And we heard from one of his coaches actually that he indeed took his Muslim faith seriously, was devout but not overly religious. And you don't have to look any further than the blog post from just July 13th in which he talks about his Muslim faith and how seriously he takes it, but also that DUI arrest in April, you know, the most devout Muslim don't drink alcohol.
We know that he recently went back to the Middle East and now of course investigators and those who knew him personally are looking to that time hopefully for some answers to that question, why.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
[09:05:13] DIZDAREVIC: His demeanor -- it was obviously nothing on him that would show me that he was upset about something. You know. And I know that he moved out of the country about a year or two ago. He went back home and he stayed overseas. And I asked his dad about where's Mohammad. You know, I haven't seen him in a while. He said he moved back home. But I saw him a couple of times when he visited. Now, I'm not going to speculate, but what happens overseas in a certain different environments, I don't know.
SCOTT SCHRAEDER, SUSPECT'S FORMER MIXED MARTIAL ARTS COACH: I mean, he seemed like the all American kid. I mean, he, you know, never loud, never boisterous, never got out of line, hard worker. You know, seemed to enjoy, you know, the training and, you know, got along with everybody.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
BLACKWELL: Yes. And those who knew him also say that Abdulazeez was humorous. Take a look at this yearbook posting from several years ago in which he writes, "My name causes national security alerts. What does yours do?" I mean, at the time that was received as a clever quip, but considering what happened here yesterday it takes on a whole new meaning -- Carol.
COSTELLO: All right. Victor Blackwell, reporting live from Chattanooga this morning, thanks to you.
Investigators are trying to figure out how four Marines who served their nation with distinction could have been gunned down not on a battlefield but right here at home on American soil. Officials have now identified one of those victims, I told you this before, his name is Gunnery Sergeant Thomas Sullivan. Friends and family knew him as Tommy. He was just 40 years old.
Let's bring in CNN senior Washington correspondent Joe Johns to tell us more. Good morning.
JOE JOHNS, CNN SENIOR WASHINGTON CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Carol. Of those four U.S. Marines killed in these two attacks on military locations in the Chattanooga area, as yet he's the only one of those individuals who's been identified publicly.
Marine Gunnery Sergeant Thomas Sullivan reportedly shot to death at the Naval Reserve Support Center. 40 years old, reported to be an Iraq war veteran, a Purple Heart recipient, reported to be from the state of Massachusetts and believed to have been in the military for more than a decade and a half. There are reports that he worked in the past as a Marine recruiter. Now the names of the other three Marines killed have yet to be released. We also don't know the names of the three individuals who were injured but survived.
As you know, Carol, the official reaction to the shootings has been measured. The Department of Homeland Security has said it's enhancing security posture at certain installations -- Carol.
COSTELLO: What more can you tell us about Sgt. Sullivan's military career?
JOHNS: He is an Iraq war veteran, we're told, apparently served two terms of duty, a career military person. So he's been in for a long time, seen a lot and a bit ironic that this is where he would meet his demise.
COSTELLO: Joe Johns reporting live. Thanks so much.
The explosion of gunfire at the beginning of the gunman's rampage shocked those inside a suburban strip mall. Listen to one witness describe the attack on that recruiting office.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP) LEWIS: Before you knew it I saw him raise his gun. And then I saw him take one shot. And then I saw him take consistent shots after that. Because there was a pause in between he took a shot and then there was a pause for about two seconds and then it was just shot, shot, shot, shot.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COSTELLO: So what are investigators most focused on? Let's talk about the federal investigation. Pamela Brown is CNN's justice correspondent.
Anything new that they found out since last night?
PAMELA BROWN, CNN JUSTICE CORRESPONDENT: Well, I can tell you that right now they're still looking to figure out a motive. What would prompt 24-year-old Mohammad Youssuf Abdulazeez to do something like this? Open fire at these two military facilities, Carol.
I'm told by law enforcement sources at this stage they don't have any indication that he made any religious utterings such as -- I can't even say it. Allahu Akbar or any other outward manifestation that he was acting on behalf of a -- you know, a terrorist organization such as ISIS or al Qaeda or something like that. So there's no indication as far as that goes.
They've been interviewing the family and friends of the shooter, trying to figure out, has he become increasingly radicalized. And they're being told at this point, no. That he was a devout Muslim, that recently he did start going to the mosque more, that he grew his beard out in the last couple of months. But this is not someone who outwardly show that he was radicalized.
Also we know that he wasn't on the FBI's radar. He wasn't on any U.S. terror watch list databases, Carol, which this is what authorities have been concerned about, someone that they weren't aware of who could launch an unsophisticated attack. Here's what the special agent in charge of the FBI in Chattanooga, Tennessee, had to say about the investigation.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
[09:10:04] REINHOLD: We are checking every possible place that he could reside or could have resided, visited, where he's shopped, where he went to school, who his friends were, if he worked out at a gym, every possible lead. So we have information that he's been in various locations and we will check each and every one of those.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
BROWN: So still a very active investigation. And it's still, you know, within the 24-hour window. Right now they're just trying to put the pieces of the puzzle together, Carol. Still very early on but again, this is what authorities have been concerned about, someone who goes from flash to bang very quickly. Someone who wasn't on their radar. They didn't have warning signs necessarily before. And if there were, they were missed clearly and could carry out a horrendous attack like this killing four Marines. Just really heartbreaking.
COSTELLO: Pamela Brown, thanks so much. I appreciate it.
And as we begin to learn more about the victims President Obama is asking the nation to keep the families of the four Marines in their prayers. On Thursday the commander-in-chief expressed his condolences from the Oval Office.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
OBAMA: It is a heartbreaking circumstance for these individuals who have served our country with great valor to be killed in this fashion. I speak for the American people in expressing our deepest condolences.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COSTELLO: The president also promises to find out exactly what happened. We'll have more of the president's remarks a little later in the NEWSROOM.
One of those shooting sites has already started to become a makeshift memorial. Here you see a flag and flowers placed outside that recruiting center. The signs read "In our thoughts and prayers." Last night various prayer vigils were also held in Chattanooga. Residents aren't the only ones struggling with this tragedy. Tennessee lawmakers are obviously grappling with it, too.
With me now Republican State Senator Bo Watson. He's on the phone.
Welcome, sir. And thank you for joining me.
BO WATSON (R), TENNESSEE STATE SENATOR: Good morning, Carol. Thank you.
COSTELLO: I would assume the community is still in shock over this.
WATSON: we are. Obviously, no one expects something like this to happen in their community. Particularly a community like Chattanooga. But, you know, we are kind of moving from the response stage to the investigation stage, and I think our citizens are patiently waiting to hear the facts. I must applaud our state and local response, the FBI has applauded them because they have worked this magnificently.
COSTELLO: Is there something more the president or the federal government can do to help in this tragedy?
WATSON: I believe that at this point the federal government has delivered all the assets that are necessary. They certainly haves assured us they will provide any assets. Our Governor Bill Haslam is in down and is still in town. And the state of Tennessee in a support manner will provide any assets that are necessary so I think you will see both the federal government and state and local authorities do all that is necessary to be sure that we thoroughly investigate this to the largest degree possible.
COSTELLO: I know you've been in contact with authorities. Have you heard anything about a possible motive?
WATSON: No. There will be a press conference at 3:00 p.m. and so we are trying to remain consistent with those kind of information releases so that we don't get misinformation circulating through our community. So at this point, no one has a clear motive and we are patiently awaiting the results of the investigation.
COSTELLO: Homeland Security says it's enhancing security at military facilities. What do you think that should mean specifically?
WATSON: Well, obviously, Homeland Security has more information at their fingertips than I do. I think we're going to have a discussion in this day and across this nation about what is the necessary protection for individuals in these kind of circumstances. All the reports that we're receiving and it's been alluded to on a number of reports and a number of news channels that these particular individuals were not allowed to be armed under the federal policy.
I think we're going to have a robust discussion about that. This is probably not the time to do that. I think we need to first settle this issue out. Find out all the facts, the motivation. And then let's have a conversation to be sure that individuals in harm's way, whether they be here or on foreign soil, that they are provided with the necessary resources they have to adequately protect themselves and those around them.
COSTELLO: All right. State Senator Bo Watson, thank you so much for joining me this morning. I appreciate it.
[09:15:00] Still to come in the NEWSROOM, the shootings in Chattanooga, Tennessee, renewing fears of lone wolf attacks in the United States. How in the world could authorities stop them?
Plus, reaction from inside the courtroom as another mass shooter learns his fate. The Colorado theater shooting, that's next.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COSTELLO: As the nation continues to follow the shootings in Chattanooga, a jury will soon decide if another mass killer will live or die. A Colorado jury has ruled James Holmes is a murderer and not legally insane. The movie theater shooter showing no emotion yesterday as the verdict was read.
As for the families of the victims, sighs of relief and tears in the courtroom. Next week, the sentencing phase of the trial begins.
Ana Cabrera is in Centennial, Colorado, with more.
Good morning.
ANA CABRERA, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Carol.
This has been a long time coming, about 11 1/2 weeks of testimony, 250-plus witnesses, thousands of pieces of evidence. [09:20:00] And now a verdict: guilty on all charges. Those are the words that victims, family members and survivors have been waiting to hear for years.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We the jury find the defendant James Egan Holmes guilty of murder in the first degree.
CABRERA (voice-over): The reading of the verdict lasting more than hour on Thursday.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Count 20, count 78, count 165 --
CABRERA: Though James Holmes had already sealed his fate three years ago when he massacred a crowded theater in Colorado. It was a shift decision on the jury's part to taking them just over 12 hours to deliberate, finding the 27-year-old guilty on all 165 charges.
TOM TEVES, FATHER OF ALEX TEVES: This isn't about a thing who indiscriminately kills. If you look at it, it would kill again if it was let out. Thank God the jury saw that and they saw it pretty quick. It's about these people and all those people who were hurt.
CABRERA: Staring stone faced, Holmes display no emotion as the judge read the verdicts.
JANSEN YOUNG, GIRLFRIEND OF VICTIM JONATHAN BLUNK: It's just good. It's just closure. It's finally over. I mean, justice for Jon, and maybe I can really start to making strides to put this behind us.
CABRERA: For the victim's loved ones, relief that the jury did not buy the defense team's insanity strategy.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: We're very happy that this animal, this monster will never see the light of day.
CABRERA: Instead, it was key evidence like his planning notebook, booby-trapped apartment and this sanity evaluation that convinced the jury guilty.
DR. REID: At that time, did you have any doubt that you would end up killing a lot of people?
JAMES HOLMES: No.
CABRERA: Now, this same jury must decide Holmes' sentence.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Will it ever be over? It's hard to say. Some people move forward and others, you know? But at the same time, we'll never forget what happened in the wee hours of July 20th at the hands of the shooter. That's the painful part.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
CABRERA: So, now, this trial moves into a sentencing phase, which is supposed to start next Wednesday. We're told it could last up to a month. It will be a mini-trial of sorts. And this same jury of 12 people, 9 women, will now decide whether Holmes will spend the rest of his life locked up or be put to death -- Carol.
COSTELLO: All right. Ana Cabrera, reporting live this morning -- thank you.
Checking on some over top stories for you at 22 minutes past the hour:
An emergency operations center was activated in Illinois overnight after a tornado ripped through the northwestern part of the state. There was wide spread damage and power outages. No injuries reported.
Former President George H.W. Bush now in fair condition following a fall on Wednesday. Despite breaking the C2 vertebrae in his neck, which attending physician says the 91-year-old is, quote, "in excellent shape and expected to make a full recovery." No word on when President Bush will be discharged.
The sole survivor of a deadly plane crash telling CNN she tried to save her step grandparents after their plane crashed into a Washington mountain last weekend but she could not pull them out of the wreckage because her hand, face and hair were burning.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
AUTUMN VEATCH, PLANE CRASH SURVIVOR: There was a lot of fire and I am a small person. And that's what happened to my hand. I was trying to pull them out, but there was a point where it was like, well -- it's just not happening.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COSTELLO: In less than an hour, we'll have her interview recounting her horrifying two-day journey out of the wilderness.
Still to come in THE NEWSROOM --
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: As far as we know at this juncture, there are no safety concerns for the general public.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COSTELLO: A deadly shooting rocks a Tennessee town as investigators work to understand the motivation of a gunman. The battle to stop a lone wolf, next.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
[09:28:10] COSTELLO: And good morning. Thank you so much for joining me.
Our coverage of the deadly shootings at Chattanooga, Tennessee, continues now. President Obama announcing that the FBI would take the lead in the
investigation, vowing to be thorough in finding out what happened.
The president also paid tribute to the four marines who were killed.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
BARACK OBAMA, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: It is a heartbreaking circumstance for these individuals who have served our country with great valor to be killed in this fashion. I speak for the American people in expressing our deepest condolences.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COSTELLO: CNN's Sunlen Serfaty joins us now from the White House with more.
Good morning, Sunlen.
SUNLEN SERFATY, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Carol.
Yes, the president really promising to be prompt and to be vigilant in this investigation. And he was briefed by the FBI director, James Comey, yesterday here at the White House. Comey made a special trip to brief him in the oval office to give him the latest update on the situation in Chattanooga.
The president really promising that the investigation will be thorough. That investigation led by the FBI. The president's also been in touch with the Pentagon, of course, to make sure that the military facilities are being extra vigilant as the investigators sort out exactly what happened.
We also know that the Department of Homeland Security, they have stepped up some security at the military federal facilities out of an abundance of caution.
And we heard from Vice President Biden, meanwhile, yesterday where he was speaking here in D.C. about broader gun violence and he spoke about the shootings in Chattanooga. Here's what he had to say.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JOE BIDEN, VICE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: My heart goes out to their families and, you know, these young marines were part of your generation that is probably the most incredible generation that this country has seen. Over 4,300,000 since 9/11 signed up and said, "Send me".
