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Two Suicide Bombers Hit Beirut; Utah Couple Hoping to Adopt Foster Daughter Denied; Honoring Veterans on Veterans Day. Aired 3:30-4p ET

Aired November 12, 2015 - 15:30   ET

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

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[15:34:56] BROOKE BALDWIN, CNN HOST: Here's an update on our breaking news out of Beirut, Lebanon. An apparent claim of responsibility for these suicide bombings specifically from ISIS. Here's what we know. At least 41 people have been killed here. Rush hour, residential neighborhood, southern Beirut. More than 200 people wounded after the suicide bombings there. The explosions we are told moments apart. The first blast came from a motorcycle covered in explosives. The second just minutes later.

And you see all the traffic here on the street. Crowds were gathering, many people trying to rush in to help these victims. We're also learning in a statement posted online by ISIS the terror group is claiming responsibility for these blasts. CNN cannot confirm the authenticity of that statement.

CNN's terror analyst and co-author of "Agent Storm, my life inside Al- Qaeda," Paul Cruickshank joins me here with the latest.

In fact, you have some new information you can add to what we have already been reporting.

PAUL CRUICKSHANK, CNN TERRORISM ANALYST: That's right, Brooke. A Lebanese security source says that three local Hezbollah leaders in southern Beirut were killed in the suicide bombings. The source saying they were in the wrong place at the wrong time. These blasts taking place in a southern neighborhood of Beirut, a Hezbollah stronghold. This appears to be a target against the Shia. ISIS are claiming responsibility. They haven't offered proof they were responsible where this fits into ISIS' ambitions to plunge Lebanon into sectarian chaos. They are very much hoping if it's them that Hezbollah react against the Sunnis inside Lebanon and you had a vicious cycle of violence.

[15:35:36] BALDWIN: A cauldron of violence, you are saying. In Sunni she had cauldron of violence. they are trying to stir up because -- what's the hope for them?

CRUICKSHANK: The more violence there is, the more the Sunnis will be radicalized inside Lebanon and the more e recruits they can get. But so far Lebanon hasn't gone the way of Syria and hasn't entered the abyss. Their memories of that civil war in the various leaders of the various factions have not allowed things to get out of hand so far. But ISIS is trying to change that. They are also trying to target Hezbollah because they have been carrying out all these operations in support of the Assad regime inside Syria, Brooke.

BALDWIN: The fact that this was 6:00 local time, a bustling part of southern Beirut near a Palestinian refugee camp, all of that. And suicide bombings characteristic of ISIS?

CRUICKSHANK: Characteristic of ISIS, characteristic of Al-Qaeda linked groups. There's a group called the (INAUDIBLE) group in Lebanon which is carried out a number of suicide bombings inside Lebanon notably in November 2013 against the Iranian embassy in Beirut. But ISIS very, very quick to claim this.

They have also claimed other attacks against Shia targets elsewhere in the region, notably in Kuwait, notably in Saudi Arabia. What they want to do is plunge the entire region into a Sunni/Shia civil war to take advantage of the chaos.

BALDWIN: What about, and this may not be connected whatsoever, but when I think of the timing we have been talking with Nick Paton Walsh in the Sinjar area of Iraq and you see what the Peshmerga. And U.S. coalition is able to do in northern Iraq here. Would this at all be a result of that?

CRUICKSHANK: Well, it all plays to these broader sectarian tensions across the region where on the one hand you have Shia groups like Hezbollah. A Shia majority government like the Iraqi government on the other side, groups like Al-Qaeda and ISIS. And as we move forward, this sectarian tension is only increasing across the Middle East. It's just disturbing the trend lines we're now seeing.

BALDWIN: I have new information. Let me just get this to everyone as we're covering this suicide blast out of Beirut. The body of a third attacker who failed to detonate his suicide vest was found at the site of the deadly twin bombings in southern Beirut. This is according to the Lebanese army in a statement there. So the body found that didn't deploy. So potentially more violence they were hoping for.

CRUICKSHANK: Yes. Reports there were three suicide bombers, that one of the suicide bombers wasn't able to detonate his devices. He was actually killed by one of the other suicide bombers and their blast. But very, very early stages in the reporting. They are trying to sort all this out, trying to see which group was responsible. Because ISIS does have a track record of opportunistically claiming attacks like this we need an investigation to find out who is really responsible for this.

BALDWIN: Paul Cruickshank, thank you so much. I appreciate it.

And keep it here on CNN. We'll be right back.

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[15:43:14] BALDWIN: A Utah couple hoping to adopt their foster daughter has been told no. But it's not because this judge thinks they are unfit parents, it's because according to the judge they are gay. Becky Pierce and April Hoglan (ph) say they welcomed a 1-year- old girl into their home in August and they were hoping to move forward with adopting her and raising her along with their two biological children. Everybody was on board including child and family services. The baby's biological mother wanted them to adopt this child. All except for this one very important man here, juvenile court judge Scott Johansen. He brought the couples' plans to a screeching halt this week and ordered the baby to be removed from their home.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: He said through his research he had found out that kids in homosexual homes don't do as well as they do in heterosexual homes. And when they asked to show his research, he would not. It's heartbreaking because we have been told to care for this child like a mother would and I am her mother. I mean, that's who she knows. And she's just going to be taken away in seven days to another probably good loving home, but it's just not fair. It's not right. It just hurts me really badly because I haven't done anything wrong.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BALDWIN: And then there was this. CNN just received this response from the juvenile court. It reads "the Utah code of judicial conduct prevents judges and court staff from commenting on pending cases. We do appreciate your taking the time to contact us about your concerns."

So Troy Williams, let me bring you in. You are the executive director of Equality Utah group that advocates for equal rights and protection for the LGBT community in that state.

And Troy, I can only imagine, sir, your reaction to that case. So here's what I want you to tell me. I know that this judge here in order to back his ruling. He cited some research, asked to produce the research, has yet to do so. Do you know what he's drawing his research from?

[15:45:30] TROY WILLIAMS, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, EQUALITY UTAH: We can only assume that it's the (INAUDIBLE) story. He was the Texas sociologist that the right wing folks have been using and pulling out that research as they were trying to make the case for why marriage equality shouldn't be the law of the land. His research has been debunked. It's been thrown out by any court that was presented. We're assuming that's the research.

BALDWIN: OK. Do you know -- are you in on the weeds as far as what the state of the case is? Any movement whatsoever?

WILLIAMS: Well, April and Becky have legal representation. So they have a great legal team at their side. Governor Herbert, our very conservative governor who fought against marriage quality here in the state, he is concerned about this ruling. He says he is puzzled by it and concerned that the judge is being an activist from the bench.

BALDWIN: OK, I guess bigger picture we were thinking of what's happening in the past couple years here, you know, in Utah. A gay ban overturned. Discrimination bill passed. This march in Salt Lake City, is poised to have its first openly gay mayor. The judge is riding against the tides. I mean, what is at stake for the LGBT community?

WILLIAMS: We have made tremendous gains in the past two years. We were the first red state to overturn a gay marriage ban and the only Republican-controlled legislature to ever pass a pro LGBT bill in the nation. So when you make such great strides, we do anticipate that there will be a backlash. We are seeing if across the country. We are seeing it in Houston, Texas and we are seeing it here in Utah in the small pocket in Carbon County. But we are confident this ruling is egregious. It is also unconstitutional. And this is just a small setback. We are on the path to progress. And we are going to keep moving forward.

BALDWIN: Troy Williams, thank you very much. We'll stay in contact. I know my friend, Ashleigh Banfield talked to one of the moms earlier today. We will stay in touch with them. Thank you, sir.

WILLIAMS: Thank you.

BALDWIN: Coming up next, an army of veteran who was awarded the Purple Heart and then followed his dream to play football in college. He is being honored tonight in New York. He will join me here onset on this day after Veterans Day.

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[15:52:07] BALDWIN: All right. After all the buildup, all the controversy, the official ratings are in for this past weekend. Donald Trump's appearance as host of "Saturday Night Live," and it turns out they were huge. A lot of people watched. The Republican presidential candidate host the hour and a half long show live here from 30 Rock.

So let's go to our senior media correspondent Brian Stelter with the official numbers. Do tell.

BRIAN STELTER CNN SENIOR MEDIA CORRESPONDENT (on the phone): Yes, Brooke, there is this Trump ratings bump we've seen for months. And here's evidence of it. "SNL" usually gets five or six million viewers every Saturday night, but with Donald Trump had more than nine million viewers.

BALDWIN: Wow.

STELTER: Millions of people tuning in that don't normally watch but they did thanks to Donald Trump. You know, it wasn't very well reviewed, but that really didn't matter because Donald Trump was able to do basically a free campaign ad at least for a few minute minutes. Remember how Larry David said Trump --

BALDWIN: Right. Is he going to get the $5,000 or what?

STELTER: Well, the group has been trying to reach him. The group that pulled off that stunt has been trying to reach Larry David. They want to pay him the $5,000 but they can't get ahold of them. So right now they're thinking about giving it to Bernie Sanders instead.

BALDWIN: Something tells me Larry David does not need it. He could donate it I suppose. Brian Stelter, thank you so much.

And now to segment I have been waiting for here. Tonight is a big night here in New York City. A remarkable veteran will be honored here in New York. The group called The Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans in America or IAVA selects one outstanding vet each and every year. And this year it is Daniel Rodriguez. And what a story he has. His service in Afghanistan is enough to earn praise and honor. He fought in one of the bloodiest clashes there. The year was 2009. Eight Americans lost their lives in a battle that lasted more than 12 hours. Another 22 were wounded including Rodriguez himself.

So in the wake of that, he earned not only a Purple Heart but a bronze star. And that is just the start of his story. Apparently he had other dreams as well, dreams of playing football at an elite level. And so he produced his own college recruitment video. And enough people saw it including the coach there at Clemson University to have him walk-on. And he played in 37 consecutive games, but apparently he wasn't finished with that. He has played for the St. Louis rams. And this Sunday he'll be back as their honorary captain.

So, without further-adieu, my goodness, Daniel Rodriguez sitting next to me all smiles here. And CEO and founder of IAVA, I have Paul Rieckhoff, a friend.

So wonderful to see you. So awesome to meet you. Congratulations and thank you, thank you, thank you both for everything you've done.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Thank you.

BALDWIN: Let me just begin with take me back to October 3rd, 2009. Talk to me about how bad that was?

DANIEL RODRIGUEZ, BRONZE STAR AND PURPLE HEART RECIPIENT: It was horrible. You know, we were kept getting reports that we were going to get overrun by 300 plus Taliban for about over a month. And it was just one of those things that we thought they were crying wolf every time we would hear the chatter. And on October 3rd, I went to use the computer on any given day and rockets just started coming in and they didn't stop. And I had about a 300-meter run uphill to my fighting position. Ended up taking some shrapnel in my legs, bullet fragment through my shoulder. My good friend was killed in front of me while I was trying to pull him out --.

[15:55:22] BALDWIN: In front of you.

RODRIGUEZ: Yes. So we lost eight Americans in the fire fight. I was fighting for my own quarters. I mean, everything was burned to the ground. Everybody thought everybody was dead. I mean, I have a vivid image of the Taliban just walking into our base with their weapons slung because they would overrun us. It was kind of a very daunting day, if you will. So, you know. But we fought back. Ended up getting everything, you know, situated where he did take casualties but at the end of the day we won the fight.

BALDWIN: Wow. Just take a minute on that one. So you came home awarded the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, initially before we get into football what was being home like?

RODRIGUEZ: It was tough. Just the adjustment. I had nobody around me who knew what I was going through. You know, when I came home from Iraq, at least had friends that understood what I was going through overseas. You know, when I came home and out of the military, I found myself at home alone and with PTSD and TBI and on the verge of suicide, and just a very long time in my place. And you know, it came back full circle when I wanted to keep a promise to a friend. And that's what really got everything rolling for me to potentially play college football.

BALDWIN: You said, I watched this video. You said you woke up one morning and you said to yourself it starts today.

RODRIGUEZ: It starts today.

BALDWIN: What's the it?

RODRIGUEZ: It is just changing it, you know. I felt that I had been given a second chance at life. And if I didn't do something positive with my life then my friends that gave their life for this country, you know, it's almost in vain, you know. So who am I to live a lazy or selfish life? So I wanted to it started today and just change everything about the way I was living and just pursue to try to be great and just be great with whatever I do.

BALDWIN: I'm getting to the football, but looking at you we all understand why we're honoring this man tonight.

PAUL RIECKHOFF, CEO/FOUNDER, IRAQ AND AFGHANISTAN VETERANS OF AMERICA: This is what it's all about. This is what our Veterans movement is all about. Showing people you can go through a lot but come out on the other side and be stronger. And not just move forward yourself, but it is about others. We call it the vets rising movement. And Daniel is, you know, a tremendous example of that.

So tonight we are humble to be able to honor him. But also gives us a chance to reflect on the sacrifice and leadership of over three million men and women who served in Iraq and Afghanistan. That's what Veterans week is all about. It is Veterans Day yesterday is all about. So we are honored to celebrate him. But also give folks a chance to hear his story and understand veterans aren't broken. They are not damaged. They are leaders. And they can adapt, improvise and overcome and go all the way from Afghanistan to the St. Louis Rams. It is incredible American success story.

BALDWIN: Before we get to the Rams, though. I'm with you as a southern girl, I appreciate my college football, so I appreciate this Clemson here. And so you decide you get this recruitment video going, coach at Clemson takes a look. But this was about more than just being this, you know, patriot playing football. You know, you talk about wanting grass stains on your uniform, and you got them.

RODRIGUEZ: Exactly.

BALDWIN: What was a major moment for you in all those games?

RODRIGUEZ: I think really just kind of solidifying myself that I can play the game. You know, I felt that I was, you know, feel good story at first coming in. But I really wanted to prove that I could play the game. And I put so much work into working out and just putting myself in the best position to get on the field. And it came like my second season I scored a touchdown and it was one of those moments where I just realized that I kind of did it. And I made it, you know. So it was fun. And just being able to play in consecutive games on special teams, punt returning, you know, playing with great NFL players now. You know, the camaraderie back in the locker room is what I wanted. So it was a great running and I miss it already.

BALDWIN: What are you doing right now other than inspiring everyone in this room and people in the room tonight when we're all together? I mean, you're speaking --

RODRIGUEZ: Yes, I speak full time. So I'm on the speaker circuit. I'm pretty busy with that. I'm training full time so as a free agent, hoping to get back into the NFL. I would give another shot if I can. I've talked to Canadian teams and European teams. So, you know, just whatever presents itself, I just want to make the most of it and continue to do what I do. And that's what make the most of any opportunity.

BALDWIN: I mean, you have this outstanding story. And I mean, I talked to a veteran yesterday double amputee who (INAUDIBLE). It is like, are you serious? Beyond these people who have these outstanding stories, 45 seconds, I mean, there are veterans among us. I have veterans in my family. We all know veterans, how can we be better humans and Americans for our veterans?

RIECKHOFF: Well, be a part of the Veterans movement. Go to iava.org and sign up. You can actually live stream the event that Daniel's at tonight or any of heroes' galas. And you can share that with your friends from the comfort of your own home and see what the movement's all about. But the key is to make every day veterans day. We came together as a nation yesterday. IAVA led 144 vet get togethers all across the country. But our mission is make every day Veterans Day and everybody watching can help us do that.

BALDWIN: OK. I asked him where his orange bowl ring was, but he told me he has an orange bowl watch on.

RIECKHOFF: Got some Clemson socks on.

BALDWIN: He's got some swag. I'll see you tonight in tuxes little later. IAVA if you don't know it, get to know it.

Daniel and Paul, thank you so, so much for everything.

RIECKHOFF: Thank you, Brooke. Appreciate it very much. BALDWIN: And thank you so much for being with me here. It's been a

busy Thursday. A lot of breaking news. Stay with CNN. We'll be all over it in what's happening in Iraq, Beirut.

I'm Brooke Baldwin. "The LEAD" with Jake Tapper starts right now.

JAKE TAPPER, CNN CHIEF WASHINGTON CORRESPONDENT: Thanks, Brooke.

A bomb in the air and now bombs on the ground.

"The LEAD" start right now.

END