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Early Start with John Berman and Zoraida Sambolin
Orlando in Mourning; Trump Told GOP Critics Should Be Quiet; England Mourns Murdered Lawmaker; Humanitarian Crisis in Fallujah. Aired 4-4:30a ET
Aired June 20, 2016 - 04:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
[04:30:07] RYAN NOBLES, CNN ANCHOR: Overnight, tens of thousands of people mourning the victims of the Orlando terror attack as vital new details are set to emerge later today.
CHRISTINE ROMANS, CNN ANCHOR: The Senate will vote on four different gun control amendments today. None is expected to pass. Can the Senate make a deal?
NOBLES: Four dead from intense heat. Five wildfires raging. And the forecast, it is only getting hotter.
Welcome back to EARLY START. I'm Ryan Nobles.
ROMANS: It's nice to see you this morning.
NOBLES: Thank you.
ROMANS: First day of summer, we get Ryan. I'm Christine Romans. It's 30 minutes past the hour.
On the latest, we give you information on the Orlando nightclub massacre. Law enforcement officials will release partial transcripts from three phone calls the gunman Omar Mateen made to police describing his motives. Attorney General Loretta Lynch says only partial transcripts will be released, quote, "to avoid re-victimizing" those people that went through this horror.
The attorney general travels to Orlando tomorrow to meet victims and their families, first responders, federal prosecutors and others. 18 victims are still in the hospital from this attack after one was released Sunday. Four remain in critical condition.
Last night, victims were remembered at a huge vigil organized virally on Facebook. And then this really got a lot of attention. Hundreds of people cheered and took pictures when this happened. A bright beautiful rainbow suddenly appeared over the event.
CNN's Ed Lavandera has more.
ED LAVANDERA, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Christine and Ryan, when this event was organized a week ago the organizer tells me that he expected maybe 100 people to show up. But on Sunday night here in downtown Orlando on the banks of a lake, some 50,000 people turned out for this memorial service and candlelight vigil for those who were killed and gunned down in the deadly shootout there at the Pulse nightclub a week ago.
An unbelievable sight of outpouring of grief and public emotion here at this vigil. It's staggering to see the numbers of people who have come out here to show their support for the survivors and the victims, and victims' relatives, as well.
But Monday will also be a day where we learn much more about what happened inside of the Pulse nightclub more than a week ago. Authorities plan on releasing transcripts -- partial transcripts of the conversations they had with the killer during the attack inside of the Pulse nightclub, and so that is news that will emerge here later on today -- Christine and Ryan.
NOBLES: Ed, thank you.
In the wake of the Orlando tragedy, the Senate votes on four different gun control amendments today. Two sponsored by Democrats, two by Republicans. The first two proposals set for a vote are aimed at tightening up gun purchase background checks. The second two make it harder to buy a gun if you are on a federal terror watch list.
Now none of the amendments is expected to pass. A fifth proposal will be unveiled this afternoon. A compromise measure from moderate Republican Susan Collins would reduce the number of people who can buy guns because they're on a terror watch list. Unknown when or if the compromise will get a vote.
ROMANS: Donald Trump has asked for a meeting with the NRA about banning gun sales to those on terror watch lists. But that meeting may now get off to an awkward start. The National Rifle Association says Trump's new suggestion that nightclub patrons should be armed, quote, "defies common sense." Last week Trump said fewer people would have died in the Orlando massacre if some of the club-goers had guns. But on Sunday, NRA president Wayne LaPierre told CBS he did not think that it was a good idea for people to be armed and drinking.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
DONALD TRUMP (R), PRESUMPTIVE PRESIDENTIAL NOMINEE: If you had guns in that room, if you -- even if you had a number of people having them strapped to their ankle or strapped to their waist, where bullets could have flown in the other direction right at him, you wouldn't had the same kind of a tragedy.
WAYNE LAPIERRE, CEO, NATIONAL RIFLE ASSOCIATION: I don't think you should have firearms where people are drinking.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
NOBLES: And Donald Trump stirring up another controversy over the weekend. Renewing his call for the U.S. to consider racial profiling to prevent future terror attacks.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
TRUMP: I think profiling is something that we're going to have to start thinking about as a country. And other countries do it, and you look at Israel and you look at others, and they do it and they do it successfully. And, you know, I hate the concept of profiling but we have to start using common sense and we have to use -- you know, we have to use our heads.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
NOBLES: This is not the first time Trump has called for such tactics. After the San Bernardino attack he also called for barring some Muslims from entering the country and for increased surveillance on Muslims and mosques. Now Attorney General Loretta Lynch warning against approaches that alienate the Muslim community, telling CNN Sunday that anyone being radicalized will be noticed first by their friends and family.
ROMANS: And Donald Trump hitting back this morning at the criticism he's received from top Republican leaders who are upset at his controversial rhetoric. Over the weekend Trump threatened to return to self-funding his campaign. He told GOP leaders to stop bad mouthing him.
[04:35:04] This as anti-Trump Republicans held their second strategy call in less than a week. Organizers say there were about 1,000 people on this conference call last night, 1,000 people, all trying to chart a plan for blocking Trump from the nomination.
More now from CNN's Chris Frates.
CHRIS FRATES, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Christine, Ryan, a small group of Republican delegates is pushing for the party to adopt a so-called conscience clause that would allow delegates to vote against Donald Trump.
Now convention coup has little shot at success for a couple of reasons. Number one, Trump has installed his loyalists on the convention's most important committee so he's got a lot of influence there and perhaps more importantly there's no alternative to Donald Trump. The never Trumpers have been unable to find someone, to find anyone frankly to challenge Trump. But the group and top Republicans who have been critical of Trump have gotten the billionaire's attention.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
TRUMP: They shouldn't be talking so much. They should go out and do their job. Let me do my job. I have tremendous support from both politicians and the people. Tremendous support. Unfortunately, the media just likes to cover really a small number of people that maybe have something to say. I think they should go about their work. Let me run for president. I think I'm going to do very well.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
FRATES: Still, it's Trump's own rhetoric that has helped the dump Trump movement stay alive. His comments at a judge hearing a lawsuit against him had a conflict of interest because he was of Mexican descent, were called racist by members of his own party, and when he doubled down on his policy to ban Muslims immigration in the wake of the Orlando shootings, top Republicans again oppose that idea, with House Speaker Paul Ryan even suggesting the House might sue a President Trump to stop that ban.
But with the general election under way Republicans had hoped Trump would tone it down a little bit and act more presidential. Something Trump has said he'll do as soon as he is president. But many Republicans worry that if he doesn't do it sooner, he'll never get that chance -- Christine, Ryan.
NOBLES: All right, Chris.
Hillary Clinton headlines big money fundraisers in New York today and in Washington, D.C. tomorrow. She'll be joined by top lawmakers tomorrow. The former secretary of state delivers a speech on the economy and she's expected to paint Donald Trump as a shady, self- interested candidate who is unfit for office.
ROMANS: All right. But before she talks about the economy tomorrow, take a look at the first photos of Hillary Clinton's new grandson. Aiden Clinton Mezvinsky coming into the world at 7:41 Saturday morning. Hillary and her daughter Chelsea releasing these pictures late Sunday afternoon with Grandma Clinton tweeting, "What a joy being with our new grandson Aiden. So grateful."
Right there in the middle of the political season. Political family. Welcome to the -- welcome to the big time, buddy. Cute, huh?
NOBLES: Incredible to see how adoring they are of that child.
Lethal heat spreading across the country. Leaving four dead and wildfires raging. That's next.
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[04:42:12] NOBLES: Campaigning has resumed with just three days remaining before the big Brexit vote in the U.K. The historic referendum on whether Britain should stay in the European Union or exit has been overshadowed in recent days by the stunning murder of Jo Cox.
Over the weekend mourners remembered the 41-year-old lawmaker as a shining example of what politicians should be. She's the first sitting British sitting lawmaker to be killed in 26 years.
For the latest let's go live now to Bristol, England and bring in international diplomatic editor Nic Robertson.
Nic, what's the latest?
NIC ROBERTSON, CNN INTERNATIONAL DIPLOMATIC EDITOR: Yes, Ryan, there's no doubt that Jo Cox is going to be missed in this community. This was really seen as somebody who brought the community together at a time when the referendum was really becoming very divisive, the political tone was extreme. That's why the campaigns went on pause out of respect. And now they've come back from that pause. We're hearing from people that they feel that the tone is better. That the way that the immigration issue is being dealt with which is one of the most divisive issues at the moment is being dealt with in better, softer tones.
But there are some people we're talking to here who are considering that they would decide to vote to leave the European Union who are now considering changing their minds to remain in the European Union because they are concerned about Jo Cox's murder, they're concerned about what that means, and they're concerned that perhaps voting out is a vote for less stability. Less stability in their community, less stability in the country, less stability in their futures.
The big concern for most people is how is it going to affect the economy. And of course that's something David Cameron, the prime minister, is making a big case of. He is focusing on the fact that people are better off staying in and better off staying in the European Union and that would be better on their pocketbooks.
The Leave campaign had momentum, was beginning to edge ahead in the polls last week. The early indications right now is that the Remain campaign is now perhaps pulling back. It is still way too close to call -- Ryan.
NOBLES: All right. Nic Robertson in Bristol, England. Nic, thank you.
ROMANS: All right. That's exactly the story that's fueling markets this morning. Time for an EARLY START on your money.
Global markets higher. European stocks surging, look at that, more than 2 percent higher for London and Frankfurt. The feeling here is that Britain could vote to remain in the European Union and that would be something that markets obviously want to see. They don't want the uncertainty of Brexit. Voters in the U.K. will decide this Thursday whether the country will leave or remain in the 28-nation European Union. It would have big implications for global and U.S. stocks.
Brexit already causing major volatility on Wall Street. The Dow, the Nasdaq, the S&P 500 all lost at least 1 percent last week. Now weekend polls show U.K. voters are leaning toward remaining in the EU.
[04:45:06] Experts say we could experience a huge sell-off Friday if the country were to leave. Right now, though, in the U.S. futures are higher. The idea here is that now the pendulum has shifted a little bit toward stay. And that's something that world markets want to see.
NOBLES: And you wonder if more Americans are starting to pay attention to this now because there is a clear impact on us as well.
ROMANS: I think so. I mean, I think people are starting to hear more about it and say, wait, what is this all about, you know, and would this affect the United States' economy. It would mean uncertainty in global markets. And that would be something that would be bad for your 401(k).
NOBLES: Definitely. All right. Thank you.
At least five deadly wildfires are burning across the desert southwest right now. This as the broiling heat kills at least four people over the weekend in Arizona. Two of them dying while hiking in triple- digit temperatures. And those scalding temperatures will continue today. More now on the threat from meteorologist Pedram Javaheri.
PEDRAM JAVAHERI, AMS METEOROLOGIST: Christine and Ryan, good morning to you both.
(WEATHER REPORT)
JAVAHERI: Send it back to you.
ROMANS: All right, Pedram. Thank you for that.
A bizarre, troubling mystery unfolding in suburban Philadelphia. A 51-year-old man found living with 12 girls ranging from six months to 18 years old. And Bucks County police say Lee Caplan fathered two children with the oldest girl. The oldest girl who was gifted to him by a couple living 100 miles away in Lancaster County. Caplan faces statutory sex assault charges. The couple who gifted him their daughter, gave him their daughter, Daniel and Sylvia Solstice, they are charged with endangering the welfare of children.
NOBLES: Police in Los Angeles investigating the freak accident that killed "Star Trek" actor Anton Yelchin. The 27-year-old had stepped out of his car in his driveway around 1:00 a.m. Sunday. The car somehow rolled backwards and crushed him against a brick pillar and a security fence. Yelchin's body was later found by friends who became concerned when he didn't show up for a rehearsal.
ROMANS: Dustin Johnson is golf's U.S. Open champion. He posted a 69 at Oakmont Sunday. Good for a four-shot win. But it will go down as a three-shot win. Officials assessing Johnson a one-stroke penalty after the round because of this. His ball moved while he was about to putt on the fifth green. The penalty could have cost Johnson the title but he managed to compose himself down the stretch to win his first major.
NOBLES: And there are a lot of happy people in Cleveland today. That's --
ROMANS: Something happened in Cleveland?
NOBLES: Something happened, happened in Oakmont but --
ROMANS: For Cleveland.
NOBLES: Those people in Cleveland are pretty happy about it. They're celebrating the first major sports championship since 1964. LeBron James returning home and winning his third ring. His first with the Cavaliers. 93-89. It was a Game Seven victory last night over Golden State who had posted the best record in the regular season in NBA history.
ROMANS: Yes.
NOBLES: This game happened in Oakland. It's the first time a team has ever comeback from a 3-1 deficit to capture an NBA title. James, of course, the series MVP, a unanimous pick. He had a triple double, 27 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists.
And not that there was a real discussion before, Christine, but I think we can definitively say now that LeBron James is one of the best ever.
ROMANS: I would say so, too. But I would like to say the Warriors were very fun to watch this season.
NOBLES: Yes, they were.
ROMANS: Thank you, thank you for a really fun season. A lot of sleepless nights.
(LAUGHTER)
ROMANS: All right. 49 minutes past the hour.
Ever dreamed of flying to space? Well, space tourism may soon be a reality. We'll get an EARLY START on your money next.
[04:49:52]
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
NOBLES: Iraqi Security Forces are gaining the upper hand in the bloody struggle to liberate the city of Fallujah from ISIS. Military officials in Iraq expect the remaining insurgents to be driven out soon. Well over 80,000 civilians have been forced to flee Fallujah during four weeks now of fighting with nearly half of them displaced in just the half three days.
Let's get the latest now on the offensive from senior international correspondent Ben Wedeman. He is live in Baghdad.
Ben, what is the latest?
BEN WEDEMAN, CNN SENIOR INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Well, what we understand is that as many as 30,000 people have fled Fallujah within the last three days. And they are leaving Fallujah to a very uncertain fate because the Iraqi authorities don't seem to have been prepared for this number of people fleeing the city. They've set up a variety of camps, but for instance in one camp according to the Norwegian Refugee Council, which has been active trying to cater to the needs of these refugees, there's one camp with 1,800 people only one latrine for women there.
[04:55:03] They say there's a shortage of food, water and medicine for these people. And it's expected only more will be coming.
Now as far as the battle for Fallujah goes, we understand that there are just a few neighborhoods in the northern part of the city still under ISIS control. Iraqi forces have made fairly good progress over the last few days in pushing into the city and they have been encountering some pockets of resistance but as I said progress has been very good.
One complication of course is that with the civilians caught in the crossfire, ISIS fighters have been trying to sneak out among them. One senior Iraqi officer being quoted on Iraqi TV saying that 1,086 ISIS fighters or members have been caught among those fleeing civilians.
Now it's important to keep in mind that the Iraqi intelligence is separating teenage boys and men from the rest of the civilians leaving the city to interrogate them, to discover, to find out whether they are among them ISIS sympathizers or members -- Ryan.
NOBLES: All right, Ben Wedeman live in Baghdad. Ben, thank you for that update.
ROMANS: All right. Breaking overnight. Two deadly bombings in northeastern Afghanistan. At least 14 killed and eight wounded in the Taliban suicide bomb in Kabul. An Afghan Interior Ministry spokesman says the terrorists attacked a packed mini bus. Officials say all those killed were Nepali security guards working under contract to protect the Canadian embassy.
And in the Badakhshan Province, at least eight were killed and 30 more injured when a motor bike packed with explosives went off in a busy shopping bazaar. No claim of responsibility so far in that attack.
NOBLES: Israel approving $18 million in extra financing for settlements in the West Bank. The government says the funding will help boost security following a wave of knife, gun and car ramming attacks. Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory are considered illegal under international law. The PLO calling the move a slap in the face.
Violent clashes between protesting teachers and police turned deadly in Mexico. Six people killed when police tried to clear blocked roads. Demonstrators threw rocks and Molotov cocktails. At least 25 more were injured. The teachers are protesting government reforms which include mandatory testing for teachers. They're also angry about the arrest of union leaders accused of corruption.
ROMANS: All right. Let's get an EARLY START on your money this Monday morning. Global markets surging after fears ease a bit that Britain will vote to leave the European Union. Known as Brexit. Voters in the U.K. will decide this Thursday whether the country will leave or remain in the 28-nation European Union. It could have big implications for global and U.S. stocks. Brexit already causing major volatility on Wall Street. Experts say we could experience a huge sell-off Friday if the country leaves. Right now the U.S. futures are higher.
You may soon be able to buy a ticket to space. Blue Origin, a private company, headed by Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos, it successfully tested one of its rockets Sunday. The company wants to pioneer space tourism. That is offer paying customers a way to head to sub-orbital space. But Bezos isn't the only big exec trying his hand at recreational space travel. Both Tesla's Elon Musk and Virgin's Richard Branson own competing companies.
This is the fourth successful test for Blue Origin.
You may want to check your Ticketmaster account. Millions of Ticketmaster customers are getting free tickets as payment from a class action lawsuit. The suit claimed the company was charging excessive and deceptive fees. Ticketmaster claims -- denies the claims but agreed in a settlement to issue $45 million worth of tickets to customers. The company said those affected will get at least one code in their accounts which they can redeem for two general admission tickets. So check it out.
NOBLES: Yes. EARLY START continues right now.
New vital information to be released today about the Orlando terror attack as tens of thousands of people mourn the victims of last week's horrific shooting.
ROMANS: The Senate to vote on four different gun control amendments today, but none is expected to pass. Could there be a compromise?
NOBLES: The Cavaliers winning game seven of the NBA championship. Winning by doing something no team has ever done before.
And good morning. And welcome to EARLY START. I'm Ryan Nobles.
ROMANS: Nice to see you this Monday morning. I'm Christine Romans. It is Monday. First day of summer. June 20th, 5:00 a.m. in the East.
Later today, we get new information on the Orlando nightclub massacre. Law enforcement officials will release partial transcripts from the three phone calls the gunman made to police describing his motives. Attorney General Loretta Lynch says now only limited transcripts will be released, quote, "to avoid re-victimizing those people that went through this horror."
