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Legal View with Ashleigh Banfield

75 Percent of Homes in Livingston Parish in Louisiana Damaged by Floodwaters; Brazilian Judge Orders Search and Seizure Warrants for Two U.S. Swimmers. Aired 12:30-1p ET

Aired August 17, 2016 - 12:30   ET

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


[12:30:02] CHAD MYERS, CNN METEOROLOGIST AND WEATHER EXPERT: These pictures are from other places all of a sudden is not dry. A car lot, nice and dry, looking good, you're going to need a car fax. This is what we're seeing. I know we've showed you limited pictures of Baton Rouge but these pictures are from other places. Other parishes hit so very hard, just like the pictures we're able to get.

See our crews can only go so far. The flooding goes so far inland that you can't drive there anymore because cars can't go there anymore. So the water just continues to go up.

So let's get right to this. And let me show you how much water came down in many spots here. Here's the U.S. we'll kind of zoom in to Louisiana and the two major flooding areas here, one east of Baton Rouge, one west. The one east of Baton Rouge, how big? It is the size of Rhode Island. The one west of there, bigger than that. About the size of combined Connecticut and Rhode Island.

So think about, Ashleigh, flooding the entire state, your home state of Connecticut. That's what these people are dealing with. So, many first responders and so many people to get to.

ASHLEIGH BANFIELD, CNN HOST AND JOURNALIST: Chad, that really illustrates how severe this problem is and so many people have said this is worse than Katrina for them.

MYERS: Yup.

BANFIELD: Keep an eye on things for us. I know you'll going to report throughout the day. Thank you for that, Chad Myers. It's just astounding how significant this is.

Livingston parish in Louisiana has been Through hurricane Gustav, Hurricane Katrina, Hurricane Isaac, Hurricane Rita. But this one, this, is the roughest the parish has said it has ever had it. About 75 percent of the 52,000 homes in this area have been damaged by these floodwaters.

Sheriff Jason Ard is there. He joins me now to talk about the scope of the devastation that they're experiencing there. Sheriff, thanks for taking the time. Just give me an update, if you can, as to where you stand with the count of those who have deceased. Is it going up? Are you now in a recovery mode? Are you still kind of searching and rescuing folk? How many are missing there? Do we even know what that is yet?

JASON ARD, LOUISIANA USA: Well, you know, Ashleigh, we're working very hard like everybody else is at. You try to get this thing behind us. But it's going to be a long time before that happens. We do have about 75 percent of the homes have been impacted. We know that we've -- they received anywhere between 2 inches just 8 for the water in hours and different around the past. I know we've done anywhere from 15,000 to 20,000 rescues and we're still doing rescues. This town moved down to -- most of the resident moved down to the southern part of our parish which is going to be the Port Winston's local in Twin Settlement area. And so we're working on that right now. And we are actively doing rescues as we speak and they are not as urgent as they were but they are still being rescued.

BANFIELD: Sheriff, sometimes when I'm looking at these pictures ...

ARD: Now and so were dealing with that. The one thing we are not dealing with is so far we're not dealing with the -- we haven't had any loss of lives in our parish. We've been very fortunate.

BANFIELD: Thank god.

ARD: Of course we are now going door to door of the homes that we can actually get into. And we're searching. So, as of right now, as we speak, we have not found anything and we hope and pray that it stays that way.

BANFIELD: And that's the question I need to ask you. When we see the pictures of some these homes with water right up to the, you know to the gutters, how do you even make contact inside those homes? Can you? I mean it's awfully dangerous for your personnel as well, isn't it?

ARD: It's absolutely dangerous. So what we're basically do in the -- out of -- the homes that we're going now to search is the homes that are that do did have water anymore. So we're going through that because most of the waters in those high-impact areas are gone. Its out moved out down in the southern part of the parish where they are actually doing the rescues.

There are urgent rescues, don't get me wrong, but not as urgent as they were early on in the last couple of days basically. But they -- that we're taking them seriously. We are all rescuing people that are trapped in the water. They are just receive our -- so we are actively doing that right now.

BANFIELD: And there's only so many people that you have on the payroll and then comes news of this Cajun navy which is anything could have came out of hurricane Katrina. It was this Cajun navy effectively; you know lay folks, if they have a boat, they are part of the navy and they get out and help their neighbors. Tell me a little bit about how that is working.

ARD: I don't even know Cajun navy is. I've probably kind of make up some ruckus on the social media whatever but I can tell you this Ashleigh, we have our first responders, our fire department, you name it. We have a pass here like that. I have a lot friends in the surrounding parishes where I pass, we get people out there rescuing everyone.

Whoever these people are, they may have been rescuing but I was out there myself rescuing people.

[12:35:05] There were areas you couldn't get in to because there were so many boats getting in there and rescuing people. That's how we were able to do what we did. So everyone pitched in. It wasn't about law enforcement, or it wasn't the about the fire department it wasn't about support. It was about everyone in our community. They came and got this job done. And what we had to do it.

It was the only way to physically possibly be done and that's what happened here in Winston bay.

BANFIELD: OK.

ARD: We worked together. We had people come in from other areas and that was what actually happened here and that's why right now is the day I can tell you that we haven't had any loss of lives. Now, I hope it stays that way. Of course, we're worried that it's not ones we get into somebody is not home that we weren't able to get in to.

So we don't know if someone was like swept away which was there has high current in there. But as of right now, we do our searches. We haven't had anything like that happen.

So we have over 20 different law enforcement agencies. We have our national guard here. We have fire departments. We have had so many people that came in to help us. It's not about one, one person or one company, it's about every single person in this parish that came together to make this happen.

BANFIELD: Well, it is often tragedy that brings out the best in people. Sheriff Jason Ard, we're thanking of you, we're sending you our best wishes and I hope those statistics that you're quoting right now stay true and that there's are no other losses of life. Thank you so much for reporting in for us today.

ARD: Thank you, Ashleigh.

BANFIELD: And also -- yeah you're welcome and do take care. I want to let our viewers know that they can help as well. If you want to reach out to the victims of Louisiana flooding, we can help you do that. Just go to cnn.com/impact.

Coming up next, what really happened in that reported robbery of Olympic swimmers in Rio? Apparently it's not what we originally thought. There are some very odd details now coming out and a very strange twist to this story. We'll let you know, next.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[12:41:25] BANFIELD: Breaking news from the Rio Olympics. A Brazilian judge has ordered search and seizure warrants for two U.S. swimmers, Ryan Lochte and James Feigen. You will recall that Ryan and his teammates said that they were robbed at gunpoint over the weekend.

But I want you to take a look at surveillance videos of Lochte and others returning to the athletes' village Sunday just after the incident. And some of the critics are saying it appears they have watches and/or cellphones and/or wallets which would be odd because those would be the number one target in robberies in Brazil, watches, and wallets and cellphones are usually the first to go.

Police certainly do have some questions now but what actually happened. Our Nick Paton Walsh is live in Rio joins me now with more on the story. So is it the video that's got the suspicions raised or is it the various accounts of what happened? What exactly is it that has led to this very unusual move to say, you know get their passports and ask them to come in for questioning?

NICK PATON WALSH, CNN SENIOR INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Well potentially stop them from leaving the country. Two of them Lochte and James Feigen absolutely yes, extraordinary move by a judge right in the middle of the Olympics here. The winning country on the middle of tables. Key medalist there to be requested to give over his passport, have himself and his room potentially searched.

Now it turns out, Ryan Lochte is already back in the United States already. His lawyer saying to me that in fact he cooperated with the authorities while in Rio and spoke to tourist police, the FBI. He left the U.S. as planned and he would give further cooperation if required. But this is an extraordinary story. Remember how it first came out, Ashleigh, was he robbed, it wasn't clear. Then he said he was. Now we have this surveillance video emerging. Questions from Brazilians is how they emerged from an armed robbery with so many high-value items still on them seemingly in that CCTV footage.

The court's order refers to differences in the statements given by Feigen and Mr. Lochte as well. But they weren't really clear how many armed robbers that have supposedly forced the taxi off the road dressed as police officers they were and whether they were taken by surprise or not. That led to this extraordinary move by the court which is according to police folks by so far from routine often found when they see that might be evidence or information missing here.

I should point out; the judge isn't saying that anyone has done anything wrong here. Mr. Lochte and Feigen on the stage are still considered victims of a crime but there are a lot of questions really is as to how as you say they emerged from this armed robbery with so many high value target items still on their possession it seems in that CCTV video. It emerged in a very confusing fashion. Now the questions are simply growing and Mr. Lochte is in the U.S. Mr. Feigen's whereabouts is unclear and the other two swimmers as well. They are apparently have been asked to come to give statements to the police but haven't turned up. Ashleigh.

BANFIELD: Especially not, so Lochte's lawyer says that regardless of all of this hitting the press, that they actually haven't been asked. That the authorities haven't reached out to Lochte yet. So it's very strange and intriguing at the same time. Keep an eye out for us if you would. Report back when you hear more. Our Nick Paton Walsh is live in Rio for us.

Coming up next, today is the day that Donald Trump is going to get his first national security briefing. So what happens exactly behind closed doors? Who will be at his side? What kind of files are put in front of him? Is anything in writing? Can he take notes? Can he ask questions? The mechanics of how it's going to happen, next.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[12:48:49] BANFIELD: Donald Trump gets his first classified national security briefing today. This is a tradition that dates back about 60 years. The nominees of both political parties get this sensitive information all in an effort to ease the transition from candidate to commander-in-chief even the one doesn't get to be commander-in-chief but does walk away with secrets.

I want to bring in our Justice Correspondent Evan Perez to walk me through this. So, you know, Evan, the critics of both of these candidates say that Hillary Clinton has been, you know, not particularly careful with her e-mail and that Donald Trump is not particularly careful with his mouth. How do they protect the information that they're about to delude? And just how high level is this info?

EVAN PEREZ, CNN JUSTICE CORRESPONDENT: Well, you know, because it's being, it's being provided by members of the intelligence committee and I think it is -- that's one reason why it is classified and essentially lays out the challenges that the next president is going to be facing everything from problems with our allies to our problems with out adversaries around the world. And it's intended to really give them a one on one on the state of the world that they're going to -- frankly that they're going to inherit when they get into the Oval office. It's not intended to provide any kind of detail on operational matters or -- for example the drone program if we're looking at perhaps carrying out the drone strikes to kill a member of a top official for a secure -- for a terrorist organization.

[12:50:17] Nothing like that is going to be provided but it is infinitive to sort of giving the lay of the land of the world that they're going to help oversee frankly when they take office.

BANFIELD: So how did they -- it seems it's been strange to ask the question but we're in strange elections so, how do they ensure that that information doesn't just accidentally blip itself out into the headlines in any manner?

PERZ: Well, I think that's the challenge, again, with both of these candidates. I think one of the things that we see with Donald Trump is obviously he speaks a lot off the top of his head and that's one reason why I think you're not going to get the very big details of -- the fine details of operations that are going on. Anything that is sensitive that might be happening between now and January 20th is not going to be part of this briefing.

The understanding is that this is classified and you have to be careful with this kind of information. But you have to trust that these candidates, the two candidates are going to be able to handle that information. It's just basically trust that they will be able to do it.

BANFIELD: It's super fascinating. I heard that there's a second level that they get after they win, in between winning and inauguration and then the third level ...

PEREZ: Right, once they win, then they get a lot more information, exactly. And keep in mind, Donald Trump is going to have a couple of his people. He's going to have Mike Flynn and Chris Christie with him when he goes to the FBI building for this briefing.

BANFIELD: To be a fly on the wall, so often. Evan Perez, thank you. Appreciate it.

PEREZ: Thank you.

BANFIELD: Coming up next, what happens when the people who are trying to take care of all of those flood victims themselves become flood victims? They are just working against tremendous odds in Louisiana. We're going to take you down to the Salvation Army. Hear what it is like firsthand to find out all of the gear you used to help everybody in need is gone.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[12:56:16] BANFIELD: I want to take you back to Louisiana right now and the enormous community effort to help the tens and thousands of people who've been devastated by the flooding there. Have a look at some of these pictures. Of course, if you notice the logo in those pictures, these are from the Salvation Army in Baton Rouge.

Of course, that's an organization you know well. It got a mission to feed and clothe and comfort and care for all of those people who are suffering, who are out of their homes. As it turns out, they now have become the victims as well because all of their buildings have been flooded. And much of their gear has been lost. As well as their equipment, as well as their products, things that they need for all of those who are in need.

Captain Brett Meredith is on the front lines providing meals and clothing and cleaning supplies and spiritual support to the community and joins me live now from Baton Rouge. Captain thanks for being with me. I am so sorry to hear that you have also been victimized by this horrendous flood. How are you managing -- I think you're in a temporary office even right now because your other office was flooded.

CAPT. BRET MEREDITH, SALVATION ARMY OF BATON ROUGE: We are in a temporary office.

BANFIELD: How are you managing your job?

MEREDITH: Well, you know, it's one of those things that you learn very quickly that we make do with what we have. The flooding took over and we've lost nine of our buildings, a lot of our equipment but the Salvation Army has resources in other places and we immediately brought those in and several days ago we began feeding and taking care of folks and we're already opening a distribution center in the next 24 to 36 hours to get the things, the household good needs that folks have particularly in Baton Rouge and Denham Springs where the flooding has been just devastating for people.

BANFIELD: And so Captain, I'm looking at a list of all of the things that you have lost, a rehabilitation facility with 52 beds, a transition housing, a social services administration, a new shelter that was under construction. There's damage to the warehouse, all three stores have been flooded in the main office that we talked about before. What about all of the products, the water and the blankets and the, you know, the dry goods that you normally -- I mean, you show up and you're the first people there. Do you have all of those things or are they damaged too

MEREDITH: We -- much of it was damaged but we have a lot of wonderful people from around the country that are sending goods here for us to be able to distribute to the people of our community. And, you know, we're just very grateful for the out pouring that the people have had. You know, it's one thing to commit and serve in a disaster situation, it's another thing when the disaster is everything to you.

BANFIELD: Yeah.

MEREDITH: And so the people -- there's so much need and they're shell shocked by the situation. And we want to be there to care for them, to take care of them. And we've already been -- yesterday we served about five to 6,000 meals. So, we're already on the front line back at it doing everything that we do on a daily basis and giving hope to people. That's I think probably the important message that's there. There is hope.

BANFIELD: I know there are some people -- I'm certain, you know, were also victimized by Katrina and I know you worked Katrina when you were in Dallas. Can you take just a couple seconds and do a quick pitch on how people viewing right now can help?

MEREDITH: You know, the best way to help, we are accepting goods and donations here. You know, if folks want to donate through our website, salvationarmyusa.org, that's a great way. 1-800 SalArmy or text STORM to 51555.

BANFIELD: OK.

MEREDITH: You know, the important thing is right now is that we're able to get out there and meet the needs of the people and to take care of them through this difficult situation.

BANFIELD: Yeah. Captain Meredith, good luck to you. Thanks for being with us. CNN.com/impact also a great place to go to help as well ...