Return to Transcripts main page

Breaking News

Secretary of State Powell's Reaction to Attack

Aired September 11, 2001 - 12:07   ET

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

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
AARON BROWN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: The National Guard has been activated to support New York City police. Andrea Koppel is onboard the flight with the Secretary of State. Andrea, what are you hearing from officials there?

ANDREA KOPPEL, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, Aaron, Secretary Powell has been in Peru since last night. He was here to attend the Organization of American States General Assembly. Obviously, when he got the news of the attacks in the United States, his aides scrambled to prepare things for him to leave. And we are now, as you say, onboard his plane. We are about to take off from Lima to head back to Washington. While at the OAS, General Assembly, Secretary Powell said that it was a terrible tragedy that had fallen on all who believe in democracy. But he said that that will never kill the spirit of the American people.

He also said that America will bring those responsible to justice, Aaron. It was also a minute of silence at the Organization of American States, and Secretary Powell, obviously, had to abruptly change his plans. He was supposed to be leaving Peru later this afternoon to head on to Colombia for his first trip there. But, obviously, the attacks in the United States have changed that. And he's headed back to -- to Washington. Aaron?

BROWN: Andrea, give me a sense of the secretary's demeanor. I mean, we know that this is a man who has been through a lot in his life, has seen a lot in his life. Did he appear shaken to you?

KOPPEL: I would say that Secretary Powell is someone who doesn't show his emotions in that way. This is a man with 35 years of military experience, former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, former National Security Adviser himself. He has seen a lot in his day. And so I would say that, obviously, he appeared somber. Very serious, but in terms of any other emotion, I would say that he's able to -- to keep that very close to his chest.

BROWN: Andrea, thank you. Andrea Koppel, flying back with the Secretary of State, from South America.

TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com