Return to Transcripts main page

CNN News Central

Nuclear Powers India and Pakistan on the Brink of War; Cardinals Prepare for First Round of Voting to Elect New Pope; Controller: Newark Airport Outage Most Dangerous Situation; Real ID Now Required for Air Travel within U.S. Aired 8-8:30a ET

Aired May 07, 2025 - 08:00   ET

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

[08:00:00]

JEAN CASAREZ, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Law enforcement had not gotten that car yet. It was still in the possession of Karen Read.

Now, 5:45 p.m., the CERT team, the state team, went out to the house to search for potential evidence. We've got some pictures. They started finding the taillight.

They found six to seven pieces, white plastic, red plastic, of the taillight. And Sara, that was the moment when the car was being delivered to the Sally Port. Ten-minute difference right there.

Car gets to the Sally Port. The CERT team has roped off an area searching. Prosecutors will use that. They couldn't have tampered with the evidence at that point and planted the taillight because it was already being found in the front.

SARA SIDNER, CNN ANCHOR: Which is what the defense is going to argue, that this was all a conspiracy. We will see. This case is endlessly interesting, but it is also extremely disturbing. A man has been killed.

Thank you so much, Jean Casarez, for following all of the twists and turns of this retrial. Appreciate it.

CASAREZ: Thank you.

SIDNER: A new hour of CNN NEWS CENTRAL starts right now.

JOHN BERMAN, CNN ANCHOR: All right, breaking this morning, two nuclear powers on the brink of war. India carrying out the deepest strikes in Pakistan in more than five decades, and now Pakistan is vowing to retaliate.

Standing by for history at the Vatican, the papal conclave begins as Cardinals from around the world begin to cast their votes for a new leader to guide the world's 1.4 billion Catholics.

And not one, but two U.S. fighter jets are now at the bottom of the Red Sea. How did the same ship lose a second multimillion-dollar military aircraft in just over a week?

I'm John Berman with Kate Bolduan and Sara Sidner. This is CNN NEWS CENTRAL.

SIDNER: Breaking this morning, two neighboring nuclear powers on the brink of war. Pakistan now vowing retaliation after India launched its deepest strikes inside the country in more than 50 years. The moment of impact from one of those strikes caught on this video.

That's the sound, and there's the explosion that was shared all over social media.

India says it was targeting, quote, terroristic infrastructure after a deadly attack on tourists in India-administered Kashmir last month. Pakistan maintains it had nothing to do with that massacre.

Pakistan's military says India's strikes killed at least 26 civilians, including children. And security sources there say five Indian Air Force jets and a drone were shot down during the attack.

Hours after the strikes, India began conducting civil defense drills across the entire country, including inside schools.

CNN's Nic Robertson is joining us now live from Pakistan's capital, Islamabad. It's so good to have you there, Nic. You've been covering this region for such a long time.

Give us some sense of just how big of an escalation this is, because these two countries have been sort of at each other for many, many, many decades.

NIC ROBERTSON, CNN INTERNATIONAL DIPLOMATIC EDITOR: And at this point, Pakistan feels that it's existential, at least that's what senior security officials have been telling me, because India, as part of the dispute over the killing of 26 civilians in Indian-administered Kashmir two weeks ago, they decided to withhold water coming from three vast rivers flowing into Pakistan. That's what makes this all the more tense, if you will.

Interestingly, the prime minister earlier today saying that the army had the right to strike back proportionally, avenge the deaths of innocent civilians.

We've just seen him giving a very emotional speech inside of parliament to the applause and the banging of desks in there by parliamentarians. The speech, an emotional speech at times. It didn't have the language of revenge, but it did have strong language about how valiant and ready the army and the air force had been.

And he said specifically this, the downing of that French-made Rafale fighter jet, he said, that was the pride of the Indian air force that they thought would be safe in the skies. He said the whole nation of Pakistan has shown something that they should be proud about, that this aircraft can be taken down. The military have released images of wounded children.

They've spoken about a three-year-old girl who was killed here, 16- year-old girl killed, an 18-year-old boy killed.

[08:05:00]

But we've also heard from the leader of a prescribed terrorist organization here, a terrorist organization that claimed responsibility for that attack in Indian-administered Kashmir in 2019 that killed 40 Indian security officials.

The leader of that group spoke today saying that his home and his establishment had been hit, that 10 of his family members had been killed, many of them, he said, were children. India has yet to provide a direct link between his organization or any organization and that massacre of the 26 civilians or another imminent attack.

But India's claim to have hit terrorist bases, this group is a prescribed terrorist organization, not just by the U.S., the U.K., the E.U., the U.N., but by Pakistan as well.

SIDNER: Nic Robertson, thank you so much for all of your reporting. I know you'll be watching very closely, and we will be checking back in with you on this threat that is happening there -- Kate.

KATE BOLDUAN, CNN ANCHOR: And joining us right now to talk more about this is CNN military analyst and retired air force colonel Cedric Leighton. Colonel, first and foremost, we are hearing a lot of concern all over the world about how these two countries are on the brink of war. Why is this so important to the United States for this to de- escalate and for this to calm down?

COL. CEDRIC LEIGHTON (RET.), CNN MILITARY ANALYST: Yes, Kate, good morning. There are several reasons for that, but one of the most important is, as you've already pointed out, these are two nuclear powers. And both sides have nuclear weapons that can, in essence, do major damage on the other side.

The Pakistanis have come in with a -- not actually saying that they have a no-first-use policy, which means that if the Pakistani state feels that it is completely threatened by the Indians, in other words, existentially threatened, they would probably use nuclear weapons, at least in a tactical sense.

So that is kind of what's at stake here. This would be, you know, if it goes down that road and things aren't cleared up before that particular point in time is reached, this could very well see the use of nuclear weapons if it is not contained. So that's one aspect of it.

The other part of it is that the U.S. is trying to develop a solid relationship with India. The relationship between Prime Minister Modi and President Trump is actually quite a good one.

The relationship between Pakistan and the U.S. is definitely not what it was, say, 50-plus years ago during the early 1970s when there was another war between India and Pakistan. So it's a very, very different political dynamic. And Pakistan is basically an ally of China.

India is somewhat of an ally to the United States, but it is also an ally to Russia. So there are all those dynamics that are at play here, and that's why it's one of the most important conflicts that is breaking out now here on Earth.

BOLDUAN: Which then leads to the question of what pushes this, what could push this over the brink? I mean, after India strikes Pakistan, promising to retaliate because, I mean, India's strikes went further in -- deeper into Pakistan than we've seen in many decades. What does retaliation look like that doesn't escalate this further?

LEIGHTON: Yes, that's a really good question. So the Indians may have been trying to contain some of the things that they've been doing in response to the initial attack that killed the 26 tourists in Kashmir. And the reason I say that is because their target list seems to have basically included what they deem to be terrorist installations.

And apparently they struck at least one of those based on what we're hearing from Nic Robertson. So that's an aspect of it.

However, the Pakistanis aren't seeing it that way. They're looking at this as you are attacking civilians. And that is what's going to precipitate certainly a reaction from Pakistan, even though they reportedly have downed those five Indian fighter jets and that drone. So there's all of that.

So this is basically, you know, because of the political dynamics in both countries, we're looking at a major possibility of a major escalation before there's an off-ramp here. An off-ramp would, of course, be desirable. But until both sides agree that they've had enough, we're not going to see that off-ramp.

BOLDUAN: Yes, it's good to see you, Colonel. Let's see what happens. I really appreciate your time -- John.

BERMAN: And happening now, we are standing by for the Sistine Chapel to go on lockdown for the papal conclave. The first ballot to choose the next pope is today. One hundred and thirty three Cardinals from around the world are there.

And after today, if no pope is chosen, they will continue voting until a candidate receives more than two thirds of the vote.

[08:10:00]

Let's get right to CNN's Ben Wedeman in Rome this morning for the beginning of what could be a long event, a short event. Who knows -- Ben?

BEN WEDEMAN, CNN SENIOR INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: That's not at all clear, John. In about two hours and 20 minutes, they will walk the 133 Cardinals from the Pauline Chapel in the Vatican City to the Sistine Chapel, where they will take an oath of secrecy.

And at some point thereafter, the door will be locked and they will have their first vote for the next pope. Now, it's rare indeed that the first vote results in white smoke or a decision on a pope. So they'll be going in for four votes tomorrow.

And if they don't have any final decision by Sunday, they'll take the day off a day for prayer and then they will proceed.

Now, what we've been seeing today is that many people have been flocking to St. Peter's Square just to see what's going on. And we had a chance to speak with three self-styled pilgrims, and they told us what they'd like to see in the new pope.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Someone that's very much like Francis was, humble.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Integrity, honesty, care for everybody out in the world.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I'm hoping that this pope will be more like St. Pope John Paul II. And lead the church and unify the church and just be a lovely shepherd for all of us.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

WEDEMAN: And so there you see a variety of opinion, but there's opinion based upon what they'd like to see in terms of social agenda. Other people, in terms of geography, we'll just have to wait and see. But as I said, in about two hours and 20 minutes, the conclave will officially begin.

And a few hours after that, we'll see the first puff of smoke. Black, white, we don't know -- John.

BERMAN: Either way, it will be history. So many different factors at play. Ben Wedeman, great to have you there. Thank you very much -- Sara.

SIDNER: All right. Thank you, John.

Still ahead, new CNN reporting on what went wrong and for how long at Newark Airport. One air traffic controller saying the system outage was the most dangerous situation you could have. We are there live.

Plus, starting today, Real ID now required for you to take your flight. So would you be turned away at security if you don't have it? Going to give you a hint. Don't worry too much.

And watch out, madness on the roads, a battle between a minivan and a motorcycle.

[08:15:00]

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BOLDUAN: So we're learning new details this morning about the communication meltdown that happened at Newark Airport. An air traffic controller on duty that day tells CNN's Pete Muntean that the failure, in the way they put it is, quote, was the most dangerous situation you could have. The mess from it now stretching into a second week. This will be the

10th day of fallout from it. According to the controller, the feed had actually gone down at least twice before. And talking about one of those previous incidents, that air traffic controller told CNN, quote, It was just by the grace of God that there wasn't another plane in his way.

CNN's Brynn Gingras is at Newark Airport for us this morning. And Brynn, what are they bracing for and what are you seeing?

BRYNN GINGRAS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Yes, a little bit more about that incident, though, first, Kate. You can imagine why these air traffic controllers needed to take leave for 45 days, which is now resulting into a lot of these delays and cancellations here at Newark Airport.

That air traffic controller telling our Pete Muntean and Rene Marsh that they were actually not in the room at the time but came back from a break and noticed that this had happened inside that room where their air traffic controllers were dealing with about 15 to 20 flights at the time. Lost communications with the pilot anywhere from 60 to 90 seconds.

As you said, Kate, this has happened before, apparently, with this down technology. Describing the incident to Pete Muntean as this, quote, Imagine driving down the highway in traffic and someone puts a blindfold over your eyes and tells you to keep driving. And when you come back from driving dark, you have to figure out what to do next.

I mean, unbelievable experience. And, of course, this is why there is so much beating of the drum of why the technology needs to be updated in these air traffic control rooms.

OK, here at Newark Airport, let's tell you what the situation is like as we go over here to the big board. I do want to let you know that there is less delays happening right now as you take a look at the board. And look, this is a result of what we're understanding of more flights being cancelled prior to the flights actually happening.

Now, we saw Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy telling Jay Tapper that yesterday that he was going to get all the, you know, airline companies in a room, talk to each other, try to reduce the volume of flights that are happening. And right now, we're seeing that. 82 cancellations and 20 delays so far at Newark Airport.

So, certainly, that is good news right now, I guess, for some, if your flight wasn't cancelled.

[08:20:00]

One other thing to quickly note, though, is that the FAA is saying that they are expecting a ground delay or a ground stop beginning at 1 p.m. today because that's when staffing is going to become an issue. So we'll keep an eye on this board for you guys. We might see more delays as the day goes on.

BOLDUAN: It's one issue at a different -- I mean, it just continues the cascade of problems. Brynn, thank you very much for being there and for your reporting.

GINGRAS: It is sunny, so that's good. It's sunny out today.

BOLDUAN: I mean, we'll count the blessings, I guess. There we go. We've got one thing going for us. It's good to see you, Brynn -- Sara.

SIDNER: All right, new this morning, after 20 years -- speaking of flying -- you now need a photo I.D. that is a Real I.D., as they are being called, compliant to travel within the United States. You'll know if your I.D. is good to go if you have a star or a flag in the upper right corner of the license. But not everyone is compliant, so delays are expected at airports across the country for this.

Let's discuss now with Clint Henderson, managing editor at The Points Guy. Dude Von Dudenstein, when you see what is happening at Newark and then you know that today it is the deadline for those Real I.D.s, what can we expect when we head to the airport?

CLINT HENDERSON, MANAGING EDITOR, THE POINTS GUYS: OK, so The Points Guy has actually sent reporters out to several airports already this morning. And so far, one of our reporters had no issue using a passport, and the other reporter at LaGuardia actually got diverted to a separate line. She got a red card, and then she got secondary screening.

But the good news is she was still, even despite that, through in just a few minutes. So hopefully this holds, but I am worried there's going to be longer lines as this really takes hold.

SIDNER: When you say that someone got diverted to a -- one of your reporters got diverted to a second line because she doesn't have the Real I.D., if there are long lines and that happens, there is a guarantee that you are going to spend more time if you don't have one of those Real I.D.s. I guess the advice would be to get there even earlier than you normally would.

I do have a serious question about what is going on at Newark. I went online to buy a ticket, and all of the cheapest options for a coast- to-coast flight were in and out of Newark. It's like the airlines are enticing people to fly in and out of Newark knowing what is happening there right now. Why would they do that?

HENDERSON: And that's been an ongoing problem. You know, the airlines realize that they can't handle the number of flights that are scheduled, but the demand is so high for these flights that they're running them anyway. And I think, you know, United finally bit the bullet and did cut back on some of its flights.

But remember, this is a fortress hub for them. It's a major hub, and they don't want to give up that traffic. I do think, though, you are seeing price reductions across the board as there has been some economic weakness.

So I expect that to continue through the summer. In fact, average airfare is down, so there could be some really good deals this summer.

SIDNER: Do tell, Clint Henderson. Where should we be looking, perhaps?

HENDERSON: Pretty much everywhere. Like, for example, American Airlines just unveiled this new plane, the Dreamliner, that's going to have these brand-new suites and business class, and they're actually going to fly that starting this summer from Chicago to London. They made mileage availability yesterday for 55,000 miles one way, which is really remarkable.

So I'm starting to see more and more good deals like that --

SIDNER: Wait, for a business class?

HENDERSON: -- for business class, 55,000 Alaska miles to book that ticket, pretty remarkable. So I'll be going to London this summer.

But we're starting to see more and more deals like that. Stuff that wasn't available in the last couple of years for miles and points redemptions is becoming available. So I do expect more deals, more cash deals.

Europe, under $500 round trip is very possible this summer if you shop around.

SIDNER: I'm sorry, I stopped listening. I'm booking my flight right now. Clint Henderson, thank you so much. I really appreciate you and all your advice -- John. Ziner, you and I, team with the king.

BERMAN: Sidner, you and I --

SIDNER: Come on, I'm ready to go to London. Let's go.

BERMAN: All right, quote, what the hell is going on? Former President Joe Biden speaking out in his first TV interview since leaving office.

And breaking news, Disney announcing plans to open its first new theme park in years.

[08:25:00]

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BERMAN: All right, this morning, the Trump administration facing backlash over deportations in federal courtrooms and on Capitol Hill, as two more judges this week blocked the president's use of the Alien Enemies Act. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem was grilled overdue process.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

REP. LAUREN UNDERWOOD (D-IL), APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE: Do you believe that the Constitution grants everyone in our country the right to due process, including non-citizens?

KRISTI NOEM, HOMELAND SECURITY SECRETARY: The administration has the authority to --

UNDERWOOD: Ma'am, I'm looking for a yes or no question. Yes or no. Do you believe the Constitution -- ma'am.

NOEM: We have conducted --

UNDERWOOD: Ma'am. Reclaiming my time, Mr. Chairman.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Time is yours.

UNDERWOOD: OK, Secretary Noem, I'm just looking for a yes or no here. Do you believe the Constitution guarantees due process to everyone in America?

NOEM: Due process is exactly what this Congress lays out.

UNDERWOOD: Yes or no. OK, ma'am, I'll take that as a no.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

BERMAN: All right, with us now is the congresswoman on one half of that exchange, Representative Lauren Underwood, a Democrat from Illinois. Congresswoman, thank you so much for being with us. So due process is something that Democrats are pushing on when it comes to these deportations.

My question to you is that if the administration does start guaranteeing due process, which would be holding hearings, advance notice for some of these deportations, would Democrats then be OK with the administration's decision of deporting gang members?

[08:30:00]