Return to Transcripts main page

CNN Newsroom

Girl Found Alive After Home Invasion Abduction; Obama to Honor Shooting Victims; Hagel Announces Security Review; Mother States He Can No Longer Do Harm; Dispatch Tapes Reveal Shooting Chaos; Loved Ones Remember Shooting Victims; Colorado Reels from Flood Devastation; Colorado Reels from Flood Devastation; Some in GOP Want Obamacare Cuts

Aired September 18, 2013 - 13:00   ET

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

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

ANNOUNCER: This is CNN breaking news.

WOLF BLITZER, CNN ANCHOR: I'm Wolf Blitzer.

We begin with the breaking news. Police say they have now found 14- year-old Ayvani Hope Perez. She is alive. She was grabbed from her home by a pair of intruders early Tuesday morning. CNN's Martin Savidge has been following this story for us in Ellenwood, Georgia. That's right outside of Atlanta. Martin is joining us on the phone right now.

Fill us in on the good news. She's OK, is that what we're hearing?

MARTIN SAVIDGE, CNN CORRESPONDENT (via telephone): It is good news, Wolf, and, of course, it's the answer to every parent's prayer, but most especially her family's prayer ever since she was abducted very early, 2:15 in the morning on Tuesday.

Now, The FBI is telling CNN that she was found. Apparently, she was dropped off at some point. We don't know the where and we don't know exactly when. But she was picked up by police and they say that she is fine which means, of course, she is alive and reasonably well and that she is being checked out at this particular time. And we expect that's shortly there's going to be some reunion.

We're in the neighborhood here in Ellenwood, this subdivision which has been rocked by all of this because so many people felt this was just something that couldn't happen in their neighborhood, that there would be a home invasion in the middle of the night and the most precious commodity any family has, their children, would be taken and, in this case, that 14-year-old girl.

But the good news from the FBI, she has been found alive and well. We do not know what happened to her abductors, two men. They were not identified but their images were broadcast all over. The investigation, we're told, continues into how she was taken and why -- Wolf.

WOLF BLITZER, CNN ANCHOR: Martin, we were told originally, and I want you to update us, that these guys allegedly broke into the house. They demanded jewelry. They demanded money. When they didn't get it, they took this little girl with them and then they wanted ransom money in order to release her. Is that what happened?

SAVIDGE: Right. These are all questions that have been spiraling around this case up until now. Authorities have really not wanted to say anything out of fear that it could jeopardize this girl and her situation. So, it does appear that when in fact these men who broke into the home didn't get jewelry or didn't get what they wanted, that they fled and took the 14 year old with them as if it were some kind of hostage or kidnap situation. That's, in fact, what the FBI quickly said it was. When you've got a kidnap situation, that implies then, of course, you're holding somebody in exchange for something else. So, in this case, there was talk that there was a ransom demand. Some family members had said it was around $10,000. Other had given other figures.

But what is most important now is that regardless -- and we don't know how those negotiations went. We don't know how deeply into the talks they were. But there was a lot of law enforcement that was brought to bear very quickly. It was the local police, the Clayton County police, then there was the GBI, the Georgia Bureau of Investigations, then the FBI, then on top of that, Homeland Security.

This quickly mushroomed into a huge what they would call a major law enforcement effort. Maybe those holding this girl realized they were up against something pretty strong and they opted to let her go. But that is just the early signs. We're getting -- a news conference is expected at any moment. Of course, we're ready to cover that when happens -- Wolf.

BLITZER: Yes, we're expecting this news conference from the Clayton County police and the FBI. The FBI, as you point out, they were brought in. And she is described by Ayvani Hope Perez, Hispanic, black hair, brown eyes, four feet nine inches tall, weighs 93 pounds. And so, hopefully, she's fine. And she's free and we'll get all the latest information from the authorities, the law enforcement authorities, the local police, the Georgia police and the FBI. They're about to hold a news conference. We'll have live coverage of that.

Martin stand by, we'll get back to the story. The good news is she's OK.

Let's turn now to the deadly shooting at the Washington, D.C. Navy Yard. The latest information coming in. The White House now says President Obama will attend a memorial service this Sunday for the victims of the shooting. Twelve people were killed, eight wounded in the rampage. The defense secretary, Chuck Hagel, today announced a review of access at all U.S. military installations worldwide. The shooting has raised questions, serious questions about security clearances at U.S. military facilities.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

CHUCK HAGEL, DEFENSE SECRETARY: Obviously, there were a lot of red flags, as you noted. Why they didn't get picked up. Why they didn't get incorporated into the clearance process. What he was doing. Those are all legitimate questions that we're going to be dealing with.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BLITZER: More details are also coming out right now about the gunman, Aaron Alexis. They paint a picture of a man with very serious psychological issues and a very troubled history in the U.S. Navy. Also this morning, we're hearing from the shooter's mother for the first time. For that, let's bring in National Correspondent Deborah Feyerick. She's in New York. All right, what is the mom saying about the son, Aaron Alexis, and the shooting? Because I know you heard her personally.

DEBORAH FEYERICK, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Yes, as a matter of fact, we were the pool reporters for this particular interview with the mother. She didn't answer any questions, did not deviate from a prepared statement. She printed it out on a one piece -- one-page piece of paper. She was very subdued, very dignified and she talked about this tragedy.

(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)

CATHLEEN ALEXIS: Our son, Aaron Alexis, has murdered 12 people and wounded several others. His actions have had a profound and everlasting effect on the families of the victims. I don't know why he did what he did and I'll never be able to ask him why. Aaron is now in a place where he can no longer do harm to anyone and for that, I am glad.

To the families of the victims, I am so, so very sorry that this has happened. My heart is broken.

(END AUDIO CLIP)

FEYERICK: Now, Mrs. Alexis would not elaborate on anything in that statement. The only sort of cryptic comment is the fact that her son can no longer harm anyone and for that she is glad. The question being, was there some sort of a temper issue there? But, again, you know, you have to take it at face value because she would not comment on anything. I asked her when the last time it was she spoke with her son. She would not discuss it. She said she's worried. She's worried to go back to work. She doesn't know what her co-workers will -- how she'll be received, what they'll say to her. She wouldn't tell us what she did or where she works. She wants her privacy back. She, like everybody else, is grieving.

During this, Wolf, she was -- she had a bishop, a clergyman, on each side of her. One of them looked as if he was almost supporting her. She was very drained. You could hear the emotion in her voice. Clearly, this has had a deep impact on her as well, but she really wanted to focus on the victims and what they're going through -- Wolf.

BLITZER: Deborah Feyerick, thanks very much. What a heartbreaking story this has been all around. On a normal day, the Washington Navy Yard would be buzzing with 3,000 workers going about their jobs. But, again today, it's closed to all but what are described as essential employees. Still a crime scene with forensic teams searching for more evidence from Monday's shooting. Rene Marsh is on the scene for us once again today. We're getting more information.

Rene, into the frantic moments and hours after the Navy Yard shooting, what are you learning?

RENE MARSH, CNN CORRESPONDENT: That's right. Wolf, we have the recordings from the first responders. The seconds in which they were -- got on the scene there and also we're learning more about the victims. One victim's family member saying, don't remember my dad as a victim because in life he was strong. Those are the words of this daughter. And they give incredible perspective simply because you realize that these people who were killed, they were more than victims. They were the rocks of their families. They were fathers. They were mothers. And they were caretakers.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Right now, police confirm five people shot. Could be others.

MARSH (voice-over): Dramatic new audio from police dispatch as the massacre unfolded at the Navy Yard Monday.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: We have an officer down, building 197 on the third floor. Also, Female shot on the roof of building 1333 at the (INAUDIBLE.) Female on the roof.

MARSH: Victims found one by one as first responders rushed to the scene.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: All units in the main triage group need to move west. The ambulances in line need to move west away out of the line of fire.

MARSH: Police flood the compound in fear there might be more than one gunman.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We're doing a sweep for security. We still have a second suspect possibly in so and the scene is not secure.

MARSH: Law enforcement later confirming there was no additional shooter.

Two days later just miles from the site of Monday's shooting rampage, Washington pays tribute to the 12 lives cut short, 12 families forever changed by this senseless tragedy. Kathy Gaarde remembered for her selfless devotion to her 94-year-old mother who died last year.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: She was so caring and she would do anything for anyone she loved.

MARSH: Richard Michael Ridgell served three years as a contract security worker in Iraq. He is survived by three daughters.

MEGAN RIDGELL: I want him to be known as a dad above a victim of a shooting, because he was a great dad for all of us.

MARSH: Martin Bodrog graduated from the Naval Academy and was a decorated officer.

RON EARLEY: My knees just got weak, you know? Everything about Marty, just a great guy, you know, wonderful husband, you know, father.

MARSH: Michael Arnold, Frank Kohler, Vishnu Pandit, Mary Francis Knight, Arthur Daniels, Sylvia Frasier, Gerald L. Read and Kenneth Bernard Proctor all victims of this inexplicable tragedy.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

(on camera): And, Wolf, you know, three additional people, they were shot but they survived. We can tell you that, as of last night, one of the three was able to leave the hospital. Two remain in the hospital at had point -- Wolf.

BLITZER: Our hearts go out to those families. What a -- what a sad story. Renee, thank you for that.

We're going to have more on breaking news we're following, that 14- year-old girl found alive in Georgia. We're standing by for a news conference in Clayton County Georgia. Police will be briefing us together with the FBI. This is right outside of Atlanta. This 14- year-old girl has been found.

Also, the flooding is over and now the clean-up is underway, but many in Colorado are reeling from the damage and the dollar figures. Much more on that, as well.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BLITZER: We're standing by for a news conference. The 14-year-old girl, Ayvani Hope Perez, has been found. She is alive. We're expecting a news conference, the Clayton County police chief Gregory Porter, the FBI agent in charge of this investigation is, Rick Maxwell. We'll have live coverage.

The good news, she has been found alive. Abducted in the middle of the night from her home in a suburban Atlanta subdivision, but now police say she has been recovered after being dropped off at a location. She's been picked up by the police. She's reportedly doing fine being checked out right now. And we'll have live coverage of the news conference once law enforcement authorities show up. Stand by for that.

In the meantime, let's check other important news we're following in the NEWSROOM. As Colorado copes with the aftermath of the deadly floods, the high waters are now rolling towards Nebraska. This map shows you the forecast for flooding. The runoff is rushing down the South Platte River which runs from Denver into Nebraska. Meanwhile, in Colorado, thousands of residents are starting to return home to their flood ravaged neighborhoods. While their homes are still standing, the amount of damage is simply staggering.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

CHERYL SCHULER: It was overwhelming really. I didn't realize that floods brought in a ton of mud. It just -- it just ruined everything.

MICHAEL BIRDSONG: We're already planning for probably about $50,000, $60,000 to get it all redone.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BLITZER: CNN's George Howell has been following this disaster for us. He's joining us from Boulder. Georgia, are residents now finding out that they'll get the help they need to rebuild? Because this must be a shock to so many thousands of people.

GEORGE HOWELL, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, Wolf, certainly now that FEMA is here, that is very important news for people here who, you know, saw so much devastation because FEMA will help. They will obviously take applications and help people with the given problems, the different situations where you have, you know, flooded homes, all of the issues that people will apply for.

But keep this in mind, Wolf. You know, when it comes to homeowners' insurance, most of the time homeowners insurance will cover acts of God, you know, fires, lightning, things like that. But when it comes to floods, typically homeowners insurance does not cover that. And we learned through the Rocky Mountain Association of Insurance, they don't -- there's a large percentage, I should say, of people who do not have flood insurance in these affected counties. So what we're finding, Wolf, is a lot of people will very likely be relying on FEMA as they come through and help.

BLITZER: Yes, I was just saying that the shock factor must be so enormous. They come back to their homes, they see the devastation, they see the destruction. All right, George, I know you're all over this story for us. Please pass along our best wishes to all the folks there.

And to find out how you can help the victims of the Colorado floods, here's what you can do. Visit our Impact Your World page. That's at cnn.com/impact.

Heading south, at least 57 people have died in the storms in Mexico. Severe weather has hit from nearly all sides, causing torrential rain and flooding. Forty thousand tourists are stranded. And this is one of the reasons why. Look at this. The Acapulco Airport is flooded.

And this is a scene from one of the towns along the federal highway that connects Acapulco to Mexico City. As you can see, people are using ropes to cross the roads.

The CEO of Starbucks is taking out full-page ads in several major newspapers to deliver a direct message to customer who want to get a cup of coffee while armed. We're going to tell you what he had to say. That's coming up.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BLITZER: We're standing by for live coverage of a news conference. There you see the microphones. Reporters have gathered. This is in Clayton County. That's right outside of Atlanta, Georgia. They have fortunately found Ayvani Perez, the 14-year-old girl who was kidnapped early Tuesday from her home literally in the middle of the night in this Atlanta suburb of Ellenwood. It's a neighborhood outside of Atlanta. We expect to hear from the Clayton County police chief, also the FBI agent in charge of this investigation. We'll have live coverage as soon as they show up. So stand by for that.

In the meantime, other important news.

With negotiations seemingly going nowhere right now, we may be headed for a government shutdown. Right now, agencies are actually being told to prepare for the worst with the deadline for a deal looming just 12 days away. Here's what we heard out of Washington over the past few hours.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

REP. JOHN BOEHNER (R), HOUSE SPEAKER: We're going to continue to do everything we can to repeal the president's failed health care law. This week, the House will pass a CR that locks the sequester savings in and defunds Obamacare. The president has signed seven bills over the last two and a half years to make changes to Obamacare and I sincerely hope our friends in the Senate have plans to make this an eighth time.

BARACK OBAMA, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: I'm happy to negotiate with them around the budget, just as I've done in the past. What I will not do is to create a habit, a pattern whereby the full faith and credit of the United States ends up being a bargaining chip to set policy.

You have never seen, in the history of the United States, the debt ceiling, or the threat of not raising the debt ceiling, being used to extort a president or a governing party.

REP. PETER KING (R), NEW YORK: We can't let the government shut down. We can't be kamikazes and we can't be General Custer.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BLITZER: Let's discuss what's going on with our chief political analyst Gloria Borger.

Really two issues here, the government shutdown, which happens if there's no budget by the end of this month, October 1st, no funding for various agencies of the U.S. government. People will start not receiving checks, all that kind of stuff. The other issue is the debt ceiling mid-October, according to the Treasury Department, when the U.S. runs out of money. They'll default if they don't raise that debt ceiling. And both sides seem to be digging in pretty strongly, Gloria.

GLORIA BORGER, CNN CHIEF POLITICAL ANALYST: Yes. And what you have there in John Boehner, Wolf, is the House speaker that is really being held hostage by the conservative wing of his own caucus. And what they're saying is, they're tying this to repealing a piece of legislation, a large one passed three years ago, that they do not like, repealing Obamacare, which, by the way, is the president's signature piece of legislation. And what John Boehner seems to be doing is saying, OK, we're going to tie it to the repeal of Obamacare. We'll pass that out of the House of Representatives. It will go to the Senate. It won't pass.

And then the big question is, Wolf, whether if it goes back to the House, stripped of this repeal of Obamacare, whether these conservative Republicans will actually end up voting to fund the government. And that is the big question now that they all face. And I don't think anybody around here knows the answer to it.

BLITZER: Well, a lot of Republicans remember what happened in the mid- 90s -

BORGER: Sure.

BLITZER: When there were two government shutdowns. Newt Gingrich, who's now with CNN, part of -- one of the new co-hosts of "Crossfire," he remembers it.

BORGER: Right.

BLITZER: He was speaker of the House. And they remember vividly that the American public blamed the Republicans for those government shutdowns and certainly helped propel Bill Clinton to get re-elected in 1996. So Republican who lived through that period, correct me if I'm wrong, Gloria, they're very worried, like Peter King for example -

BORGER: Yes.

BLITZER: About another government shutdown now and how that could damage the Republican brand.

BORGER: Right. And if you - if you look at the polls, Wolf, already Republicans are blamed or voters say we would blame Republicans more for shutting down the government.

But, you know, a lot has changed since then. There are some Republicans who are so anti-government and voters have become more anti-government. They believe that, OK, shut down the government for a couple of days. Big deal. We've been through this before. Big deal. We've done this. Big deal. We always go to the brink and then somehow we get around this.

So at this point, Wolf, the public isn't paying a lot of attention to it. When you do shut the government down and people realize that first responders are paid for by the government, that they might not get their Social Security checks or their Medicare benefits or their Medicaid benefits, then people will start paying attention and that's the danger that Congressman King was talking about, because he's been there. People will blame Republicans for playing games.

But we don't know where - you know, we just don't know where this is going to wind up and we - and we're not quite sure where the public is right now.

BLITZER: Yes. All right. Well, we'll continue to watch what's going on.

BORGER: Yes.

BLITZER: By the way, the former House speaker, Newt Gingrich, one of the new co-hosts of "Crossfire," he'll join me later in "The Situation Room." We'll discuss this. You'll be joining me as well. Stand by for that. 5:00 p.m. Eastern.

BORGER: Down memory lane, right, Wolf? We'll go down memory lane on the shutdown.

BLITZER: Yes, I remember it vividly. I was the White House correspondent for CNN those years.

All right, still to come, the shooting at the Navy Yard has highlighted the gaps in U.S. security. And now there are new details about a complaint coming from the fraternal order of police and their lack of manpower. We'll have details. Stay with us.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)