Return to Transcripts main page

CNN Newsroom

U.S. Military Carries Out Counterterrorism Raid in Syria; Boris Johnson Doesn't Deny Reports of Another Gathering; More Conservatives Call for Johnson's Resignation; Ex-Cop to Get Early Release in Death of Laquan McDonald; CNN Sports Team Documents Journey to Winter Games. Aired 4:30-5a ET

Aired February 03, 2022 - 04:30   ET

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

[04:30:00]

ISA SOARES, CNN ANCHOR: Thousands of flights have already been canceled.

And breaking news to bring you this hour. The U.S. military says its carried out a successful counterterrorism raid in northwest Syria. Let's get more on the breaking news. CNN's Jomana Karadsheh is standing by in Abu Dhabi. And Jomana, what more can you tell us about this rate?

JOMANA KARADSHEH, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, Isa, we're getting information. The Pentagon put out a statement describing this as a successful counterterrorism mission that was carried out in northwestern Syria by U.S. Special Forces. Now they did not give any more information about the target, who they were going after. They also said that there were no U.S. casualties. But most importantly here, Isa, there was mention of any civilian casualties on the ground.

We are starting to get really devastating reports from on the ground in northwestern Syria near the town of Saraqeb. This is close to the border with Turkey. And this is where residents and rescue workers on the ground are saying that this operation took place. According to the White Helmets, the rescue group in the area, they say that at least 13 people were killed including 6 children and 4 women in what they say were the clashes and the fighting that took place as a result of this operation involving U.S. Special Forces.

Now we've had also reports on the ground, Isa, from eye witnesses who describe intense fighting that took place. They say that this lasted for a few hours. It was not a fast and quick operation that was done. It took hours according to some eye witnesses on the ground.

So, we have to wait and see what the U.S. military has to say in terms of these reports of civilian casualties and we're getting some really horrific images of the bodies of children underneath the rubble in this area. So, we have to wait and see what they meant by a successful operation. There, Isa, who the target was in this operation. It's not unusual for the U.S. military to go after targets especially in that area when it comes to al Qaeda affiliates and other jihadist groups who are known to operate in that area. But we haven't seen at least publicly something on this scale in Syria since the operation that killed al-Baghdadi, the leader of ISIS. So, we'll have to wait and see what U.S. officials have to say about all of this.

SOARES: And I know you'll be pushing, Jomana, to get those answers. Jomana Karadsheh for us in Abu Dhabi. Do keep us posted Jomana. Appreciate it.

The Omicron COVID variant is being blamed for new job losses. The U.S. was expected to add some 200,000 positions last month. But a new report shows the private sector actually shed more than 300,000 jobs which came as a surprise to economists. The data for the ADP and employment report is generated from private payrolls as opposed to the government jobs that counts all workers and will come out on Friday.

Job losses could well be a factor in the new Gallup polls findings which shows Americans happiness is that a record low. The poll uses 29 different measurements to assess really how Americans are feeling about everyday life on issues such as crime as well as the economy. Only 38 percent, as you can see there, said they're satisfied with the state of the nation. That is down 10 points since before the pandemic.

Meanwhile, U.S. officials are trying to get Americans back to a sense of really just normal lives. Health experts say getting a COVID booster dose will help. But infectious disease expert Dr. Anthony Fauci says he's not sure why many are still hesitant to get that shot. Have a listen.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

DR. ANTHONY FAUCI, DIRECTOR, U.S. NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ALLERGY AND INFECTIOUS DISEASES: Why do people who had enough understanding of the risks to go ahead and get the primary series, why we don't have more getting the booster. I don't have an easy explanation for that. That's one of the reasons why we keep trying to put the data out. The data are really stunningly obvious why a booster is really very important.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

SOARES: Now the U.S. Travel Association is calling for an end to predeparture COVID testing requirements for vaccinated travelers heading to the United States. The Biden administration had tightened those rules, if you remember, back in December.

Every day it seems to bring new trouble for British Prime Minister Boris Johnson. At least three more members of his own Conservative Party have submitted letters seeking a no confidence vote which could force his resignation. On Wednesday Mr. Johnson refused to deny reports about yet another gathering in November of 2020 while the country was in lockdown.

[04:35:10]

Scottish National Party leader said the police are investigating and the Labour Party leader had this caution. Have a listen.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

KEIR STARMER, BRITISH LABOUR PARTY LEADER: Lots of words, lots of bluster, no answers. Word of warning -- word of warning Prime Minister, that's not going to work with the police.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

SOARES: CNN's Scott McLean joins me now here in London. He had quite a few good jabs in here yesterday. But let's talk about these letters. We're seeing, Scott, a drip, drip of letters from members of his own party coming forward. Do we know at what point we are on the threshold?

SCOTT MCLEAN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, the bottom line is, it seems the Conservative MPs are more sheepish on this question of Boris Johnson's future, and certainly than the public. Remember, it was just a couple days ago. Several polls showed that 2/3 of the British public thinks that Johnson should resign. Even last month, before he knew anything about a police investigation, almost half of Boris Johnson's own party thinks that he should step down.

So, publicly what we know is that six MPs have submitted these letters calling for a vote of no confidence. 54 would be needed though to actually get one. Senior Conservative MP Tobias Ellwood said that Johnson himself should call a leadership vote. There were two others. And I just one want to read you, their rationale. This is from Anthony Mangnall, a Conservative MP from Southwest England .

He wrote on Twitter that: Standards in public life matter. At this time, I can no longer support the PM. His actions and mistruths are over shadowing the extraordinary work of so many excellent ministers and colleagues.

And another one, Gary Streeter, a conservative MP, wrote: I cannot reconcile the pain a sacrifice of the vast majority of the British public during lockdown with the attitude and activities of those working in Downing Street.

But again, Isa, until there's 54, status quo remains.

SOARES: But you know what, during Theresa May, we saw a coordinated effort to really get her out. Are we seeing anything like this for Boris Johnson -- against Boris Johnson?

MCLEAN: If there is something like this, they're certainly are doing a good job keeping it hush hush. We know that there's plenty of people who would like to take Boris Johnson's job. There's been plenty of speculation about people like Rishi Sunak, the Chancellor, the Foreign Secretary Liz Truss, Health Secretary Sajid Javid. But it doesn't seem like there's a really coordinated effort behind the scenes to try to get Boris Johnson out of office. And this drip, drip of information that you mentioned, look, in some ways maybe it helps the Prime Minister dampen enthusiasm for an eventual leadership vote because there won't be sort of this fever pitch of enthusiasm.

SOARES: But as more letters continue, if they continue, more pressure on the Prime Minister. Scott McLean, thanks very much.

MCLEAN: You bet. SOARES: Sentenced to prison for the murder of a black teenager. And

ex-police officer in Chicago is hours away from being released from prison after just three years. The reaction in Chicago is coming up for you.

Plus, the fired NFL coach suing the league speaks to CNN. What Brian Flores has to say about his racial discrimination lawsuit.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

BRIAN FLORES, FORMER MIAMI DOLPHINS HEAD COACH: A policy here, a policy there, I'm not looking for fluff policies. I'm looking for real change.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

[04:40:00]

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

SOARES: New York City's mayor is expected to outline his blueprint in gun violence when he meets with President Biden today. Eric Adams is expected to ask for tougher penalties for gun traffickers, background checks as well as funding for community groups. The meeting comes the day after a New York police officer's funeral. Wilbert Mora was one of two officers killed in Harlem just two weeks ago. Six police officers have been shot since the start of the year.

Former Chicago city police officer Jason Van Dyck is expected to be freed from prison in the coming hours. Van Dyck is being released early after serving less than half his seven-year sentence for killing a black teenager Laquan McDonald in 2014. Now the U.S. Justice Department is being urged to look into possible federal charges that could put Van Dyk back in prison. CNN's Omar Jimenez has the details for you.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

OMAR JIMENEZ, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT (voice over): Now, it's 16 shots and an early release. Former-Chicago police officer, Jason Van Dyke was sentenced in 2019 to nearly seven years in prison for the murder of Laquan McDonald, shooting him 16 times.

JASON VAN DYKE, CONVICTED OF SECOND-DEGREE MURDER: It was due to my actions that the McDonald family has suffered.

JIMENEZ (voice-over): He is now being released after a little more than three years tied to good behavior in prison.

JOE MCMAHON, FORMER SPECIAL PROSECUTOR, JASON VAN DYKE CASE: In Illinois, individuals who are sentenced to prison are eligible for, by law, statutory good time. It's less than what I thought was appropriate. But it's an incredibly rare for a police officer in any jurisdiction, especially here in Chicago, to be charged, convicted, and sentenced to prison for a murder. And that's -- that's the message. JIMENEZ (voice-over): But for many, the successful state prosecution isn't enough.

REP. BOBBY RUSH (D-IL): I can't rest comfortably until I know that I have exhausted all the means

JIMENEZ (voice-over): U.S. Congressman Bobby Rush is among those now calling for federal civil rights charges against Van Dyke.

RUSH: Being sentenced was a slap more on the wrist. Justice have not really been served, and so there is no relaxing. There is no sense of, well, let's move on because we can't move on. We can't move on.

JIMENEZ: This moment doesn't disqualify any future?

RUSH: Absolutely not. We'll fight in the future. But we'll fight right now in this very moment for justice.

JIMENEZ (voice-over): He is not alone either. Some of the family has pushed for the same, and the NAACP even penned a letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland this week, asking to provide your commitment to move forward with appropriate and applicable federal charges. But not everyone agrees.

REV. MARVIN HUNTER, GREAT UNCLE TO LAQUAN MACDONALD: It will set a precedent in this country for hundreds and thousands of black men that are still in prison. They could use it to re-prosecute them and keep them there.

JIMENEZ (voice-over): McDonald's great uncle feels some evoking Laquan's name are more concerned with themselves than reforming the system.

HUNTER: A lot of this stuff that you see happening, it is not about Laquan McDonald. It's about cash app and sales. The real problem in America is not Jason Van Dyke, it's the system that Jason Van Dyke worked for. We never asked for revenge. We ask for justice.

JIMENEZ (voice-over): The protest in 2015 centered on what was deemed a cover up. Police, initially, claimed McDonald pointed a knife at Van Dyke in October 2014. Dash-cam video released over a year later showed something different. McDonald moving away from Van Dyke, with his back turned, before being shot 16 times.

JIMENEZ: Do you think you would have gotten a conviction here if not for the existence of -- of that dash-cam video?

MCMAHON: No. The narrative would have been dictated and controlled, really, by members of the Chicago Police Department.

[04:45:00]

It was horrific, what happened to Laquan McDonald.

HUNTER: It was a lynching. That's what you saw with Laquan McDonald. They were invoking fear. This is what you do when you get out of line. This is what you do when you do anything other than what we tell you.

JIMENEZ (voice-over): Some of those same wounds are now being re- opened years later as the man responsible for them walks free.

MCMAHON: After Laquan had been shot 16 times, he was left to die in the middle of the street and there were at least a dozen members of the Chicago Police Department who were standing there, and not a single police officer rendered aid.

HUNTER: They reduced this boy to a second-class citizen by saying that no matter what happened to him and how he suffered, we're not going to take his suffering into consideration. That is not how the justice system in this country was designed to be. If you are wrong, you should pay for what you've done.

JIMENEZ: The question now is, will that payment end with this sentence having been served? Or will there be new federal charges? A spokesperson for the Department of Justice acknowledged receiving the NAACP letter, along with a similar one sent by both of Illinois's U.S. Senators and says the department is currently reviewing the information.

As for Van Dyk's actual release, the specific details around it Thursday are still unclear as the Illinois Department of Corrections says they are not able to release those specific details.

Omar Jimenez, CNN, Chicago.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

SOARES: Thank you, Omar.

The city of San Francisco has formally apologized to its Chinese residents for decades of historic injustice as well as discrimination. The apology resolution was unanimously adopted as the Chinese community celebrated the Lunar New Year. It acknowledges the shameful legacy of racism against Chinese immigrants dating back to 150 years. The discrimination every aspect of life from employment to housing.

The Miami Dolphins former head coach is explaining what's behind his racial discrimination lawsuit against the National Football League and three teams. Brian Flores says he's not looking for fluff policies. He wants to see real change. 70 percent of the league's players are black but Flores says the majority of people making decisions are white. Here's what he told CNN's Don Lemon.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

FLORES: There's one black head coach in the National Football League, and I believe that the system is broken in the National Football League in regards to hiring minorities and black coaches, head coaches and people in positions of power, GM, head coach.

And I'm doing it because I think about my two boys and my daughter. And there just simply isn't enough representation of people who look like them in head coaching roles, in general manager roles, in executive and president roles in the National Football League. And I want them to be able to look at those roles -- I want them to be able to look and believe that they can get into a role like that. That's simply not the case right now.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

SOARES: Flores' suit against the Miami Dolphins claims the owner offered him money to lose games to get higher draft picks and to violate league's tampering rules.

Dolphins owner Steven Ross responded saying -- and I want to quoting here.

His allegations are false, malicious and inflammatory. I'll welcome the league's investigation and I'm eager to defend my personal integrity and the integrity and values of the entire Miami Dolphins organization, from these baseless, unfair and disparaging claims.

And we have major news to report about our own network. CNN's President Jeff Zucker has resigned. Zucker says he was wrong for not disclosing a consensual relationship with a colleague. His announcement comes less than two months after fired anchor Chris Cuomo from improperly advising his brother, former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, on sexual misconduct allegations. CNN executive Allison Golic said she regrets not disclosing her relationship with Zucker and she is remaining at the network.

Still to come right here on the show, getting to the Beijing Olympics isn't as easy as packing a suitcase. More on the weeks of preparation of athletes, as well as reporters had to put in and what they're faced once they're there. That is next.

[04:50:00]

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

SOARES: What happens when you combine the masked singer and Rudy Giuliani? A walkout. That's what happened when Donald Trump's former attorney reveals himself during a taping of the popular reality show. A source told CNN that judges Robin Thicke and Ken Jeong stormed off stage in protest after former New York Mayor Giuliani was unmasked as their contestant. The dramatic episode is expected to air next month.

From mandatory daily testing to being cut off from the outside world, this year's winter Olympics require a heightened commitment from both athletes and reporters, of course, due to COVID concerns. CNN's Coy Wire takes us along his journey to Beijing.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

COY WIRE, CNN SPORTS CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Beijing 2022, nearly 3,000 athletes from 90 nations going to China chasing dreams. Our journey from the United States started with an approval process that took weeks, be fully vaccinated, show two negative PCR test, acquire a green health QR code and so on. It's not like anything I've experienced in the U.S., where some places have hardly any COVID protocols. We are headed to one of the most locked-down places on the planet.

Team USA, chartered flights for its athletes for the first time ever.

MAAME BINEY, TEAM USA SHORT TRACK SPEED SKATER: I know that I've done everything in my power to not get COVID. And I've done everything right.

JAMIE ANDERSON, TEAM USA SNOWBOARDER: Life has just been so strict lately. Definitely makes things like going to the Olympics not as enjoyable.

WIRE (voice-over): Our plane ride via Paris was packed with Olympians from France, Brazil, Netherlands, Monaco.

This is my neighbor, Clement Parisse, bronze medal skier for France at the last winter games. He says these are crazy times, no family allowed, and one positive test could squash his dream of a second Olympic medal. Seeing a flight attendants doing random temperature checks on sleeping fellow Olympians made it even more real.

Deboarding a plane, being greeted by people in hazmat suits was a bit shocking, like a pandemic paradigm shift. Everyone here has been exceedingly kind and they take their jobs very seriously.

The COVID test upon arrival, it's been called the brain scraper, and let's just say it's thorough.

China's zero COVID strategy is a harsh contrast to the packed arenas of screaming, mask-less fans in other countries, no tickets being sold to fans here. Athletes are being asked to mask up, and not even cheer for their teammates out loud. It's unsettling.

While here, you can get a knock on your door at any time with a hazmat messenger, revealing you tested positive. You have 15 minutes to gather your things before being taken away and put on lockdown at a designated isolation facility for an uncertain length of time. Like Hong Kong's Audrey King, one of the Olympians who has already tested positive.

They are very serious about COVID protocols here. It's a process we have to respect. These Beijing Games are a lot different than the Tokyo Games just six months ago. Daily COVID testing, being confined to a well-defined closed loop system, and instead of closed loop, you could say, fenced in. If there's any doubt about how strict Chinese authorities are in regard to preventing the spread of the virus, these heavily branded chain link walls say it all.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

SOARES: Very good piece there from our Coy Wire.

That does it here for me on CNN NEWSROOM. I'm Isa Soares in London. Our coverage of the massive winter storm in the United States continues on "EARLY START" with Christine Romans and Laura Jarrett. We'll see you tomorrow. Bye-bye.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[05:00:00]