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U.S. In Mourning for 19 Children, 2 Teachers Killed; Gunman Sent Chilling Text Messages Before Shooting; Remembering the Victims; Biden Calling on Lawmakers to Compromise on Gun Control; Republicans Largely Dismiss Talk of Reforming Gun Laws. Aired 4-4:30a ET

Aired May 26, 2022 - 04:00   ET

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

[04:00:00]

ISA SOARES, CNN ANCHOR: Hello and welcome to our viewers joining us in the United States or right around the world, I'm Isa Soares in London. And we begin with a small Texas community grieving, mourning the loss of 21 young, as well as innocent lives. The investigation into Tuesday's deadly school shooting is raising new questions about why it happened and why it keeps happening in the United States and how law enforcement responded.

But before we get to the investigation, we are learning the names of some of the victims, mostly nine -- children nine and 10-year-olds really. The justice of the peace in Uvalde, Texas, says some of the bodies are being released to funeral homes as families make their arrangements.

Vigils are also under way for the 19 children into teachers gunned down inside Robb Elementary School by an 18-year-old high school dropout. Others have been leaving flowers and balloons and makeshift memorial outside the school in the mostly Latino community not far from the border with Mexico. And it bears repeating, that this is an elementary school. The little children just days away in fact from their summer recess. Here's how one third-grader described what happened. Have a listen.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

CHANCE AGUIRRE, THIRD GRADER WHO SURVIVED SHOOTING: Everybody was scared. We were all scared we were panicking because we didn't know what was really happening. All we saw was thousands of police and border patrol coming into the cafeteria and we were all hiding behind the stage in the cafeteria when it happened.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

SOARES: Just terrifying for these young children. Investigators are releasing new details about the deadly shooting rampage. They say the gunman, Salvador Ramos was inside the school for 40 minutes to an hour before he was shot and killed by a border patrol agent. A friend says Ramos had a history of fighting as seen here in a video obtained by CNN. Texas authorities report he has no criminal record and no known history of mental illness. We have more now on the investigation from CNN's Jason Carroll. (BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JASON CARROLL, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): 11:21 a.m. the time stamp from a text message the gunman sent saying he's just shot his grandmother.

GREG ABBOTT (R) TEXAS GOVERNOR: The gunman was 18-years-old and reportedly a high school dropout. Reportedly there has been no criminal history identified yet. There was no known mental health history of the gunman.

CARROLL (voice-over): Soon after that text message to a girl Ramos met online, another one saying he was going to shoot up an elementary school. His grandmother fighting for her life contacted police. After leaving his grandmother's home, the gunman crashed her truck in a ditch. 11:30 a.m., authorities say a 911 call came in reporting the crash and a man leaving the vehicle walking towards the school with body armor and a long rifle.

STEVEN MCCRAW, DIRECTOR, TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY: He went towards the west side of the campus, which is a back door. The subject was able to make it into the school as the governor reported. He went down hallway, turned right and turned left, there were two classrooms that were adjoining. And that's where the carnage began.

CARROLL (voice-over): Then roughly an hour goes by.

ABBOTT: Border patrol consolidated ISD officers, police, sheriffs and BPS officers converged on that classroom and a border patrol officer killed the gunman.

CARROLL (voice-over): It's around 1:00 p.m. when the gunman is shot and killed. At least 19 children and two adults killed only two days before the end of the school year. Families throughout the community heart broken, directly impacting even the officials responding to the scene.

ABBOTT: In addition to the students and the faculty, there were three officers who were injured who are all remain in good condition. One deputy sheriff lost a daughter in that school.

CARROLL (voice-over): Jason Carroll, CNN, Uvalde, Texas.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

[04:05:00]

SOARES: Well, as we learn the details of how it all unfold in Uvalde, we're also hearing from witnesses as well, officials. One of the first people on the scene after the shooting was justice of the peace Eulalio Diaz. He spoke to CNN about what he witnessed that tragic day.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

EULALIO DIAZ, JUSTICE OF THE PEACE, UVALDE PRECINCT 4: When I got this calm, there was -- I had been sitting in my office hearing sirens, knowing that the police department had issued a warning, that there was an active shooter at Robb. So, I knew that there was something going on. But a small town, you hear little rumors about, you know, X amount, this might have happened, and so forth.

So, when I show up to the scene, I'm thinking two or three people. Maybe I'm just kind to trying to prepare myself thinking that's what it is. And when I get there and I find out there is probably 17 people, it just breaks my heart. It just -- you don't know -- my emotions at that time took a little bit of me. I had to kind of compose myself and regather myself. And at that point I had to make sure that I kept my professionalism. Because at that point my job was to make sure that we identify everybody. We went through the process, honored these children and these victims.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

SOARES: Well, I want to take a moment to have a closer look really at some of the 19 children 3rd and 4th graders who were killed. Annabell Guadalupe Rodriguez was just ten-years-old. Her family says she was in the same classroom as her cousin, who was also shot and killed. The name of her cousin has not been released.

Eliahana "Elijah" Cruz Torres was also 10 years old. Her family telling CNN, quote, our baby gained her wings. Eliana "Ellie" Garcia was the second eldest of five girls. Her grandparents said she loved cheer leading and basketball and dreamed of becoming a teacher.

10-year-old Nevaeh Bravo was also among the victims. Her cousin says she put a smile on everyone's face. And a Tess Marie Mata was a 4th grader who loved TikTok dances, Ariana Grande and the Houston Astros. The 10-year-old was saving up money so her whole family could go to Disney World. All innocent victims gone, well, far too soon.

CNN's Lucy Kafanov has more on those tragically killed in Tuesday shooting.

(BEGIN VIDEO TAPE)

LUCY KAFANOV, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): They are the faces of the future lost to a nation's violent present. Jose Flores Jr., a fourth grader full of energy has father said ready to play till the night. Uziyah Garcia, a 10-year-old who loved football and video games. Lexi Rubio, a little girl who wanted to go to law school just like her mother.

Lexi Rubio's family overcome as they recall her sweetness and to plea that her life has impact.

FELIX RUBIO, LEXI'S FATHER: All I came up with is Lexi is not a number.

KAFANOV (voice-over): Lexi is one of 19 children that were all gone down in fourth grade classroom, whose parents held on to hope that they'd hold their little girl once again.

Amerie Jo Garza's father, Angel, wrote on Facebook, "It's been seven hours and I still haven't heard anything on my love. Please help me find my daughter."

This morning the heartbreaking update, "She's been found. My little love is now flying high with the angels above," Garza wrote, "Please don't take a second for granted. Hug your family. Tell them you love them. I love you, Amerie Jo."

Ten-year-old Xavier Lopez had a smile his mother says she'll never forget. He was among the honor roll students who attended an award ceremony the morning of the shooting.

HAL HARRELL, UVALDE SCHOOLS SUPERINTENDENT: And as I look at their pictures, you can just tell by their angelic smile that they were loved, that they love coming to school and they were just precious individuals.

KAFANOV (voice-over): The community also mourning two teachers. Eva Mireles, 44 years old, loved running, biking and being with her family. Undoubtedly her family says she died protecting others. All AMBER YBARRA, EVA MIRELES' COUSIN: She was a vivacious soul. She spread laughter and joy everywhere she went.

HARRELL: These two teachers, I would say are the cornerstone of that campus to some great degree. There are two beautiful souls.

KAFANOV (voice-over): Mireles' daughter writing an open letter to her mother, "I am so happy that people know your name and that they know what a hero looks like. I want to thank you mom for being such an inspiration to me. I will forever be proud to be your daughter. My sweet mommy, I will see you again."

KAFANOV: Thursday was supposed to be the last day of school. But the families in our story are now planning funerals instead of summer vacations. Others are anxiously awaiting news about their injured loved ones. We are outside of University Hospital here in San Antonio, where four patients were airlifted on Tuesday evening.

[04:10:00]

Three little girls and one 66-year-old woman who is the shooter's grandmother. Authorities say he shot her in the face before fleeing, heading towards that school. We know that two of the girls, a 9 and 10-year-old are listed in good condition or at least were on Wednesday afternoon. The 66-year-old and another 10-year-old were admitted in critical condition, downgraded to serious, but still fighting for their lives.

Lucy Kafanov, San Antonio, Texas.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

SOARES: For parents like Amerie Jo Garza's father is trying to come to terms with how this tragedy could have happened to their child. Take a listen to what he told CNN's Anderson Cooper.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE) ANGEL GARZA, LOST DAUGHTER IN UVALDE, TEXAS SHOOTING: She was so scared of just strangers and things like this. Like she would lock the door when I would step out to put gas in the car. Like she would be -- this is literally like her worst fear. And she was just trying to help everyone.

ANDERSON COOPER, CNN ANCHOR: She talked of something like this?

GARZA: GARZA: So, I'm a Med Aid, so when I arrived on the scene, they still had kids inside. They started bringing the kids out, and I was aiding assistance. One little girl was just covered in blood, head to toe like I thought she was injured. I asked her what was wrong. And she said she was OK. She was hysterical saying that they shot her best friend, that they killed her best friend, and she is not breathing and she was trying to call the cops. And I asked the little girl the name and she told me, and she told me -- she said, Amerie.

COOPER: That's how you learned?

GARZA: She was so sweet. She was the sweetest little girl who did nothing wrong. She listened to her mom and dad. She always brushed teeth. She did -- she was creative. She made things for us. She never got in trouble in school. Like I just want to know what she did to be a victim.

I just want people to know that she just died trying to save her classmates. She just wanted to save everyone.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

SOARES: No parent should have to go through this. Well, Amerie loved being a big sister. Her father says they told her young brother that she was now with God.

Well, the U.S. president says he will meet with some of those families who lost loved ones. He's heading to Texas in the coming days. CNN's Phil Mattingly has details on that in the gridlock in Congress.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

PHIL MATTINGLY, CNN SENIOR WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: For President Biden, the day after the horrific mass murder down in Texas echoed the first day of the events, basically exhausted, outrage and more calls to do something. What exactly that something will be, it's still very much an open question. But the president making clear, despite multiple efforts over the course of several years to try and pressure Capitol Hill -- to pleasure Republicans on Capitol Hill to agree or at least come to the table and compromise on some types of new gun restrictions hasn't worked. This time the president hopes could be different, potentially. That a listen.

JOE BIDEN, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: We must ask when in God's name will we do what needed to be done to not completely stop fundamentally change the amount of the carnage that goes on in this country? To state the obvious, according to a lot of other people, I'm sick and tired. I'm just sick and tired of what goes on and continues to go on.

MATTINGLY: Now, it's notable, there are two bills passed by House Democrats related to background checks that could be brought up in the Senate. Where Senate Democrats control things at any point. However, there has been no immediate move to do just that. Both Senate Democrats and the White House giving some space at the moment to try and facilitate bipartisan talks of some kind. Perhaps to bring back bipartisan talks that have gotten close but eventually fallen short. Particularly as it pertains to background checks or red flag laws.

It's still very unclear where those talks will go. And Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has also made clear, it is not going to be an endless negotiation. There is a pretty clear 10-to-11-day deadline on those talks. However, the fact that the White House isn't explicitly backing specific proposals isn't explicitly stating that one or two proposals has to get done. Underscores the fact as the president tries to shift that dynamic, a dynamic that has been so firmly in place now for more than a decade, he wants something to get done. Whether that happens, though, remains a very opened question.

The president, obviously, will be traveling to Texas in the days ahead. He will likely get remarks while he's there. But he made the point earlier on Wednesday, that his primary responsibility, his primary goal while he's there, to talk to the families.

[04:15:00]

The families of the 19 children who were killed, to hear what they have to say and try and share some empathy with them in this most trying and horrific of moments.

Phil Mattingly, CNN, the White House.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

SOARES: Well, you just heard from Phil Mattingly, lawmakers are deadlocked over gun control. Why have the laws been so tough to pass? Will look at why so many Republicans oppose them. That is next.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

SOARES: Well, in the wake of the Texas school massacre protesters spelled out the word "enough" in large letters -- as you can see there. They were at a vigil at the headquarters of the powerful gun lobby, the National Rifle Association. Gun control advocates plan to protest at the NRA's annual convention in Houston, Texas happening this weekend. About four hours down the road from the scene of the deadly school shooting.

Well, the Democrat nominee who will challenge Greg Abbott for the Texas governorship this November, directly confronted his Republican opponent over the Uvalde tragedy. Beto O'Rourke interrupted a news conference by Abbott.

[04:20:00]

And other officials demanding the governor take action to stop the senseless gun violence. Have a listen to this

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

BETO O'ROURKE (D) CANDIDATE FOR TEXAS GOVERNOR : The time to stop the next shooting is right now and you're doing nothing. You're offering us nothing. You said this is not predictable. This is totally predictable when you choose not to do anything.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Sir, you are out of line. Sir, you're out of line. Sir, you're out of line.

O'ROURKE: -- to stop this from happening again.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Get out of here.

DON MCLAUGHLIN, UVALDE, TEXAS MAYOR: I can't believe you're a sick son of a bench that would come to deal with this This is not the place to do that.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: This is not the place to do that.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

SOARES: Well, at that news conference, the Texas governor argued that tougher gun laws aren't, quote, a real solution. Abbott is expected to attend the NRA convention that's happening on Friday. And his opposition to gun control measures is shared by many Republican colleagues, in fact. Back in Washington, Republican Senators insist that background checks wouldn't have prevented this in Texas, nor would a ban on air style rifles. As they put it, it's about gun rights.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SEN. MARCO RUBIO (R-FL): Listen, at the end of the day you're arguing about what they use to commit this. And the truth of the matter is these people are going to commit these horrifying crimes, whether they use another weapon to do it, they're going to figure out a way to do it.

SEN. RICK SCOTT (R-FL): And in our Constitution the, you know, our second amendment rights and I'm not interested in taking away rights of law-abiding citizens.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

SOARES: Well, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell said it's literally sickening, he said, to consider the innocent young lives stolen by this pointless brutality. But he's among the conservatives Republicans refusing to defy America's powerful gun lobby. According to "The Washington Post," McConnell has received more than a million dollars in campaign contributions from the NRA.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer accused Republicans of putting themselves in the arms of the NRA, instead of in the shoes of grieving parents. (BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SEN. CHUCK SCHUMER (D-NY) SENATE MAJORITY LEADER: Many of my Republican colleagues focus on the motive of the shooters, instead of focusing on the obvious common denominator. They talk about the real villain being mental illness and say nothing of the fact that we are a nation suffocated by firearms.

Rates of mental illness are more or less the same across the developed world. The U.S. is not an outlier on mental illness, but we have an outlier in the sheer number of guns available in this country. That is why we have so many shootings and other Western countries don't.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

SOARES: As you just heard, impassioned pleas for gun reform are not expected to make much headway among Republicans in Congress. Lawmakers have had many chance to take meaningful action after other mass killings but never did. CNN's Brian Todd explains.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

BRIAN TODD, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice over): Another slaughter of children inside a school, another instance where a shaken president pleads for an end to inaction.

BIDEN: When in God's name we do what we all know in our gut needs to be done?

TODD (voice-over): But if there's any new movement in Washington after the Uvalde, Texas, mass shooting, any movement to ban or cut back the sales of assault weapons, any movement to strengthen background checks, it could join a heartbreaking list of past attempts following horrific school shootings that failed.

BILL CLINTON, FORMER PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: We must do more to keep guns out of the hands of children.

TODD (voice-over): That was President Bill Clinton three days after the massacre at Columbine High School in Colorado in April, 1999, when two students killed 12 fellow students and a teacher. Federal legislation was proposed to close loopholes for background checks at gun shows. It failed in Congress.

MARGARET TALEV, CNN POLITICAL ANALYST: For president after president since Bill Clinton, there are tragedies, there is a call to action, there are efforts at legislation, and that legislation falls short.

TODD (voice-over): The Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in Newtown, Connecticut, in December 2012, when 20 children were gunned down along with six adults, was a moment so horrifying that Democrats and Republicans said something had to be done.

BARACK OBAMA, FORMER PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: This time, the words need to lead to action. TODD (voice-over): Many believed tighter gun laws had a real chance of passing. They didn't pass. Not a proposed assault weapons ban, not a bipartisan measure for expanded background checks. President Barack Obama was still upset years later.

BARACK: Every time I think about those kids, it gets me mad.

TODD (voice-over): Four years ago, after a gunman killed 17 people at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, then- President Donald Trump went against the NRA and called for sweeping gun legislation.

DONALD TRUMP, FORMER PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: We want to be very powerful, very strong on background checks and especially as it pertains to the mentally ill.

TODD (voice-over): That movement lasted about a day at the federal level.

The father of a Parkland victim following the Texas shooting on Tuesday remained pessimistic and angry.

FRED GUTTENBERG, LOST DAUGHTER IN PARKLAND SHOOTING: It is so infuriating because all of these instances, we know the next one is going to happen because we haven't done anything to fix it.

[04:25:00]

TODD (voice-over): One analyst says there's plenty of blame to go around. And not just among politicians who point fingers at the other side of the aisle.

TALEV: The public has not demonstrated a will to put this issue above everything else at the ballot box. Are they willing to prioritize that above voting on inflation or their pocketbook?

TODD: And now after this school shooting, a similar conundrum in Congress. House Democrats passed legislation strengthening background checks. Now Democrats in the Senate can either try to ramrod that through quickly, with the likelihood that it would lose, or they can take more time to try to negotiate something bipartisan with Republicans with the outcome of that far from certain.

Brian Todd, CNN, Washington.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

SOARES: And still to come here on the show, CNN gets exclusive access to messages sent by the Texas gunman just minutes before the school rampage. Telling a teenage girl in Germany exactly what he planned to do. We'll bring you that story after a very short break. Are you watching CNN NEWSROOM.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

SOARES: Officials in Uvalde, Texas, have begun releasing some of the bodies of Tuesday school shooting so that families can plan their funerals. 19 young children and two teachers were killed before the lone gunman was fatally shot by police. And the question on everyone's mind is, why an 18-year-old high school dropout with no known criminal record or history of mental illness would unleash such carnage on defenseless children.

We now know the gunman first shot and seriously wounded his grandmother, then drove to the elementary school where he was engaged by several officers. But after dropping a bag of ammunition, he still managed to get inside with a powerful rifle and then began firing. Authorities say he was barricaded for at least 40 minutes before border patrol agents moved in.

[04:30:00]