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House Committee Set to Hold First Public, Prime-Time Hearing; Inflation, Gas Price Top List of Economic Concerns; Millions Face Strong Wind, Hail in Central U.S.; Dozens Killed in Nigeria Church Shooting; U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson to Face Vote of Confidence Monday; Thousands Turn Out in London for Pageant in Queen's Honor. Aired 4:30-5a ET

Aired June 06, 2022 - 04:30   ET

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

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MAX FOSTER, CNN ANCHOR: We'll find out where his latest pole number are.

Plus, millions in the U.S. are facing severe weather this coming week. CNN meteorologist Pedram Javaheri has more.

PEDRAM JAVAHERI, CNN METEOROLOGIST: Max, we have severe weather across the Central United States. A risk here for very strong winds, some large hail as well. We'll break this down in further detail coming up in a few minutes.

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FOSTER: Welcome back to CNN NEWSROOM." I'm Max Foster. If you are just joining us, we're following breaking news for you this hour. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is facing a vote of confidence in the U.K. Parliament later today. The decision comes amid a backlash of parties held at Downing Street during the COVID lockdowns and his handling of the high inflation here in the U.K. Downing Street says Mr. Johnson welcomes the opportunity to make his case.

We're days away from the start of public hearings by the House Select Committee investigating the January 6 riot on the U.S. Capitol -- at the U.S. Capitol. The first hearing is set for Thursday in primetime. The panel is expected to unveil new evidence about the insurrection and what led up to it. CNN's Zachary Cohen has more from Washington.

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ZACHARY COHEN, CNN U.S. NATIONAL SECURITY REPORTER: The January 6 Committee is gearing up for the first of several high stakes public hearings and the first one is slated to happen this week. Now, the committee has conducted over 1,000 interviews and collected a massive amount of documents, but almost all of their work has happened behind closed doors. That means this will be the first time the panel has a chance to present its case directly to the American people. That's going to happen in primetime.

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The committee is promising to put on a compelling show that features unseen material, witness testimony and summary of its findings, which they say points to a coordinated effort to overturn the 2020 election and prevent the transfer of power.

Now former President Donald Trump's role in that effort will undoubtedly be a common thread throughout all of the hearings, including a focus on what he was doing and not doing on January 6 as the violence was unfolding.

At the same time, sources are telling CNN that Trump has already communicate to several of his Republican allies on Capitol Hill that he expects them to defend him while the committee's hearings are playing out. Trump's insistence has already mobilized some of his GOP loyalists on and off The Hill as plans are being developed behind the scenes to push back on the committee.

This despite the plea by some Republicans that they should draw attention away from January 6 and instead continue to beat the drum of present-day economic and cultural issues that have resonated with their voters. Now while the strategy to push back on the committee appears to still be taking shape. It's becoming clear that it'll be tailored to an audience of one, and that's Donald Trump.

Zachary Cohen, CNN, Washington.

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FOSTER: The summit of the Americas Opens in Los Angeles today and three Latin American countries won't be there. The White House has made the final decision not to include Cuba, Venezuela and Nicaragua in the event. The administration says concerns over human rights and lack of democracy in those countries weighed too heavily against them. But the snub risks and embarrassing boycott of the event, Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has threatened to skip the gathering unless all the countries in the Western hemisphere are invited.

And that's not the only worrying item on Mr. Biden's agenda. The vast majority of Americans are feeling the pinch of economic issues such as inflation and gas prices. But even as the White House officials say they are working to get inflation under control, they're also pointing the finger at Russian President Vladimir Putin and big oil companies.

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GINA RAIMONDO, U.S. COMMERCE SECRETARY: I don't think anyone predicted Putin's war in Ukraine or various other things that have happened that have been unexpected. I still think, you know, we will get inflation under control. We just have to stick with it and see it through. You know, I think it's worth noting that gas prices are up $1.40 a gallon since Putin moved troops into Ukraine. So, the president and our team is doing everything we possibly can to get inflation under control.

PETE BUTTIGIEG, U.S. TRANSPORTATION SECRETARY: The price of gasoline is not set by a dial in the oval office. And when an oil company is deciding hour by hour how much to charge you for a gallon of gas, they're not calling the administration to ask what they should do. They're doing it based on their goal of maximizing profits.

It's been very striking right now to see these oil companies who have become almost ridiculously profitable, and you hear these oil executives on the record talking about how they're not going to increase production. Why would they? They're doing great right now. It's why the president has called for a use it or lose it policy where if you're sitting on these thousands of permits, I like these oil executives have been and you're not doing anything with them, then you're going to be held accountable for that.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

FOSTER: Well, that message isn't resonating with the American public. According to an ABC News/Ipsos poll, at least 70 percent of those polled are unhappy with the way the president is dealing with both soaring inflation and gas prices.

Parts of the U.S. are likely facing severe weather over the next few days. Our CNN meteorologist Pedram Javaheri has details on that.

JAVAHERI: Yes, good morning, Max. Lots of is severe weather the last several days and frankly it's been kind of locked in in the same general area across the Central U.S. where about 5 million Americans are under risk here for a level 2, slight risk for severe weather. Rapid City, as far east as Memphis and sort of the vast majority of the population is, and some of the storms could generate some very strong winds, some very large hail and that is precisely how things have played out here the last several days across portions of the plains.

Upwards of almost 200 severe weather reports, notice ten of them were related to tornadoes. The vast majority hail and wind. And some of these wind gusts and some of the hail reports very impressive. As large as almost 3 centimeters -- 3 inches, I should say, in diameter across Walsh and some wind gusts that were up into the tropical storm force category there, about 50 plus miles per hour, 39 or greater is officially what dictates tropical storm force winds.

Kind of get this theme here where several storms, every few days here, pass through portions of the Central United States, prompt at least a slight risk of severe weather. That's precisely what Tuesday's forecast looks like. Again, across portions of the plains there, again, strong winds and some large hail going in towards Tuesday afternoon.

Notice lots of rainfall across this region could see as much as 2 to 3 inches and flooding remains in place. And the temperature trend actually begins to warm up across a large area of the United States. The exception, the northern regions and also, portions of the Midwest there, remaining somewhat cool for this time of year, but down across the South, Atlanta climbing from the 80s into the 90s, some cooler weather expected Saturday into Sunday with incoming storms.

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But the general theme here is going to be a warming trend across portions of the southern U.S. high temperatures, 88 in OKC, 101 in El Paso. In San Francisco high of only 67 degrees.

FOSTER: Thank you, Pedram.

Just ahead, there's been an horrific attack on a Catholic Church in Nigeria. We'll have a live report from Lagos next.

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FOSTER: Fire fighters in Bangladesh are battling a container depot fire that's already claimed the lives of at least 49 people. Nine firefighters amongst the dead and two more remain missing since the fire began on Saturday night. Several of the containers are filled with chemicals making it harder for fire crews to contain the blaze. It's not clear what caused the fire, but officials suspect it may have originated from a container of hydrogen peroxide that spread quickly for others.

At least 28 people were killed after a gunman stormed a Catholic Church in southwest Nigeria and opened fire. We have to warn you the following video of the attack is graphic. Authorities told CNN they are yet to confirm the total number of casualties and identify those behind the attack. For more on this story, we are joined by CNN's Stephanie Busari from Lagos. Horrific details coming out.

STEPHANIE BUSARI, CNN DIGITAL SUPERVISING EDITOR, AFRICA: Yes, Max, as you say, the social media videos very graphic. You can see bodies strewn in the church, a bloody bible, just really horrific scenes. And what we know is that around 2:00 p.m. Sunday afternoon as mass was about to come to an end, a group of armed men on motorcycles stormed this church, St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, in southwest Nigeria, opened fire.

[04:45:00]

Some reports say that they first threw explosives into the building to cause chaos and confusion, and then opened fire as people, stunned, trying to figure out what exactly was happening. The death toll, as you say, will rise. We have it between 28 and 50 right now, and Nigerians are just reeling from what is the latest killing in the country. Violence has really escalated in recent times, Max, as a tense political situation as the major parties conclude their primaries, choose their candidates for next year's election. But people are worried that these election campaigns will lead to more violence.

Now, President Buhari has condemned the killings, but those words ring hollow to many Nigerians who have to grapple with ever increasing and terrifying levels of violence doing everyday things that you and I take for granted, Max. Like going to work, going to church, sending their children to school. These Nigerians are just saying they simply do not feel safe anymore in their country.

FOSTER: OK, Stephanie Busari in Lagos, thanks for bringing us the insight there on that desperate situation.

Much more ahead on CNN NEWSROOM. Don't go anywhere.

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[04:50:00]

FOSTER: Recapping our breaking news this hour, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson will face a vote of confidence in the U.K. Parliament later today amongst Conservative MPs. It comes amid a backlash of parties held at Downing Street during the COVID lockdowns. And this is all taking place because at least 54 conservative MPs have submitted their letter to the chair. But the 1922 Committee saying they've lost confidence in their leader. That figure represents 15 percent Conservative MPs the threshold at which a vote is triggered. The Conservative MPs will now cast their vote between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. here in London on whether they want Mr. Johnson to continue in his role as leader or not. Downing Street says the Prime Minister welcomes the opportunity to make his case.

Now triumphant finale to an historic Jubilee Celebration in London. Queen Elizabeth made a surprise appearance on the balcony of Buckingham Palace on Sunday capping the final day of events marking her 70-year reign. But another moment that caught the public's attention came from the Queen's great grandson. You can see Prince Louie wasn't appreciating the redirection from his mother during -- at the Jubilee Pageant as he tried to cover his mouth, shook his hand and even made faces.

But the Prince seemed much more focused while baking cakes with the family in these photos posted on the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's social media accounts. The cakes they created made their way to a street party in Wales. All part of the celebration in honor of the Queen, also Buckingham Palace. And I'll bring you all the best moments now.

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FOSTER (voice-over): The priceless gold state coach travels down the mile kicking off the final day of the Queen's Jubilee celebrations. Then on to Buckingham Palace, just as it did 70 years ago, carrying a young recently proclaimed Queen Elizabeth.

Now, the 96-year-old monarch appears represented by a hologram, a sign of the times, but also of the Queen's frailty after she missed all but one of the Jubilee events due to her discomfort.

Prince Charles again taking on the Queen's responsibilities, saluting the parade as it passed. An estimated 1 billion people watch the so called people's parade, including the Prime Minister Boris Johnson, and other members of the royal family in the audience, but not Harry and Meghan.

The event aim to tell the story of the Queen through a parade marking the most iconic fads over the past 70 years. From the 50s Lambeth Walk to the Notting Hill Carnival, and even punk culture. With a special appearance of some UK celebrities, national treasures, and many more to the great delight of the Queen's great grandchildren. Even the iconic double decker bus got a special makeover for the occasion. A celebration of the last 70 years of British culture and the testimony to the incredible length of the Queen's reign. Her many challenges, her worldwide responsibilities as leader of the Commonwealth, and even her personal interests.

It was also an opportunity to get a rare glimpse of the more informal part of the royal family dynamic.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I feel like it's been monumentous. I feel like this is the people's pageant, our chance to say thank you to her majesty's 70 years of service.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I think the people are genuinely, yes, much more happy towards her and talk more about her because of her age.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Yes. I think most people are just proud of her, so we love her.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Yes, we are.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You keep crying all afternoon.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I've been crying out here a lot. I didn't go (INAUDIBLE) and tissues.

FOSTER (voice-over): In a statement the Queen said she was humbled and touched by the support and said, quote, while I may not have attended every event in person, my heart had been with you all.

British singer Ed Sheeran close Sunday's festivities with a tribute to Queen Elizabeth before the surprise highlights of the day.

FOSTER: It was the book ending to this four day Jubilee Celebration that so many people have been hoping for one last glimpse of their aging Queen up there on the Buckingham Palace balcony. And for the Queen in the twilight of her reign reassurance that she's loved more than ever.

(END VIDEO TAPE)

FOSTER (on camera): What a day.

Now the NBA finals are now even at one game apiece thanks to dominant performance by the Golden State Warriors in game 2 in San Francisco. Led by superstar Steph Curry's 29 points, the Warriors defeated the Boston Celtics 107-88. Team mate Jordan Poole helped carry the lead for Golden State in the third quarter. Game 3 is in Boston on Wednesday.

Before the game, players from both teams wore these orange t-shirts saying end gun violence. The wear orange weekend is a national movement to raise awareness against gun violence.

[04:55:02]

Warriors head coach Steve Kerr also supported the cause when he spoke.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

STEVE KERR, WARRIORS HEAD COACH: There are proven laws that are waiting to be passed, whether background checks or what have you. There are things we can do that would not violate people's Second Amendment rights but would save lives. And so, the idea behind wearing the shirts, both teams, is to make people aware that they can contribute to different gun safety, gun violence prevention groups. The biggest thing I think is to vote.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

FOSTER: Meanwhile, the U.S. men's national soccer team is calling on Congress to pass stronger gun laws. The team's players and staff wrote an open letter addressing every member of the U.S. House and Senate.

The letter reads, in part, quote: You can vote this week to address gun violence in America, and in fact, you'll be given that opportunity in the coming days. The U.S. House of Representatives is voting on several bills that would address this serious issue. Please vote yes on all the bills being considered.

In tennis, Rafael Nadal showed exactly why he is king of clay at Roland Garros. The 36-year-old Spaniard easily defeated Norway's Casper Ruud in straight sets for his 14th French Open title. Nadal has also extended his own record winning 22 Grand Slams. He's undefeated in his career of the French Open final. Nadal also became the oldest player to win a French Open title.

Thanks for joining me here. I'm Max Foster in London. "EARLY START" with Christine Romans and Laura Jarrett is next. You're watching CNN.

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