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Ex-Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe Shot, in Critical Condition; Boris Johnson Resigns as British Prime Minister After Party Mutiny; Witness Talks About Video That Helped Nab Gunman; Committee Questing Trump White House Counsel Friday. Aired 4-4:30a ET

Aired July 08, 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]

MAX FOSTER, CNN ANCHOR: Well, police arrested the gunman who didn't try to flee. He describes the man in his 40s who used a homemade gun. Authorities say Abe was shot in the neck. He was airlifted to a nearby hospital. Japan's current Prime Minister says Abe is receiving emergency treatment as doctors try to save his life.

Blake Essig live for us this hour in Tokyo. What do we know about his latest condition -- Blake?

BLAKE ESSIG, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, Max, just moments ago we learned that former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's brother, the current minister of defense, came out and has said that his brother is currently receiving a blood transfusion at the hospital there in Nara, a western city in Japan where the shooting took place. And he called the attack, an afront on democracy and suppression of freedom of speech.

You know, you played the video, we heard those gunshots, those two gunshots Rang out. Earlier today, around 11:30 a.m. local time, Japanese public broadcaster NHK reported that former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe had been shot twice, once in the chest, and according to the fire and disaster management agency, once in the neck. It happened while delivering a speech, a stump speech as I mentioned, around 11:30 this morning local time in western Japan. You know, in about an one hour and a half, two hours ago, current Prime Minister Fumio Kishida held a press conference and addressed Abe's current condition, take a listen.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

FUMIO KISHIDA, JAPANESE PRIME MINISTER (through translator): First of all, in the morning today, in Nara prefecture, I received the news that the former Prime Minister Abe was shot and is now in critical condition. Emergency operation is taking place to save his life. I pray that he pulls through.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

ESSIG: And Kishida went on to call today's shooting an unforgivable act. Now after the shooting, NHK says that the former Prime Minister was bleeding from his chest and in a state of cardiac arrest while being transported to the hospital. Witnesses say he was shot from behind, he didn't collapse after the first shot, but did collapse after the second shot, before receiving CPR.

Now the suspect a man in his 40s has been arrested in possession of which NHK is describing as a homemade gun. Witnesses say that the suspect didn't attempt to run, he was arrested right on the spot there before being taken to a police station for questioning.

Abe was there in Japan -- western Japan -- to deliver a stump speech for Liberal Democratic candidates ahead of the upper House elections set for this Sunday. Abe is Japan's longest serving Prime Minister, first elected in 2006 and then again in 2012 before stepping down in 2020, because of health concerns. Now despite stepping down, Abe remained a key player in Japanese politics, speaking very candidly about Taiwan, hinting at Japan's possible military role there.

And that all being said, some of his policies and remarks have been seen as controversial. With critics saying that some of his policies operated outside of Japan's pacifist constitution, including revising the defense policy to allow for Japanese troops to fight overseas for the first time since World War II.

But policies aside, Max, you know, there's been an overwhelming sense of sadness and shock across Japan, really around the world as a result of today's shooting. Some have taken to social media, calling it a barbaric act that shakes the root of democracy, while others were saying that whether or not you agree with his political stances, violence to suppress political stances is unacceptable.

And while it is hard to digest exactly what has happened here today, the majority of social media posts are expressing concern for the former Prime Minister's health, hoping that he is going to survive. And I mentioned it earlier, but the current Prime Minister Kishida, really setting the tone in his press conference, he appeared emotional, almost in tears, speaking to the press and said that this is not a forgivable act and that we are going to have to comprehend the situation and take appropriate measures. Max, you know, clearly, a shocking and emotional day here in Japan across the board.

FOSTER: Blake, will be back with you with any updates. He was, he is a towering figure on the global world stage. And messages really coming in from all over the world, sending their condolences. The NATO secretary general tweeting that he is deeply shocked by the heinous shooting and that NATO stands with the people of our close partner Japan.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump called the news absolutely devastating. He wrote that Abe was a true friend of mine and much more importantly, America. This is a tremendous blow to the wonderful people of Japan who loved and admired him so much.

[04:05:00]

The Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also expressed shock over the shooting. Tweeting: Our thoughts are with his family and the people of Japan. And Taiwan's president condemned the attack and says she hopes he'll

be OK. Tsai ling-wen wrote on Facebook that Abe is not only a friend of mine, but a close friend of Taiwan, who has staunchly supported Taiwan over the years and spared no efforts in promoting Japan/Taiwan relations.

Let's go straight to Taipei, CNN's senior international correspondent Will Ripley spent years covering Abe from Tokyo. Will, first of all, I just want to address something that I'm hearing a lot, of people that do not understand Japanese culture necessarily, looking at these images, finding extraordinary that there wasn't more security around him. He was in the middle of this crowd. That's because these things are very rare in Japan. But also, you know, gun control is very tight in Japan as well.

WILL RIPLEY, CNN SENIOR INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Well, and you see by the nature of the suspected weapon, Max, that was basically cobbled together. It's almost impossible for somebody to get a gun in Japan without extensive, extensive paperwork. I can't think of anybody that I know in Japan personally who was in possession of any sort of weapon like that.

And this is a country where when you fly domestically at the airport, you know, they barely check you before you get on the plane. There really is a different feeling once you're inside of Japan in terms of safety, in terms of, you know, feeling that this is a place where, you know, annual crime statistics, especially when it comes to gun related deaths are so low.

You're talking about, you know, more than 120 million people, and you maybe have a dozen shootings throughout the whole country. And every time there is a shooting, it's the lead story on the national news because it is so rare. And it is always usually Yakuza gang members that are, you know, fighting each other over property disputes. I mean, it's territory disputes.

So, it is really, really extraordinary that this happened. It certainly is going to really microphone off the light go upstairs be shock and resonate throughout Japan. And to make people question that sense of security. Although there is also probably the belief that this individual suspected of doing this might have had motivations that are far different from the average person in Japan. Who wouldn't even think about pulling out a gun and using it against somebody else, never mind trying to assassinate the former Prime Minister.

But, Max, you know, the shockwaves also come in terms of why would this have happened. Shinzo Abe, he did have some controversial political views, in terms of Japan's defensive posture, giving a more assertive role to the Japanese military, known as the self-defense force. He spoke out very often about this island of Taiwan and the need for Japan to come to its defense, to defend a self-governing democracy in a region and at a time that China is tightening up its military tensions.

And then of course, that's why I think you have all of these leaders from the Taiwan President Tsai ling-wen to the Taiwan ministry of foreign affairs, and now, you know, you mentioned the former President Donald Trump, you know, tweeting about Shinzo Abe.

I remember Max, it was extraordinary, Shinzo Abe's ability to really almost whisper in some people's words, to former President Trump. He knew exactly what he needed to do and say and how he needed to act to get President Trump to do what was in the best interest of Japan. Because he understood that, you know, when it comes to a stable and safe Japan, there is no more important ally than the United States. That's why he took the former President Trump out for a hamburger in Tokyo and played a round of golf with him. And just kind of casually slipped in all of the important policy discussions that he needed to get done. And he did get it done with President Trump. President Trump always answered the phone for Shinzo Abe -- Max.

FOSTER: OK, Will, thank you. Will be speaking to Nic Robertson a little bit later as well about Shinzo Abe's position on the world stage. He really is a towering figure and the whole world watching and hoping for the best. We'll bring you any updates of course on his condition.

Meanwhile, here in the U.K., the British Prime Minister survived Partygate and the confidence vote last month. But he could not survive without supporting of his own party. Boris Johnson finally succumbed to the revolt and admitted defeat on Thursday. However, he's not leaving 10 Downing Street just yet. He'll stay on as caretaker leader until Conservatives select a new Prime Minister. Along with the public relief, comes pressing questions about the next government and how it will operate without Johnson at the helm. During his resignation speech, he called the decision painful, but chose not to mention the series of damaging scandals that brought him down.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

BORIS JOHNSON, BRITISH PRIME MINISTER: As we've seen at Westminster, the herd instinct is powerful and when the herd moves it moves. And my friends in politics no one is remotely indispensable. And our brilliant and Darwinian system will produce another leader, equally committed to taking this country forward through tough times.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

[04:10:00]

FOSTER: After Johnson's announcement, the U.S. president released a statement saying that the United Kingdom and United States are the closest of friends and Allies, and the special relationship between our people remains strong and enduring.

Not actually mentioning Boris Johnson there. I'm not sure the personal relationship was as strong as the national relationship. But numerous Conservative politicians are considered potential contenders now to succeed Boris Johnson. They include the former members of the cabinet, whose own resignations this week set of an avalanche of government officials quitting but picking a new party leader could take several months. And the prime's harshest critics, including some Tories, don't think that Mr. Johnson should even serve as caretaker whilst the selection process plays out. Clare Sebastian tracking this live from Downing Street. As much as

people want him to go now it seems as though he is going to stay, because the mechanics of removing him are difficult. So, they're going to try to speed the process up to find the next leader. Who do you think is the front runner at this point?

CLARE SEBASTIAN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, Max, we've only had two people officially throw their hat in the ring. They are MP Tugendhat, who has never serving cabinet or shadow cabinet. He is a former British military official who wrote an op-ed in the "Daily Telegraph," saying that he wants a renewal, a new start for the country. A cleanup he called it. The other is the Attorney General Suella Braverman who said she would run.

But there are a lot of other figures who are mooted to be perhaps potentially about to announce their candidacy. Ranging from Rishi Sunak, former chancellor whose resignation was one of the most prominent and set off this cascade of resignations that ultimately led to Boris Johnson's own announcement that he would resign on Thursday.

Ben Wallace, defense secretary, even Liz Truss the foreign minister. There are a lot of people mooted to be joining. But of course, as you say, you know, the uncertainty that was lifted by the Prime Minister announcing his resignation, has added on several layers of uncertainty and even anxiety in the country. About how long he will stay as caretaker. We won't even know that until Monday, with the influential backbench 1922 Committee -- which is currently electing its own new members -- will sort of put together a timeline on the leadership conduct.

In this is really the sort of tone we're seeing in the morning paper this morning. This is "The Daily Telegraph," Max, who said the PM's long goodbye leaves the U.K. in a state of paralysis. On the other side blitz, we have "The Guardian" saying -- it's in small letters there, you can probably not see it -- almost over. Saying that he is sparking a row about when he will actually depart.

And an even stronger terms from the "Daily Mail." Saying: What the hell have they done.

A lot of people worried about the uncertainty as he stays on as caretaker Prime Minister. Will he be able to do anything? We're in the middle of a cost of living crisis, a war in Ukraine. He has said to a cabinet meeting yesterday, that he's unlikely to make any big policy or fiscal changes. But there, you know, there are a lot of people out there who are looking for an expedited process to bring this forward. Because it could of course take months. Then of course, the uncertainty around who comes next and what kind of policies will they bring.

FOSTER: OK, Clare Sebastian in Downing Street, back with you with updates on the runners and riders through the day.

Now still ahead, on CNN NEWSROOM. A young boy, just eight years old, critically wounded in the Illinois parade shooting. What his family is saying about his chances of recovery. Plus, the January 6 Committee has a busy few days ahead, including an

interview with a crucial witness, scheduled to take place a few hours from now. We'll have a report from Washington.

[04:15:00]

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

FOSTER: Let's update you on our breaking news. We have some graphic video to show you right now, of the moment that former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was shot and wounded.

This happened in Nara, in western Japan. The current Prime Minister says Abe is in a critical condition and doctors are fighting to save his life. Police arrested the gunman, described is a man in his 40s. NHK reports he didn't try to run away. But according to police, he used a handmade gun.

Prosecutors in Illinois say it's vital that every one of the victims in the July 4th parade shooting gets justice. Seven people aged 35 to 88 were killed when a gunman opened fire from a nearby rooftop. Meanwhile, a family spokesman says an eight-year-old boy shot on Monday is paralyzed from the waist down. Cooper Roberts was attending the parade with his parents and his twin brother. He remains in hospital on a ventilator in critical but stable condition.

The gunman's father is rejecting any responsibility for the attack. He tells the "New York Post" he wants his son to serve a long prison sentence. The states attorney says that the father is not criminally liable for the shooting, even though he vouched for his son to buy the deadly weapons. More now from CNN's Ed Lavandera.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

ED LAVANDERA, CNN SENIOR NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): In the mayhem of the shooting at the Highland Park Fourth of July parade, new details are emerging from a witness that provided key surveillance video, which helped identify the alleged shooter.

HAL EMALFARB, GAVE SURVEILLANCE VIDEO TO POLICE: You see people running. He's just walking.

LAVANDERA (voice-over): It was a surveillance camera connected to a building owned by Hal Emalfarb that recorded that crucial moment. He says he has video that captured the alleyway the shooter used to reach the roof top where authorities say he fired off more than 80 rounds.

EMALFARB: He started looking at the camera here, he shows on the film at 10:07 into the alley, and 10:14 and 57 seconds coming out. And when he comes out, he's holding an orange bag and the rifle butt or something in the orange bag hits the guardrail and drops. And he looks at it and that's when we caught him on the camera. So, we know who he was when he looked back, and then he left. LAVANDERA (voice-over): Newly released documents paint the picture of a depressed teenager with a history of drug use and a home life marked by domestic incidents. A report from an April 2019 wellbeing check noted that he had attempted to kill himself using a machete and that mental health professionals responded to the call.

[04:20:04]

In September of that same year, another incident report noted that he had, quote, made a threat in the household. A person, whose named is redacted in the report, told officers that the man, quote, stated that he was going to kill everyone. Robert Crimo III admitted he was depressed and had a history of drug use, according to the report, but told investigators he did not feel like harming himself or others.

After that incident, police removed 16 knives, a dagger and a sword from his house. The father picked up the items later that day claiming they were his. Documents also detailed a troubling 22 calls to police from the home, most of them domestic incidents between Crimo's mother and father.

Questions now arise on how despite this history, the shooter was able to legally purchase five firearms with his father's legal consent which is necessary for any 18-year-old. The alleged gunman's father told ABC News he was not responsible for the purchase.

ROBERT CRIMO JR., ALLEGED GUNMAN'S FATHER: I filled out the consent form to allow my son to go through the process. They do background checks. Whatever that entails. I'm not exactly sure. And either you're approved or denied, and he was approved.

LAVANDERA (voice-over): His father later told "The New York Post" that he believed his son was using the guns to go to a shooting range.

NANCY ROTERING, HIGHLAND PARK, ILLINOIS MAYOR: My community is in absolutely despair, grieving, feeling unspeakable pain due to the hands of his son and he signed off on the FOID application. And I will leave it to the authorities to address the rest of the question.

LAVANDERA (voice-over): Authorities say the shooter purchased those weapons eventually using one to kill seven people and injure nearly 40 other victims.

One of those victims still fighting for his life's eight-year-old Cooper Roberts. A family friend says that the little boy was shot in the belly and the bullet severed his spinal cord. Cooper was at the parade with his twin brother and parents. His mother and brother were also wounded, but they have been released from the hospital.

LAVANDERA: We are told by the family friend, that eight-year-old Cooper Roberts is in critical but stable condition. And that he is on a ventilator and has been sedated since he arrived at the hospital on Monday. And the family says right now, if the boy is able to survive, one of the things they are most concerned about is that he will remain paralyzed.

Ed Lavandera, CNN, Highland Park Illinois.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

FOSTER: The January 6 Committee will be busy in the days ahead. The seventh hearing scheduled for next Tuesday will focus on how the mob of the U.S. Capitol was assembled. But first, the committee will question former White House counsel Pat Cipollone. That takes place today, a few hours from now. Cipollone and the committee have agreed to a transcribe and videotape interview connected behind closed doors. Ryan Nobles has the details.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

RYAN NOBLES, CNN CONGRESSIONAL CORRESPONDENT: It is a major breakthrough for the January 6th Select Committee. Coming to an agreement with former White House counsel Pat Cipollone, to sit for a deposition on the record and under oath, with the committee this Friday.

Now, we are told that the deposition will take place behind closed doors. It will be transcribed and likely be videotaped, which means that clips of that interview will be able to be used by the committee in future hearings. Now one of the areas that is not exactly clear, is how they plan to deal with issues of privilege, both executive and attorney client privilege. Cipollone, an institutionalist, made it clear that he is concerned that as White House counsel, he will not be able to talk about specific things having to do with the former president himself. So, is likely any of his conversations with the former president will be off limits.

However, committee members have said that they are willing to work around that. They're still interested in conversations he might have had with somebody like John Eastman, the conservative attorney who was the architect of the plan to put Mike Pence in a position where he would attempt to certify -- or not certify the results of the election.

They also may be able to talk to him about his interactions with Jeff Clark, who was the DOJ official that Trump wanted to install as Attorney General. So, there is still plenty that they can't get from Pat Cipollone, and it is clear that he is a key focus of this investigation. His name came up over and over again at the hearings that we've already seen up until this point, especially in that testimony that we heard from Cassidy Hutchinson, of course the former aide to the then chief of staff Mark Meadows.

Ryan Nobles, CNN, on Capitol Hill.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

FOSTER: The head of the Internal Revenue Service is asking the agency's inspector general to look into why former FBI director James Comey, and former FBI deputy director Andrew McCabe were both selected for intensive tax audits by the IRS. The audits happened while former President Donald Trump was in office.

Comey and McCabe were both fierce critics of Mr. Trump. You may recall Mr. Trump fired Comey from leading the FBI in 2017.

[04:25:00]

And McCabe was fired from the FBI in 2018, two days before he was scheduled to retire. "The New York Times" reported on the audits on Wednesday. Raising questions of why two high-profile critics to the former president were selected to undergo the extensive audits which are not common. McCabe tells CNN the tax audit should be investigated.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

ANDREW MCCABE, FORMER FBI DEPUTY DIRECTOR: To think that there was some other factor involved here, I think that's a reasonable question.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

FOSTER: In a statement to CNN, the Internal Revenue Service denied conducting any quote, politically motivated audits.

Americas will get an update on state of their economy in just a few hours, when a new unemployment report comes out.

U.S. stocks closed up on Thursday, for the fourth day in a row. Oil and gas companies led the way. The Dow gained more than 340 points, while the Nasdaq and the S&P were also up. The jobs report will provide an idea into whether high inflation could possibly lead to pink slips for some American workers. But the report is still expected to show a gain of around 272,000 jobs. The unemployment rate is expected to remain at 3.6 percent.

Ahead on CNN's, we'll update you on the former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, shot and wounded at a campaign rally today.

You are watching CNN NEWSROOM, live from London.

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FOSTER: Breaking news this hour, former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is in a critical condition after being shot during the campaign rally.