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FBI Searches Trump's Mar-a-Lago; Ukraine's President Accuses Russia Of "Nuclear Blackmail"; Albuquerque On High Alert After Four Muslim Men Killed; ; General Elections in Kenya; Olivia Newton-John Dies Aged 73. Aired 2-3a ET

Aired August 09, 2022 - 02:00   ET

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

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[02:00:16]

ROSEMARY CHURCH, CNN INTERNATIONAL ANCHOR: Hello, and welcome to our viewers joining us from all around the world. You are watching CNN NEWSROOM and I'm Rosemary Church.

Just ahead. In an extraordinary move, FBI agents execute a search warrant at former President Donald Trump's home in Florida. It's setting off a legal and political firestorm in the United States.

Taiwan's turn its militaries holding live fire artillery drills, after days of war games by Beijing.

And an urgent search for a killer. Islamic communities in New Mexico living in fear following the murders of four Muslim men.

ANNOUNCER: Live from CNN Center, this is CNN NEWSROOM with Rosemary Church.

CHURCH: Good to have you with us. We begin with an unprecedented move by the U.S. Department of Justice, the FBI is searching Mar-a-Lago. The Florida home of former President Donald Trump. Sources tell CNN it's part of an investigation into Trump's handling of presidential documents, including classified material. The former president calls it a politically motivated raid and says FBI agents even broke into his safe.

Another source told CNN agents took boxes of items from the property. More now from CNN's chief White House correspondent Kaitlan Collins.

KAITLAN COLLINS, CNN CHIEF WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: Former President Trump is now confirming that the FBI executed a search warrant on his primary residence to Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida on Monday. We are told that search warrant was tied to that investigation into whether or not he mishandled potentially classified information when he took documents with him when he left the White House after losing the election to President Biden.

We are told this is an investigation that has been underway for several months including into about 15 boxes that had been taken to Mar-a-Lago and Trump in a statement when he confirmed that this is how it had happened, referred to this as a raid by the FBI, said it was announced that they broke into a safe that he had which I'm told is a safe that was located in his office at Mar-a-Lago.

Of course, what investigators took with them remains to be seen that we are told they did take some materials following this search warrant being executed on Monday. The Justice Department is not commenting and we are told that President Biden was unaware beforehand that this search warrant was going to be executed. But it is remarkable for a former president's property to be searched by the FBI tied to this investigation, again, into those classified documents and whether or not what exactly they secured from the former president safe or his office remains to be seen.

But it is a dramatic escalation into this investigation that we knew. It spanned how he handled classified information and of course remains to be seen where it ends up. Though the former president was not happy saying that it was he believed it was a politically motivated search that happened on his property, comparing it to the days of Watergate.

CHURCH: Harry Litman is a former U.S. attorney and legal affairs columnist for The Los Angeles Times and host of the Talking Feds podcast. He joins me now from La Jolla in California. Great to have you with us.

HARRY LITMAN, FORMER DEPUTY ASSISTANT ATTORNEY GENERAL: Thanks, Rosemary.

CHURCH: So what's your reaction to news that the FBI executed a search warrant Monday at former President Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort home in Florida, the search apparently linked to the handling of classified documents according to our sources.

LITMAN: It's a thunderbolt if -- and that even understates it. It -- nothing like of the sort has ever been done to a president or former president. It's absolutely a, you know, aggressive move by the Department of Justice without fear or favor going right at him. The large majority of people who are in the position, he's now in wind up facing criminal charges. So, it's huge.

CHURCH: So as you point out, no U.S. president or former U.S. president has ever had his home searched like this. What's the significance of the center and what could it potentially mean for Trump? Are they getting -- are they closing in on him?

LITMAN: I think so. So the least significant is that a neutral judicial officer has found probable cause to believe there's evidence of a crime at Mar-a-Lago. There could be many different ones, but one we're fairly certain that it is in play is the destruction of presidential records. We knew that Trump shepherded away many boxes with some very valuable records and he's steadfastly refused to return them indeed when they got some of them back, they'd been ripped up, et cetera, that's the least it could portend.

[02:05:07] LITMAN: But at this point that they actually made this move, which you typically would make when you're getting close to a charging decision augurs a actual decision to indict the former president of the United States. On this charge it's true that's less serious than many others that are also in play. But most importantly, Rosemary, that if he's convicted, provides for disqualification from office, provides for him never again to be a officeholder in the United States.

CHURCH: And because of that, not surprisingly, Republicans are up in arms about this FBI search, they're trying to suggest this is political. And it has a lot to do with the approaching midterms and the likelihood that Donald Trump will announce his intention to run for president in 2024. So, what would you say to those suggesting this is about politics, not about the law.

LITMAN: So look, this is a serious offense for the Department of Justice where they see it. And there's basically zero doubt that Trump has committed it. So, not to do this search warrant, not to investigate, that would be putting politics above the law. Now, there are some final decisions to make whether to indict him. But as I'm suggesting, they may already have made that judgment before they even served the warrant.

So, you know, I don't think that (INAUDIBLE) moreover, the charge if this is what they actually indict him for. Is so much less serious than others could be. And there's the possibility of a kind of grand resolution of our whole national nightmare where he is indicted, but not on the most serious of offenses but never again, can run for president.

CHURCH: How concerned are you that this search and possibly an indictment of the former president could mobilize the far right and all those riders that we saw gather at the Capitol on January 6 who will perceive this as an effort to remove Trump from the political equation?

LITMAN: So, they might, of course perceive it but probably perceive a lot less than if we were charged with seditious conspiracy? The short answer, I think, is the same as the Department of Justice and Merrick Garland. You just have to ignore it. You know, that you can't permit the, you know, ragtag terrorists, which is what they are to hold hostage the rule of law in the country.

CHURCH: Harry Litman, we'll see what happens. Thank you so much for joining us. We appreciate it.

LITMAN: Thank you, Rosemary.

CHURCH: Ukrainian officials are raising the specter of a Chernobyl style nuclear disaster. After a weekend of shelling and rocket fire around Europe's largest nuclear power plant. The U.N. secretary general condemned fighting around the Zaporizhia Nuclear Plant on Monday, calling it suicidal. Ukraine state energy company is calling for a demilitarized zone to be created around the plant. Russian troops have occupied the plant since March, but Ukrainian technicians continue working there. Both countries have blamed each other for the attacks with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy accusing Russia of nuclear blackmail.

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VOLODYMYR ZELENSKYY, UKRAINIAN PRESIDENT (through translator): We are actively informing the world about Russian nuclear blackmail, about the shelling and mining of Zaporizhia Nuclear Power Plant. There are already appropriate reactions from the international community, but it is necessary to speed up actions in response.

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CHURCH: New surveillance video shows Russian military vehicles driving inside the Zaporizhia complex. Moscow says its troops are there for protection. But several Western and Ukrainian officials have accused Russia of using the plan to shield its forces.

The U.S. is stepping up its military and financial aid for Ukraine on Monday. Officials announced another $4.5 billion in funding to help Ukraine's government maintain essential functions. Separately, the Defense Department announced a $1 billion package of weapons and security assistance. Pentagon officials say it's the largest delivery since Russia launched its invasion.

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COLIN KAHL, U.S. UNDER SECRETARY OF DEFENSE FOR POLICY: This is the largest single drawdown of U.S. arms and equipment utilizing this authority to date. The package provides a significant amount of additional ammunition, weapons and equipment the types of which the Ukrainian people are using so effectively to defend their country.

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CHURCH: The new military aid package includes thousands of artillery rounds, rockets and other ammunition. The U.S. will also be sending medical supplies and armored medical treatment vehicles.

Amnesty International has responded to criticism over its recent report that accused Ukrainian forces of using tactics that endanger civilians. The organization said it regrets the distress and anger caused by the report, but fully stands by the findings. CNN's Alex Marquardt has the story.

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ALEX MARQUARDT, CNN SENIOR NATIONAL SECURITY CORRESPONDENT (voice over): This is a boarding school for visually impaired children in the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv. Its windows blown out and two huge craters outside from Russia and missile strikes. We visited in early July just a few hours after the attack and saw at the entrance to the school Ukrainian soldiers moving out carrying boxes into a truck.

The school in a residential neighborhood wasn't housing any students at the time, the soldiers told us they'd been staying there. But after the strike they decided to leave. Now a firestorm has erupted after Amnesty International reported on the Ukrainian forces use of civilian buildings like schools and hospitals as basis. The report says that has made those buildings targets for the Russians and endangers the Ukrainian population.

The head of Amnesty International said in the report, being in a defensive position does not exempt the Ukrainian military from respecting international humanitarian law. The backlash was immediate. President Zelenskyy and other top officials slammed the report. Zelenskyy on Friday said it shifts the responsibility from the aggressor to the victim. He called it immoral so activity that amnesties Russia. The next day, we spoke with Amnesty International.

DONATELLA ROVERA, SENIOR CRISIS ADVISER, AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL: We understand military necessity. And we understand that, you know, military especially in the case of the Ukrainian military, they are in a defensive position. They have to make difficult decisions. But there are measures that they can and must take.

MARQUARDT: As anger grew, they apologized, saying while we fully stand by our findings, we regret the pain caused. Nothing we documented Ukrainian forces doing in any way justifies Russian violations. Russian state T.V. has gloated pointing to the report as evidence Ukraine is violating international law. Amnesty International initially rejected the Ukrainian criticism that their report was feeding Russian propaganda.

ROVERA: It really takes away from the focus which should be what can be done to increase the protection of civilians. That's really what this is about and what it should be about.

MARQUARDT: Amnesty has repeatedly criticized Russia for its conduct in Ukraine. Last month, another report from Human Rights Watch said both sides are unnecessarily endangering civilians. And however unjustified and brutal Russia's war is they say, Ukraine needs to do better.

BELKIS WILLE, SENIOR RESEARCHER, HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH: Just because the other side that you're fighting against is breaking the rules doesn't mean that you should break the rules that in fact, if you do, you're going to kill more civilians, and that's exactly why these rules are in place to begin with.

MARQUARDT: Alex Marquardt, CNN, New York.

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CHURCH: Beijing show of force isn't letting up near Taiwan. China's military says it's continuing exercises today saying their war games will focus on a joint blockade. The news comes after Taiwan launched military drills of its own earlier today.

Taipei says these rules are regular exercises and were not scheduled in response to Beijing's military drills. CNNs Kristie Lu Stout joins me now from Hong Kong. Good to see you, Kristie. So, what is the latest on these military deals now coming from Taiwan, as well as China, and how much concern is there that these coming from both sides could end badly?

KRISTIE LU STOUT, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Yes. You know, it's interesting just a day after the U.S. President Joe Biden expressed confidence that China would not escalate further tensions. You have another day of continued military drills conducted by the Chinese military around Taiwan. Earlier today was confirmed on the way (INAUDIBLE) of China's Eastern theater command that they have extended these military drills today, they're focusing on supply operations and blockades.

These military drills originally were due to wrap up on Sunday. They have been extended. It's not clear when they will be over. Now Taiwan has condemned the extension of these Chinese military drills. And we have a fresh statement from the foreign minister of Taiwan who issued this. We'll bring it up to you. Joseph Wu says "In facing China's joint military exercises, Taiwan's peaceful society, military and government have displayed resilience and confidence and remain calm. China's continued attempts to intimidate Taiwan will not panic us nor will they defeat us.

[02:15:05]

Now I should also add that Taiwan this day is conducting these live fire artillery drills. These drills were planned in advance, they're not being done in reaction or response to China's military drills. It was, of course, that controversial visit by the U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi last week that caused China to ratchet up the pressure on Taiwan on multiple fronts diplomatically, economically, also militarily sending over ballistic missiles over the island of 23 million people for the first time even canceling communications between military officers between Chinese military officers and the U.S. as well.

So, just how long will these measures go on? Now analysts, when you talk to them, they believe that will go out for a prolonged period of time, weeks, not months. Listen to this from Amanda Hsiao.

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AMANDA HSIAO, SENIOR CHINA ANALYST, CRISIS GROUP: Given history, we may see exercises continue for the next few months. In the 1995, 1996 Taiwan Strait crisis, military exercises took place at intervals over the span of nine months. So that indicates that it is possible we might see continued exercises, China is using Pelosi visit as a means -- as an opportunity really to expand and regularize military presence in the Taiwan Strait.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

STOUT: That last statement there from Amanda Hsiao of Crisis Group very interesting, China's saying that they are exploiting the Pelosi visit as an opportunity to expand and regularize its military presence in the Taiwan Straits. So this is what's happening right now. China is shifting the military status quo on Taiwan, Back to you.

CHURCH: All right. Kristie Lu Stout bringing us the latest there from Hong Kong. Many things.

Well, critical fuel supplies are again flowing into Gaza, as a ceasefire between Israel and the Islamic Jihad militant group is holding. A weakened flare up in hostilities came after Israel launched what it called preemptive strikes on Islamic Jihad targets. Despite the truth, the United Nations top official in the Middle East calls the escalation deeply worrying. So let's bring in journalist Eliot Gotkine he joins us live from Jerusalem. Good to see you, Elliot. So what is the latest on this ceasefire and of course, where is all of this likely going?

ELLIOTT GOTKINE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Rosemary, we're just shy of what, 36 hours since the rockets of Islamic Jihad fell silent. The ceasefire, as you say is holding. And we've seen much needed fuel supplies not as much as is needed. But certainly more than -- the setting better than the situation during the confrontation. So we've seen fuel supplies going back in we've seen the flow of commercial goods between the Gaza Strip and Israel resuming.

And Palestinians in the Gaza Strip with work permits are going to be once again be allowed to come into Israel to do their jobs. Where things go from here, well, Prime Minister Yair Lapid last night in a speech outlined at least his aspirations for where things might be able to go. He said and this was a speech which of course he delivered in Hebrew, but was put out with Arabic subtitles as well as he was in his -- in his hope addressing the people of Gaza directly saying that there is another way, we know how to protect ourselves from anyone who threatens us.

But we also know how to provide employment, a livelihood and a life of dignity to those who wish to live by our side in peace. And he cited the Abraham Accords, the peace agreements between Israel and other Arab countries as an example of the kind of collaboration that he was looking for. That said, I think no one is under any illusions as to where things are likely to go vis-a-vis Israel and the Gaza Strip.

In other words, at the current ceasefire is just for now. And at some point, there will be another flare up either between Israel and the militants of Islamic Jihad or -- and or with those of the much larger more powerful militant group Hamas, which of course, controls the Gaza Strip. And just, you know, by way of example, although we're seeing the ceasefire holding there, between Israel and Gaza, we are seeing violence this morning in the West Bank in the town of Nablus, where Israeli defense forces say that they had surrounded a house of a wanted man.

There's been an exchange of live fire and according to the Palestinian Red Crescent, and the official Palestinian news agency, there have been a number of injuries, 30 injuries, according to the Palestinian Red Crescent, four of those serious. And we'll of course, update you on what is happening there as soon as we have more information, Rosemary. I think that just goes to show that although there is, you know, a ceasefire for now in one part of the -- of the conflict, that you know, there is still violence going on, you know, in other Palestinian territories as well. Rosemary?

CHURCH: An important point, Elliott Gotkine joining us live from Jerusalem. Many thanks.

Well, the murders of four Muslim men in Albuquerque, New Mexico have sent shockwaves of fear across the city. Ahead, the brother of one of the victims speaks to CNN about the tragedies.

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CHURCH: Muslim leaders in Albuquerque New Mexico say people are living in fear and some are even leaving the state after the recent murders of four Muslim men. Three were killed in just a two-week period. The latest victim was fatally shot on Friday. Police say all of them were ambushed. Authorities have not named a suspect but they believe the killings may be connected. The brother of one victim is speaking out.

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MUHAMMAD IMTIAZ HUSSAIN, BROTHER OF MUHAMMAD AFZAAL HUSSAIN: I'm scared to go outside of my apartment. I'm scared to sit in my balcony. I'm here to go pick something in my car. My kids do not allow me even to step out of my apartment. This (INAUDIBLE) is scary.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

CHURCH: Police are seeking a vehicle of interest that might be connected to the killings and are asking for the public's help. It's a dark gray or silver Volkswagen with four doors and tinted windows.

Nihad Awad is the executive director of the Council on American- Islamic Relations. He joins me now from Washington, D.C. Thank you for talking with us and of this very difficult time for your community.

NIHAD AWAD, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, COUNCIL ON AMERICAN ISLAMIC RELATIONS: Thank you for having me.

CHURCH: So what we know so far is that four Muslim men have been killed in Albuquerque, New Mexico over the last nine months and police say these murders are likely linked. Now your organization care is offering a reward for any information that could help lead to the arrest of the New Mexico shooter who's targeting these men. Have you received any tips that have helped in any way tracked down the perpetrator?

AWAD: Well, the only tip that we know and the police has shared with people last night was about a car of interest. And we have our selves broadcast that image along with the entire U.S. media. And we appreciate the public comes forward, especially those who have information about this car to participate in putting an end to this nightmare to our community and to the entire city and state in New Mexico.

CHURCH: And we were just looking at pictures of that vehicle of interest. As you say police have made those details public. Surely that would be easy to track down and traced to an individual if that vehicle is indeed linked to these murders in any way.

AWAD: That's what the police say.

[02:25:02]

They believe that the scar is linked to the murders and I think it would be very helpful if they identify who is that car belongs to. And if they know more information. I mean, it's an important positive lead. And this does not impact, Rosemary, the Muslim community alone. It impacts all of us as Americans and we should all be united against any acts of violence against innocent people.

The precious lives who have been murdered senselessly in the past nine months were known to be productive, active members of the community, nothing but praise, people have said about them. And we really have -- we owe it to them and to all people to make sure that there is no criminal at large on the loose. While we as communities and federal local agencies have the potential to work together and put this individual or individuals behind bars.

CHURCH: And so your organization has also called on the Biden administration to order and all hands on deck federal response and to ensure law enforcement have sufficient resources to stop these attacks. Is this investigation receiving the level of attention that you and your community have requested?

AWAD: Well, you know, to be honest with you, I watched yesterday the statement by the governor, by the mayor, by the chief police in Albuquerque. So many important local and federal agents have really taken this matter very seriously. And we appreciate this. It means a lot to the American Muslims, especially to the small community in Albuquerque. And we urge the Biden administration to provide more manpower, more resources, to help the local agencies to identify the suspect and arrest him or them immediately and put this nightmare to an end.

CHURCH: Do you believe these four men were targeted because of their religion or race?

AWAD: Well, the police and investigators have told us that so far, they believe that these murders are linked. They're linked, because the victims share the same heritage or different heritage, but the same religion, maybe same ethnicities, three of the four. So, we do not know the motivation -- the motivation behind these killings. But we know one thing that they have been murdered, they're innocent people.

And there is someone there killing them randomly, but also in an organized fashion. You know, they ambush. So the police have a lot more than we do. They know a lot more than we do. And they themselves believe that, you know, it is because of their faith, it is because of who they are. So, we're not saying this, the local officials are coming to that conclusion.

CHURCH: And what impact is this having on the Muslim community in Albuquerque?

AWAD: As I said, it is -- it is a small community. It has a long history in the state, but also to our recent refugees and immigrants there who are trying to make Albuquerque their home, and their future. And definitely the community is terrified. People are scared for their lives, for their loved ones. And many people report that they go out even to may -- do the necessary stuff, like shopping or even, you know, visiting or taking care of necessary stuff.

So we urge them to not be taken by fear. And the local -- the local law enforcement is providing safety also majors and escorts. So, while we understand how terrified our community in Albuquerque and even beyond nationwide, we will not allow this to control us. And, you know, we're not going to be victims. We're strong. We are faith-based community and an all of us as Americans are united and should be united.

CHURCH: Nihad Awad, thank you so much for talking with us.

AWAD: Thank you. Voters are heading to the polls as Kenya decides who will be the next president in what's expected to be a hotly-contested election. We'll have a live report from Kenya when we come back.

[02:30:00]

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CHURCH: We are following major news out of Florida where the FBI has executed a search warrant at the Mar-a-Lago residence of Donald Trump. The former president was in New York at the time. Sources tell CNN, the search was related to Trump's handling of presidential documents including classified material that may have been brought to Mar-a- Lago. A person familiar with the investigation says FBI agents took several boxes of items from the residents. CNN Political Analyst Maggie Haberman says the unprecedented search for a former president's home is already provoking a strong response from Trump's supporters.

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MAGGIE HABERMAN, CNN POLITICAL ANALYST: I have no idea whether this is going to be anything. Obviously, an indictment of a former president. Should that be where this was leading will not be done lightly. But whether it is going to be something that his supporters see as, "Sufficient", I think is the question. I'm already hearing from people around Trump to -- at this point if this is, "Nothing". And define nothing. But if this is nothing, it's going to rip the country apart. It may be headed in that direction regardless. But I think that the argument from the DOJ would be, we have to follow the law.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

CHURCH: The former president calls the search a politically motivated witch hunt. His son, Eric, says Trump and his legal team had been cooperating with federal investigators on the handling of documents.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

ERIC TRUMP, DONALD TRUMP'S SON: To have 30 FBI agents, actually more than that, descend on Mar-a-Lago, give absolutely, you know, no notice, go through the gate, start ransacking in office, ransacking a closet. You know, they broke into a safe. He didn't have anything in the safe. I mean, give me a break. And this is coming from what, the national archives?

(END VIDEO CLIP)

CHURCH: With Trump in New York, the secret service presence at Mar-a- Lago was small, but a source says the FBI did provide a heads up before the search.

Voters in Kenya are deciding on their country's future right now. Polls open in the general election for a new president and members of the national assembly. But there's much more at stake, besides the high-profile races, and some of the roughly 22 million registered voters tell CNN they are dissatisfied with their options. CNN's Larry Madowo joins me now from Eldoret in Kenya.

Good to see you, Larry. So, voting's underway for the president, the national assembly, and local seats. So, what will be the likely outcome and what are voters saying to you about their options?

LARRY MADOWO, CNN INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: We'll have to wait until Monday when we know the result of the presidential election here. That's a long Kenya's Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission has. But this is one of the 46,000 polling station across the nation. They come in there, get a copy of six ballot papers because even though the presidential election gets all the attention, there's actually six elections in one. One of the most expensive elections in the world.

[02:35:00]

It costs $17 for the voter. Because of the huge amount of distrust for the system, Kenyans have a long history of contended elections which left some ballots at some parts.

So, they pick a ballot box and put it in there. And when the last president is voted at 5:00 p.m. local time, then it's counted in front of everyone. It's a manual process, one by one by one, until every vote is counted, and then a result is declared. But I just have here with me Lilian Omita who just voted. Why was it important for you to vote in this election, Lilian?

LILIAN OMITA, VOTER: It was very important to vote for me today to elect new leaders and probably have a better new future.

MADOWO: What's the most important issue for you as you're coming to vote?

OMITA: As I was coming to vote, as a parent of teenage children, I really looked at the future of Kenya. If Kenya can get better leaders, our children are assured of jobs and better can -- even for food security. We really need a better Kenya. We need good leadership so that we can achieve all this. And through my vote, I'm sure we're getting the best and we're getting to change in Kenya to the better country that we want it to be.

MADOWO: Lilian, thank you. So, the big race really here between two men. The Deputy President of Kenya, William Ruto, this is his home base. This is -- many people here are probably voting for him. And he's going up against the former prime minister, Raila Odinga. And the two of them are technically both in government. William Ruto is the deputy president. Raila Odinga has been working with the government of Uhuru Kenyatta since 2018.

And they're both promising change, while also trying to claim credit for the achievements of the Uhuru Kenyatta government, who is time limited. He's going to leave up to seven -- two terms and hardly contested one. There might be a runoff if none of them achieves more than 50 percent of the vote as required under Kenyan law. Rosemary.

CHURCH: All right. Larry Madowo, many thanks. So, bringing us up to date on the situation there. We'll continue to monitor it, of course.

Still to come, the world loses an icon of stage and screen. More on the life of Olivia Newton-John when we return.

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Heavy rainfall and flooding in the South Korean capital is being blamed for at least eight deaths. And authorities say at least six people are still missing. Damaged and abandoned cars are littering the streets of Seoul where hundreds have been forced to flee the floodwaters. Local gyms and schools are being used as temporary shelters.

Fans around the world are mourning the loss of beloved singer and actress Olivia Newton-John. This was the same Monday in Los Angeles where people left flowers on her star along the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Newton-John's husband says the Grammy award winner died Monday at her home in California. She battled cancer for years.

[02:40:00]

Newton-John was one of the world's biggest pop-stars of the '70s and '80s with hits like, "I Honestly Love You" and "Physical". But maybe remembered best for playing Sandy in "Grease".

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

OLIVIA NEWTON-JOHN, SINGER AND ACTRESS: He got friendly, holding my hand.

JOHN TRAVOLTA, ACTOR: She got friendly down in the sand.

NEWTON-JOHN: He was sweet just turned eighteen.

TRAVOLTA: Well, she was good you know what I mean.

TRAVOLTA AND NEWTON-JOHN: Summer heat, boy and girl meet. But, oh, oh, the summer nights.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

CHURCH: And CNN's Ana Cabrera has more now on her life and achievements.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

NEWTON-JOHN: You better shape up. You better understand.

ANA CABRERA, CNN ANCHOR (voiceover): Olivia Newton-John shot to stardom opposite John Travolta in the musical blockbuster "Grease". It was 1978. She was 29 years old but played an innocent teen in love with a boy from the other side of the tracks.

NEWTON-JOHN: I'm hopelessly devoted to you.

CABRERA (voiceover): Newton-John first went over devoted fans as an award-winning singer in the early '70s.

NEWTON-JOHN: Let me be there in your morning. Let me be there in your night.

CABRERA (voiceover): "Let Me Be There" earned her a Grammy award for best country female vocal performance. And her 1974 chart-topping hit, "I Honestly Love You", won the Grammy for record of the year.

NEWTON-JOHN: I love you. I honestly love you.

CABRERA (voiceover): Over the course of her career, Newton-John sold more than 100 million albums and scored multiple number one hits. Including "Magic" from her box office Xanadu, and one that showcased her sexier side.

NEWTON-JOHN: Let's get physical, physical.

CABRERA (voiceover): Born in England, Newton-John moved to Australia at the age of five. By the time she was a teenager, she was already performing on Australian TV shows like "Bandstand".

In addition to her singing, Newton-John was well known as a tireless advocate for breast cancer research in early detection. She was diagnosed with the disease in 1992, and her successful treatment inspired her to help others.

NEWTON-JOHN: I'm really thrilled and know I can give back in some way, and trying to help other women who have gone through that experience because it's a very difficult thing to go through alone.

CABRERA (voiceover): The Australian singer faced another crisis in 2000 when her boyfriend Patrick McDermott went missing during a fishing trip off the California Coast. He was never found.

NEWTON-JOHN: The pain will always be there. I'll always miss him. I love him. I miss him. But, you know, I can't do anything about it. We don't know what happened and I don't know if I ever will know what happened. But I've tried to go forward and do something positive with it by creating music for myself and hopefully for others.

CABRERA (voiceover): And she never stopped creating music, performing into her 60s during a three-year residency at Las Vegas's Flamingo Casino.

NEWTON-JOHN: Got to believe we are magic.

CABRERA (voiceover): Newton-john's breast cancer returned in 2013. In 2017, she was diagnosed with spine cancer. Despite life's challenges, she always remained grateful.

NEWTON-JOHN: I don't think I'd change anything because I've had such an amazingly interesting life and done so many things. And never planned on any of them, really, except singing, because that's all I could do.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

CHURCH: And may she rest in peace. Stay tuned for more on Newton- John's life and legacy throughout the day here on CNN.

And thank you so much for your company. I'm Rosemary Church. "World Sport" is up next. Then I'll be back with news from all around the world in about 15 minutes. You're watching CNN.

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[02:45:00]

COATES: A manhunt is underway in New Mexico after three Muslim men were killed within three weeks of one another. There's also a fourth Muslim man who was killed back in 2021. And the FBI is currently investigating whether all of these killings are somehow connected. CNN Correspondent Lucy Kafanov has the latest for us.

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LUCY KAFANOV, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voiceover): Tonight, in Albuquerque, a manhunt is underway after a brutal killing of another Muslim man. The latest victim in a string of what officials described as targeted killings that police suspect may be linked.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We're very concerned that these are obviously tied together. They're obviously targeting Muslim men.

KAFANOV (voiceover): Police identifying a vehicle of interest.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: If you see a dark color four-door sedan, Volkswagen, Passat, or Jetta, we encourage you to call the police.

KAFANOV (voiceover): The latest victim, identified to CNN, by his brother-in-law as 25 -year-old Naeem Hussain was gunned down on Friday. Hours earlier, he attended a funeral for two other murder victims, Muhammad Afzaal Hussain and Aftab Hussein, and had expressed fears about the shootings. TAHIR GAUBA, DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC RELATIONS, ISLAMIC CENTER OF NEW MEXICO: It's like a -- we're finding it as a, what -- times are crazy. Just be very careful, you know. Don't leave your house in dark if you don't have to. And who knew he would be dead the same day?

KAFANOV (voiceover): 27-year-old Muhammad Afzaal Hussain was killed last Monday.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Muhammad was an amazing, gentle, kind, caring, loving, excited, passionate person.

MUHAMMAD IMTIAZ HUSSAIN, BROTHER OF MUHAMMAD AFZAAL HUSSAIN: He shot him multiple times.

KAFANOV (voiceover): His brother showing CNN where neighbors told him where Muhammad was gunned down and shut at multiple times.

HUSSAIN: I'm scared to go outside my apartment. I'm scared to sit in my balcony. I'm scared to go pick something in my car. My kids do not allow me even to step out of my apartment. They said, dad, It's scary.

KAFANOV (voiceover): 41-year-old Aftab Hussein was shot and killed on July 26th. All three men were from Pakistan. And all, according to police, were ambushed and killed with no warning. Authorities are also investigating the unsolved 2021 killing of 62-year-old Mohammad Ahmadi, a Muslim man from Afghanistan. The FBI now assisting Albuquerque police to see if they are all connected. The violence rocking the tight-knit Muslim community, shaken by grief and fear.

AHMAD ASSED, PRESIDENT ISLAMIC CENTER OF NEW MEXICO: Incredible terrified, panicked, and some people want to move from the State until this thing is over. Some people have moved from the State. Businesses are closing. They're closing businesses early. Students won't leave their homes.

KAFANOV (voiceover): Lucy Kafanov, CNN, Denver.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

COATES: Thank you, Lucy. And life in prison. That's what the men who killed Ahmaud Arbery are facing as they're sentenced again, but this time for federal hate crimes.

Plus, we are live outside of Mar-a-Lago at the very top of the hour. The FBI searching Donald Trump's home today.

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[02:50:00]

COATES: So, often we cover the stories of murder. The stories that capture national headlines and captivate an entire nation that served as a catalyst and also a painful reminder. Those that sparked outrage but also change. Stories like the death of Ahmaud Arbery, a young man chased and murdered while jogging by Gregory and Travis McMichael, a father and son acting like vigilantes in a small Georgia town. They were helped by their neighbor, William "Roddie" Bryan.

Well, today, these three men were sentenced for their federal hate crime convictions in Arbery's killing. The McMichaels are sentenced to life in prison. Bryan, 35 years. Now, all three men are already serving life sentences for their convictions in state court. But one must wonder if the story is really over. I mean, it might -- will never be over for a family who lost their son forever.

[02:55:00]

And imagine for Ahmaud's family. What must feel like the infuriating focus on people who took that life rather than the person whose name is now on the wrong side of the hashtag. There's obviously a demand for remorse, maybe not an expectation that there will be. And the wonder of whether there will ever be an apology. And of course, what do you do with that if one should ever come?

Well, today offered a glimpse into what an apology might feel like to the Arbery family. At sentencing, Gregory McMichael apologized to Ahmaud Arbery's mother. Here's how she responded.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

WANDA COOPER-JONES, AHMAUD ARBERY'S MOTHER: The apology was -- I can say that I've -- I accepted the apology. Being the person that I am, I think now that he realized that he made some horrible decisions back in February. Unfortunately, his apology doesn't bring back my son, but I do accept the apology.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

COATES: Wow. The cameras will one day turn off from this again, and the headlines will necessarily shift and it will be painful in its own right. But we have a choice on how to follow this story. But the bigger choice will always be where we will go, and we must go as a nation from here.

Next, our big story tonight includes Donald Trump's home in Florida searched by the FBI. Authorities seizing boxes, accessing a safe in his office, and spending hours inside. Stay with us.

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