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CNN Live Saturday

Interview with Chris Peterson

Aired May 04, 2002 - 17:02   ET

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

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
KRIS OSBORN, CNN ANCHOR: At this hour Nebraska authorities are investigating reports of five suspected pipe bombs. The devices were found in four rural counties in Nebraska. Joining us by phone from Lincoln, Chris Peterson, spokesman for Nebraska's governor Mike Johanns. Chris, thanks for being with us. What are you learning at this hour?

CHRIS PETERSON, SPOKESMAN FOR NEBRASKA GOVERNOR: Nebraska State Patrol investigators and bomb technicians are on site at least three or four of the five locations and potentially all five by now. These locations are primarily in very rural areas, rural parts of central Nebraska. As far as we know, there have been no injuries and no detonation of these devices. Obviously it is a very scary situation.

OSBORN: Chris, no explosions as you mentioned. On the surface this appears to resemble in some respects what happened in Illinois and Iowa. Anything investigators are finding as to any possible comparison, any similarity?

PETERSON: It does seem similar in scope but you probably won't have too much comment about the investigation itself as this is a very fresh, rapid and ongoing investigation by the federal government, by the FBI. The FBI is involved in working with the Nebraska State Patrol at this time.

OSBORN: Chris, we can see the four rural areas on the map. They're very spread out from one another. From a security standpoint at this hour what are people being told in terms of how to proceed? Obviously, people are scared.

PETERSON: Governor Johanns is urging Nebraskans to use extreme and extraordinary caution in checking their mail. Especially Nebraskans in rural areas. This is an extraordinary situation, it is scary and very concerning. After yesterday's events in Iowa and Illinois, these sorts of words of warning are certainly important at this point.

OSBORN: As you mentioned, there's not much you'll discuss in terms of the investigation, but were papers or letters found along with explosives as there were in the Midwest, anti-government propaganda?

PETERSON: Information at this point, our bomb technicians and patrol on scene are focused on trying to make sure the explosive devices are neutralized. I don't have much details beyond that.

OSBORN: We appreciate you joining us on the phone. Chris Peterson, spokesperson for Nebraska's governor, Mike Johanns. Thank you very much for your time.

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