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CNN Live Saturday

Robbery Investigation Leads to Possible Terror Connections; New Yorkers Respond to Bag Searches; Expert Shares Emergency Tips for Commuters; Legal Briefs: Supreme Court Nomination, Natalee Holloway Investigation; Film Project Documentary Ground Zero Reconstruction

Aired July 23, 2005 - 14:00   ET

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

SYLVESTER: Added tragedy: Scotland Yard says they got the wrong guy. A live report with new details from London.
Also this: Another terror strike, this time at a popular resort city in Egypt. A series of explosions leave deadly destruction. We're live on the story.

Plus, this 14-year-old boy was attacked by a bear and walked away with just a few scratches. He'll join us live with his story of survival.

Welcome to CNN LIVE SATURDAY. I'm Lisa Sylvester. Those stories in am moment, but first, headlines "Now in the News."

SYLVESTER: Spanish police say no one was injured when a bomb exploded near a bank in the northwest Spanish city of Santiago de Compostela. The town is preparing for it's thousands of tourists expected at a festival to honor it's Patron Saint James. Police say the bomb went off inside an automatic teller machine.

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice is praising Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas for clamping down on militant groups. Rice is in the Mideast to lend support to Israel's pullout from Gaza set to begin in mid-August.

And wildfires are threatening yet another town in southern Utah. Officials are preparing to evacuate several hundred residents if the 17,000-acre fire moves any closer. The village is near Gunlock, which was encircled by flames yesterday. Most of those residents fled.

We begin with today's new developments in London. It involves an apology stemming from the terror investigation under way there. Police now say a man they shot to death yesterday was not connected to Thursday's failed bombings. CNN's senior international correspondent, Nic Robertson, is with us now from the British capital -- Nic?

NIC ROBERTSON, CNN INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Well, Lisa, British Prime Minister Tony Blair has been kept informed of these latest developments; that the police say that now the man who was shot at the station behind me yesterday was not connected with the attempted bombings the day before.

The British prime minister we are told, as he has in the past, fully supports the ongoing police investigation. Now, I did talk with some people from the Muslim community in this area a few minutes ago. They told me that they were concerned that this man, having been shot and killed by the police, turned out not to have been involved in the attacks the previous day.

They say they are concerned, because as they go about their lives they feel that perhaps that puts them at risk; that perhaps the police now have a policy of shooting first and asking questions later. The police have said that despite the fact that this man was not connected to the attacks the previous day, that he did come out of a building that was under surveillance and the police follow him to the station. They've already said that they shouted out a warning to him and he ran away.

Eyewitnesses describe the man running through the station, running on to the train as the three policemen chased him. One of them pulled a handgun when he tripped and shot him.

But the police say, again, despite the fact that they say it's not connected to those attacks, as he was approaching the station yesterday, as the surveillance police behind him -- underclothes police were following him. They said there were things about him, about his manner, about what he did and what he was wearing that made them suspicious about what he was doing, Lisa.

SYLVESTER: You mentioned what he was wearing. Of course, that was the heavy coat in the middle of summer, that automatically raised suspicions. Is that right?

ROBERTSON: Certainly that was what was being speculated yesterday. We do know the police are conducting an investigation and so far, their investigations into the bombings -- of course, the investigations into the shooting would be a completely separate matter, but their investigations so far have been designed -- the public statements at least, have been designed to encourage -- encourage the public support of what they're doing and an openness so that people feel encouraged and feel secure as they go about their lives in London.

And it does appear at this stage at least, that the police will probably conduct this investigation in the same way to encourage people to support the investigation and that people should feel secure as they go through their lives.

There is, about a mile away from me right now, a police operation under way. Two police vehicles heading in that direction, just passed me, an operation we're told, that involves armed police. It is a raid on a premises in the area of Brixton of London. But at this time, we don't have further details of exactly what is developing in the ongoing raid, Lisa.

SYLVESTER: All right. Nic Robertson, I know that you will keep us updated with the latest developments. Thank you very much.

Now, about 20 minutes from now, we're take a closer look at these latest developments in the London terror investigation and we'll hear from a former official with the British capital's metropolitan police. Also on the CNN "Security Watch," if you take the train or the bus to work, how do you protect yourself from a terrorist attack? Red Cross official, Keith Robertory will be with us to talk about commuter safety, a bit later.

As London copes with the fear of more attacks, terrorists take aim at Egypt. Dozens of people are dead and hundreds more wounded after bombings at a Red Sea resort area. CNN's John Vause is with us from now from Sharm al-Sheikh, Egypt.

VAUSE: Hello, Lisa.

Within the last few hours or so, some dramatic video has emerged, from tourists who were at the city's old marketplace, of the second blast. Most of the dead here were Egyptian workers killed, according to investigators, by a suicide car bomber.

Now, just moments before this, another suicide car bomber, according to authorities, at the Ghazala Gardens Hotel. The explosion, so powerful it brought down a large section of the roof and the concrete floors collapsed.

There was also a third blast not far away and within the same time frame, within a few minutes. And that was by a beachside walk. But there, authorities believe the explosives were left in a sack or a bag, possibly detonated by a timer or a cell phone.

Right now, the authorities have given up trying to find anyone still alive in the debris of the Ghazala Gardens Hotel. Instead it is a search for bodies and also a search for clues. Who may have been behind these attacks? Egypt's interior minister believes that this is a similar attack to the one carried out in Taba, about 150, 160 miles north of here in October, last year, which left more than 30 people dead -- Lisa?

SYLVESTER: All right. Thank you very much, John, for that report.

Residents of Beirut are skiddish after Friday's violence there. A bomb in a busy commercial street wounded 12 people yesterday, hours after U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice visited the neighborhood. Police investigated a suspicious car this morning near the spot where an explosion killed the country's former prime minister in February. No explosives were found.

Back here in the U.S., it's hot, humid and downright miserable across much of the country today. Several cities in the Midwest and Southeast are baking under triple-digit temperatures. The heat is blamed for at least 21 deaths in the greater Phoenix area. Chicago is also warning of dangerously high temperatures. How hot is it out there? Well, let's go to CNN Meteorologist Jacqui Jeras -- Jacqui?

(WEATHER REPORT)

SYLVESTER: Well, how are people trying to beat the heat? CNN's Catherine Callaway is trying to stay cool at Atlanta's Centennial Olympic Park -- Catherine?

CALLAWAY: Yes, Lisa. Trying is the correct way to say it. It is very hot out here. I'm a little surprised Jacqui said that the heat index warning hasn't been issued here for the Atlanta area. Very hot out here and we are expecting tomorrow to be even hotter.

And in the Atlanta area when the temperatures rise, people head here to the Centennial Park largely because of the water fountains and they've been running in and out of that water since this morning. It's been so hot and the temperatures continue to rise and they're enjoying being cool for just a few moments in this hottest part of the day.

But even while these people are having fun, they're thinking about those not able to get out and swim or jump in a water fountain to cool. In fact, we talked with a man who was concerned about a relative during this heat.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

REGINALD KNIGHT, ATLANTA RESIDENT: My mother doesn't have air conditioning at her house, but I call her every morning to make sure she's all right, and just to remind her to drink water, to stay in the shade and just come over if she gets too overheated.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

CALLAWAY: And the elderly and those shut up in their homes are the ones we need to be concerned about, as Jackie said, you need to check on those people. And make sure that you're drinking enough water out there. It is incredibly hot.

This is supposed to be the hottest weekend so far this year in Atlanta. And we are well on our way to reaching that goal. I'm still waiting for that advisory to be issued by the weather department. And it could happen. Tomorrow is supposed to be even hotter. Back to you, Lisa.

SYLVESTER: Catherine, a quick question. Is the heat affecting park attendants where you are?

CALLAWAY: You know, it's funny. It's really not. This place, you know, they started coming in early this morning, they continue to funnel in for an event that's going on here. In fact, we have a volleyball area set up here. And just a few hours ago it was full of people playing volleyball. But the hotter it got, they started taking off shirts, taking off shoes, and then started heading toward the fountain so that they could cool off, which is what a lot of people do here. They're able to get hot and then go cool off in that water and get something to drink at one of the vendors here. So it's a really good place to be on a day like this.

SYLVESTER: Unbelievable, there are actually people out there playing volleyball right now.

CALLAWAY: I know. When they got hot they had to cool off. That's for sure.

SYLVESTER: All right. Thank you very much, Catherine.

Well there are several things can you do to protect yourself from the heat. Slow down. Be careful not to over exert yourself. And that applies to those volleyball players as well. Try to stay indoors and if you do go outside, wear light weight, light-colored clothing. It's also a good idea to drink lots and lots of water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, and eat small meals with less protein.

London police admit fault. The man shot yesterday was not connected to the bombing. Will this incident force them to change their shoot-to-kill policy?

Plus, do terror attacks make you worried about your daily commute? We'll have some safety tips you can follow every day.

And attacked by a bear. How a 14-year-old Texas boy managed to survive with just a few nicks and scratches. He'll join us ahead on CNN LIVE SATURDAY.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

SYLVESTER: A camping trip in the Colorado mountains turned into a nightmare for a Texas teenager. Fourteen-year-old Keelen Patton was camping with his cousin Tuesday, when a black bear crashed into their tent. The bear bit and scratched Patton, then took off before it could inflict any more damage. Keelen Patton is now recovering and he joins me on the phone from Texas with his incredible story. So, Keelen, what was the first thing you remember?

KEELAN PATTON, BEAR ATTACK SURVIVOR: I just remember kind of waking up to myself in pain.

SYLVESTER: Did you see the black bear at all or was it just a sense that -- a sensation that you had been bit?

PATTON: I didn't have any clue that it was a bear. It was pitch black, dark. It was -- it actually -- didn't actually come into the tent. It was from, like, through the tent, he kind of smooshed the tent down on top of me.

SYLVESTER: Talk with me through what happened. This was the middle of the night, and suddenly this bear comes crashing through the tent. And then what happened? What did you do?

PATTON: I really don't remember that much. I mean, I was asleep. And if it hadn't made some noise running and I had woken up, I probably would have remembered a lot more. But just the pain and just instinct, trying to get away from it, I guess.

SYLVESTER: Your cousin was with you in the tent. How did he react?

PATTON: He thought I was having a really bad dream, because he didn't hear or feel or anything except just me screaming. He was too startled to recognize anything around him. He was just trying to wake me up.

SYLVESTER: And your mom was next door in some kind of a camper, is that right, and she came to your aid?

PATTON: We had one campsite and we had put a tent out on the campsite. And she was in the camper.

SYLVESTER: And when she heard your screams --

SYLVESTER: Yes.

PATTON: And what did she do?

PATTON: She came running out the door without a flashlight or anything.

SYLVESTER: And tell me about the type of injuries. What type of injuries did you suffer?

PATTON: I had probably a two inch gash on my hand. I had to get 24 stitches in that. Something close to 24. We don't know exactly how many inside the wound. It was real deep, so they had to pull the inside together. So there's something like ten inside and 14 outside.

SYLVESTER: Now do you plan on camping again? I know that this was a camping outing for your family, but do you think you'll go back and do it again?

PATTON: Oh, yes. I don't think I could ever give up camping.

SYLVESTER: This whole incident with the bear, do you have any idea why it is that he attacked you? I was reading some articles, for instance, and I know your family has been trying to replay it. Was there anything -- was it a shampoo you might have used or lotion? Or what do you think it was that attracted the bear?

PATTON: Well, we had gone white water rafting that day, and we were just going to come back and go swimming, because the park had a swimming pool where we were staying. So we were just going to take a shower after we went swimming. It couldn't have been any shampoo or anything.

SYLVESTER: Okay. Keelen Patton. And how are you feeling today? You're feeling all right?

PATTON: I'm feeling all right. Just kind of tired.

SYLVESTER: Well get some rest. You are certainly quite a fighter there. Thank you, Keelan Patton, for joining us.

PATTON: Thanks.

SYLVESTER: A new development we're following today. London police admit yesterday's fatal shooting was not connected to Thursday's attacks. Did Scotland Yard take appropriate actions? Plus, it was just a routine gas station robbery investigation until investigators found ties to terror. CNN LIVE SATURDAY returns, in a moment.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

SYLVESTER: Returning now to our top story. London police are apologizing for killing a man they now say was not connected to Thursday's failed attacks on the city's transport system. With us now from London, Mike Grannatt. He is a former public affairs director with the British capital's metropolitan police. Hello, Mike, can you hear me?

MIKE GRANNATT, FORMER PUBLIC AFFAIRS DIRECTOR, METROPOLITAN POLICE: I can hear you.

SYLVESTER: I think a lot of people want to know: How is it possible authorities could make a mistake like this?

GRANNATT: I think in the circumstances in we place ourselves, I'm afraid it is possible, although one hopes unlikely. I think you have to remember what the situation is like here.

There are a number of police operations simultaneously going on to do several things, one of which, of course, is to find out how the bombings of 7/7 took place and another, of course, is to find the people who did it and who tried to do it again it seems two days ago and to stop them before they do anything else.

That's going to require the use of armed officers. It's going to require the use of guidelines that allow those armed officers to make a decision to stop people they think might be about to do something deadly.

SYLVESTER: But was there any other option. I mean, could they have fired a non-lethal shot? Perhaps a shot in the leg?

GRANNATT: There aren't any guidelines in the U.K. police manual, if you like, that suggest that you shoot to disable. You don't shoot to stop. You don't shoot to kill, you shoot to stop.

Now, normally for police under training -- the training of police will make them shoot towards the biggest body mass and that's the chest, obviously. In the circumstances where you might find yourself facing a man wearing a bomb around his middle, obviously officers will try and do something to avoid an explosion and that will often involve a head-shot. I'm afraid, as everybody knows, if you fire a shot into somebody's head, you're likely to kill them outright.

SYLVESTER: A police shooting like this, my understanding is it's fairly rare. Do you think the policy needs to be reviewed -- the policy in wake of the bombings?

GRANNATT: It is extremely rare, but the guidelines -- the current guidelines for handling suicide bombers were drawn up after a study of every suicide bombing that there's been and could be studied across the world to find out the characteristics that need to be dealt with.

Those guidelines have been in place for some time now. I have no doubt at all that they'll be reviewed. But I also have know doubt an officer who deployed a firearm in these circumstances would be thinking extremely hard about the options available.

They're only allowed to use -- under the law and under the guidelines, firearms are absolutely necessary where they do not believe -- other means have failed or don't -- do not believe there's a reasonable chance that other means will work. Only in those circumstances, can an officer use the firearm and they are personally liable for that decision.

SYLVESTER: What type of repercussions do you expect from the Muslim community?

GRANNATT: We've already seem some repercussions in the Muslim community. They are very disturbed by what they appear to think -- what they think appears looks like a shoot-to-kill policy. Clearly, the Muslim community here feels vulnerable. It feels worried at a time when they have been thinking about the consequences and among them, a very few number of people might have been turned to terrorism.

And there have been some occasions where there have been some attacks on certain parts Muslim communities. There was an arson attack, for example, on a mosque. So, I think we face a big challenge here. The challenge, of course, has been to make sure the whole community works together to identify where the bombers came from, who they might be, who else might be out there.

That needs confidence of the Muslim community in the forces of law and order and in the good will toward the majority community. It means the goodwill of the majority of the community toward the Muslim community. So, it's a the time, I think, for tensions to be relieved as soon as possible. This will not help. It will require a considerable amount of visible leadership, I think, on both sides.

SYLVESTER: Very good. Mike Grannatt, thank you very much for joining us. We appreciate it.

It was just a series of gas station robberies, so what did investigators find that tied the crimes to terror?

Plus: Safety on the rails. With the recent subway and bus attacks, we'll give you some tips you can use to stay safe when commuting. I

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

SYLVESTER: "Now in the news:" British police apologize for shooting and killing a man they now say was unrelated to Thursday's botched attacks. Police previously said the shooting was directly related to the ongoing terror investigation. Authorities have not identified the man.

Grief and despair today in Sharm al-Sheikh, Egypt, after a bloody terrorist attack. Three simultaneous bombings in the resort town killed at least 83 people and wounded more than 200 others. Authorities believe the attack could be linked to a series of bombings last October in the Red Sea resort of Taba.

The countdown has resumed for the Space Shuttle Discovery launch. NASA will make a second attempt to launch Discovery into space on Tuesday, after scrubbing the mission 10 days ago. The reason, a faulty fuel sensor. Forecasters say, though, rain could threaten Tuesday's launch.

Keeping you informed, CNN, the most trusted name in news.

"CNN Security Watch" now. FBI agents who specialize in terrorism are joining police in southern California to investigate two robbery suspects. What began as a routine local case has taken on potentially -- potentially -- international significance.

Thelma Gutierrez has the story.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

THELMA GUTIERREZ, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): It started out as a typical crime story, a string of armed robberies in Los Angeles County. Two masked men hitting gas stations, demanding money

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: He points a gun to the guy. He points a gun here.

GUTIERREZ: The robbers were successful again and again, until one of them literally dropped a clue, a cell phone. Sources familiar with the investigation say the phone belonged to one of these men, 21- year-old Gregory Patterson or 25-year-old Levar Washington, a parolee. Police set up surveillance.

CHIEF WILLIAM BRATTON, LOS ANGELES POLICE: We're staking them out and did witness them commit an armed robbery.

GUTIERREZ: Sources familiar with the case tell CNN when the home of Levar Washington was being searched, investigators found what they call jihadist material. That's when a routine robbery case became a terror investigation.

(on camera) CNN has learned that investigators found bulletproof vests along with notes suggesting at least one planned attack was in the works.

(voice-over) Potential targets, National Guard recruiting centers, two synagogues and another building. Investigators believe it might have been the Israeli consulate in Los Angeles.

Sources tell CNN there's a, quote, "pointed and pressing investigation by the FBI's joint terrorism task force that could lead to federal charges against the men." For now, Patterson and Washington are charged only with armed robbery.

WINSTON MCKESSON, PATTERSON'S ATTORNEY: I really can't comment on that.

GUTIERREZ: Gregory Patterson's lawyer confirms he was contacted by the U.S. Attorney's office but says the government provided no details on its investigation.

MCKESSON: I'm aware that we're in very precarious times. The country's at war. There's a terrorist attack on London, and I believe the government is taking extra precautions. They're doing it for our safety.

But I believe that, once all the facts are in, it's going to point to the fact that my client in the no way was part of a terrorist plot.

GUTIERREZ: Levar Washington's attorney says it's just too early to make a statement on the terror investigation. But Patterson's attorney says his client has no criminal record and was trying to help Washington reintegrate into society before after he did time for assault with a deadly weapon.

JEROME HAIG, WASHINGTON'S ATTORNEY: My information is that they were friends before they were arrested. And I don't know how they met. But they're both -- they're both devout and religious people.

GUTIERREZ: Washington did his time in Fulsom Prison, where sources tell CNN Washington is believed to have converted to Islam.

MCKESSON: This is a country where we honor the Bill of Rights, particularly the First Amendment talks about freedom of religion. And I would hope we're not jumping to conclusions just because these young men may be sympathetic to the Muslim faith to think that they are necessarily terrorists.

GUTIERREZ: Both Levar Washington and Gregory Patterson are in custody awaiting a preliminary hearing on the 10 robbery charges. But those charges may now take a back seat to a federal terror investigation.

Thelma Gutierrez, CNN, Los Angeles.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

SYLVESTER: As terrorists strike fear into the hearts of Londoners, security concerns have spread across the Atlantic. Today is day two of random subway searches in New York.

CNN's Susan Lisovicz is with us now from New York. Susan, what can you tell us? How is it going today?

SUSAN LISOVICZ, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, it's -- actually, Lisa, this is going exactly according to plan for New York City transit officials. A quiet, normal Saturday on a hot summer afternoon.

So far, the Metropolitan Transit Authority tells us there have been no major disruptions, no arrests and very few formal complaints about the system-wide bag searches that continue. And most commuters that we talked to here at the Atlantic Avenue Station say they don't like the changes but they accept it as another harsh reminder of life in the post-9/11 world. And I think that pretty much sums up how Tracey Bell feels, who's joining us right now.

Tracey, you arrived here from Washington, D.C., right before September 11. What kind of changes have you seen as a subway commuter in the last two days?

TRACEY BELL, COMMUTER: Well, I've definitely seen a lot more police presence. Not only at the major stations like Times Square and Penn Station but also some of the more local stations, you know, just officers getting on and off the train, looking around, being more vigilant. There are also police checkpoints at the station I get on at Flatbush Avenue. But I didn't seem them stop anyone, so I don't think it's going to be a problem.

LISOVICZ: You've got a couple big bags. That's one of the reasons why we flagged you down. Are you prepared and do you accept it that your bags may be searched?

BELL: Absolutely. It's just the world we live in today. And I know I'm not carrying anything. So I shouldn't have a problem with letting them see inside my bag. So it's not a problem.

LISOVICZ: What about other people you've talked to? They feel that this is a responsible step, a meaningful step in the continuing fight against terrorism?

BELL: Yes. I mean, it's just the world we live in. We have to accept it. And I want to be safe. And if this is what it takes for me to be safe, then I say all -- you know, I'm all for it.

LISOVICZ: Tracey Bell, we want you to be safe. We want you to be cool, as well, on this hot summer afternoon. Thanks so much for joining us.

BELL: Thank you.

LISOVICZ: Here at the Atlantic Avenue Station, by the way, Lisa, we saw a dozen heavily armed National Guardsmen arrive this morning. One of them told us it was to help make commuters safe.

The MTA, meanwhile, tells us these kind of searches will continue indefinitely. And it's something we haven't seen, system-wide searches, even in the immediate days after 9/11, something on this wide of a scale.

Lisa, back to you.

SYLVESTER: So Susan, so far so good. Thank you very much for joining us.

Well, a lot of us wonder, what would we do if we were trapped in a subway terrorist attack? Here with some advice on commuter safety is Keith Robertory, an emergency preparedness expert with the American Red Cross.

The first question: what is it that commuters need to do in order to familiarize themselves with the stops and where they're going and so forth?

KEITH ROBERTORY, AMERICAN RED CROSS: Usually, the best thing that people can do is to have a map with them. So that way they know what the alternate routes are that they can take. This could include having to take a bus, having to take a rail or walking. So it's important to have that information.

And then practice those routes from time to time. So that way, it won't be the first time if you need to use them. And you may need to use them for something as simple as a mechanical issue, like if your bus breaks down.

SYLVESTER: Is there anything that commuters should carry with them, sort of a must-have item that all commuters should have? And if so, what should it include?

ROBERTORY: Absolutely. The American Red Cross has 125 years of experience and we know that carrying basic supplies can make you better prepared for anything that may occur. We recommend that commuters carry some basic supplies such as a flashlight, a dust mask.

Or I personally like the Red Cross safety tube. It contains a dust mask, a water packet, a flashlight, a whistle. So that way, if anything occurs, I have the basic materials I need to keep myself safe and to evacuate if requested.

SYLVESTER: And why is it important, this idea of having an out of town contact person, not just having somebody in your own city or town, but having -- reaching out to someone outside of your area, should phones go down?

ROBERTORY: An out of town contact has been recommended for a number of years for the simple fact that in a disaster area, the local phone lines may be clogged or down, and sometimes making a long distance phone call is an easier way to go.

SYLVESTER: And in the event of an emergency on a train, on a subway train, on a bus, what particular steps should people do, other than remain calm?

ROBERTORY: Well, absolutely. Remaining calm is the most important thing. And it comes in a little bit before the event even occurs. When you're in your stations that you normally take, look for where the exits are. When you're on your busses, the trains or the other forms of mass transit, take a look around as to where the windows are.

And normally near the windows, you will find notices telling you how to evacuate and how to use the safety features that are built into the transport. So when something does occur, you'll have that information ahead of time so you know what could be expected of you. But the most important thing is to follow the directions of the person who's operating the vehicle. Because they're trained to keep their riders safe.

SYLVESTER: And really briefly, where can people get more information and where can they get that Red Cross kit from?

ROBERTORY: Absolutely. People can go to www.RedCross.org. And we have a number of tips up there so people can be prepared all the time. And we have a Red Cross store where people can get a hold of the tube.

SYLVESTER: Very good. Thank you very much for joining us. We appreciate the insight and the tips.

ROBERTORY: Thank you.

SYLVESTER: And remember to stay tuned to CNN day and night for the most reliable news about your security.

New developments in the Natalee Holloway investigation. The FBI is getting involved. But has this case already been botched? Our legal eagles break it down when CNN LIVE SATURDAY returns.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

SYLVESTER: The man convicted of murder, kidnapping and the sexual assault of 5-year-old Samantha Runnion has been sentenced to death. Alejandro Avila showed no emotion as a California judge said he'd destroyed a family's future. The victim's mother had plenty of emotion when she addressed the killer in court.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

ERIN RUNNION, SAMANTHA RUNNION'S MOTHER: In choosing to destroy Samantha's life, you chose this. You chose to waste your life to satisfy a selfish and sick desire. You knew it was wrong. And you chose not to think about it. Well, now you have a lot of time to think about it. Don't waste it. Write it down so that the rest of us can figure out how to stop you people. You're a disgrace to the human race.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

SYLVESTER: More than 4,000 people attended Samantha's funeral more than three years ago.

Coming up tonight at 10 Eastern, we'll have the full unedited testimony of Erin Runnion. We'll also have some tips to help you keep your children safe.

In today's "Legal Briefs," President Bush urges senators to rise above partisanship and confirm Judge John Roberts to the Supreme Court before October 3. The FBI takes a stronger role into the Aruba investigation, into the missing Alabama teenager, Natalee Holloway.

Making their case now, our legal eagles, Avery Friedman and Richard Herman. Thank you very much for joining us.

Avery, first question for you. Is John Roberts a shoe-in at this point?

AVERY FRIEDMAN, CIVIL RIGHTS ATTORNEY: Well, he's looking awful strong. The fact is, he has terrific credentials, Lisa. And the reality is that his service on the court of appeals, his 39 arguments to the U.S. Supreme Court, create a situation where those people who might be concerned are going to have an uphill battle.

But the bottom line, my colleagues who also teach constitutional law say, "Well, he advocated for clients. We want to find out what the philosophy is." And that's going to be the theme in the U.S. Senate when it comes to the advice and consent of the members of the Senate.

SYLVESTER: Richard, what are your thoughts? Filibuster-proof at this point?

RICHARD HERMAN, CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY: Oh, absolutely. Lisa, this is a shoe-in with or without socks. This was a very savvy selection by President Bush. He is absolutely bulletproof. He'll be quickly approved by the Senate. Tremendous, one of the brightest legal minds in the country.

And look, President Bush is conservative. He promised if he was re-elected he'd appoint a conservative to the Supreme Court. And this is his choice.

SYLVESTER: Avery, aside from the abortion issue, which we all expect that to come up, but what other questions might we see in the Senate confirmation hearings?

FRIEDMAN: We're going to see a multitude of questions, Lisa. We're going to see a consistent series of arguments made by Mr. Roberts when he represented the government and when he represented private parties, primarily large industry, a very restrictive view on the so-called commerce laws, restricting environmental issues. And also a general view, Lisa, on his very restrictive views on affirmative action or civil rights.

So while I appreciate Richard's opinion that it might be a shoe- in, I don't think it's going to be quite that. Because I think there are tough questions that Mr. Roberts, Judge Roberts, has to ask -- answer on civil rights, on affirmative action, on the environment and his very restrictive interpretation of the U.S. Constitution.

SYLVESTER: Let's turn now to the investigation in Aruba. Richard, the FBI is testing hair and duct tape found on an Aruban beach. The three young men who were last seen with Natalee Holloway were ordered to give saliva samples for DNA tests. Why did it take authorities so long to take this crucial step?

HERMAN: Lisa, the authorities in Aruba have clearly no idea what they're doing. They have bungled and botched this investigation from the first -- first day. I'm offended that the prime minister yesterday disclosed that all of the documents and all the investigation should be turned over to the FBI now, months after this crime, and I'm calling it a crime, was committed. It's absolutely outrageous what's going on in Aruba, Lisa.

And it comes on the heels of the Alabama legislature enacting an ordinance calling to preclude Alabamians from traveling to Aruba. All of a sudden now they're waking up. This evidence that they claim to have found the evidence they claim to have found, these hair strands on the duct tape, in my opinion, they're meaningless. They will not prove any crime here.

The first 48 hours were critical to this investigation. Certainly the first 10 days were beyond critical, and the Aruba authorities blew it. They didn't know what they were doing, and now they're trying to cover their tracks politically. It's an abomination, and it's outrageous. And Americans should be outraged with what's going on in Aruba.

SYLVESTER: Certainly some strong words there. Avery, let me ask you really briefly about the subways. New York City has begun searching passengers.

FRIEDMAN: The searches.

SYLVESTER: Exactly.

FRIEDMAN: OK.

SYLVESTER: What are your thoughts on that?

FRIEDMAN: Well, the bottom line, the New York City police commissioner, Raymond Kelly, said that he's going to be looking for sweaty people. And I'm thinking, if you've ever -- ever been on the subway in New York City in late July, he's going to be looking at an awful lot of people.

The fact is, it's probably a violation of the Fourth Amendment. But I think people like Richard and other people in New York are so concerned about it, they're probably willing to waive their constitutional rights.

HERMAN: Absolutely right, Avery. Come on up. You'll waive them, too, if you ride the subway.

FRIEDMAN: No way. No way.

SYLVESTER: Gentlemen, I think we're going to have to end it there. We appreciate both of your time. Thank you very much for joining us

HERMAN: Thank you, Lisa.

FRIEDMAN: Nice to see you.

SYLVESTER: Moving ahead, rebuilding the formal World Trade Center site. Find out how one filmmaker is keeping an eye on things and bringing new hope to the area. We'll be right back.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

SYLVESTER: Sixteen acres that have been called sacred ground to the American people are under constant watch by cameras. A documentary in progress at the site of the former World Trade Center is keeping a permanent record of reconstruction. CNN takes us behind the scenes at Project Rebirth.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Go, go, go.

JIM WHITAKER, DIRECTOR, PROJECT REBIRTH: On 9/11 I was working in Detroit. I was working on a film. And you know, my reaction was shock and disbelief. And then, you know, I think, like everyone else, so much pain.

It was about a month and a half after September 11. And I woke up and I said to my wife, you know, I want to go down to Ground Zero. I want to go down there to feel it, to experience it on my own, so that I could understand it for myself and that, in the future, if we had a baby, I could be able to say to my child, look, this was the experience of that time.

In a span of about 20 minutes I went from this feeling of dread and anxiety and unease to kind of a feeling of, you know, it's going to be OK. One day it will be OK. And it was in that moment that I got the idea for what has become Project Rebirth.

It gave me the idea to put cameras around Ground Zero, six cameras, each taking one frame of film every five minutes, 24 hours a day. The cameras have been up since the six-month anniversary. And the idea was that, as time progressed, we would be able to create a time lapse.

Many of these cameras are housed in wooden houses. And the houses are air conditioned. In the wintertime there's a heater that goes on. And so rain, snow, really had no problems. We're just trying to do with this is hold a mirror up to the site, that we're just trying to reflect as objectively as possible what's happening.

JOHN CAHILL, CHIEF OF STAFF, NEW YORK STATE: It is of enormous importance to the city and to this nation, what Project Rebirth is undertaking right now. Sure, there are going to be stories to be told and books written and magazine articles written but to actually see, through time lapse photography, the redevelopment of the site, there's nothing like it.

WHITAKER: There will come a time when at some point there will be a public ceremony where they say that the site is completed. And at that point, when they cut that ribbon, Project Rebirth will stop the cameras and will have completed what we intended to do.

(END VIDEOTAPE) SYLVESTER: Very powerful. Project Rebirth is directed by the president of Imagine Entertainment. That's the firm run by Hollywood moguls Brian Grazer and Ron Howard.

Besides the heat wave, there is another weather story we're keeping an eye on. Jacqui Jeras joins us now with news from the tropics -- Jacqui.

(WEATHER REPORT)

SYLVESTER: Thank you very much, Jacqui, for that update.

And stay with CNN. At the top of the hour, CNN presents a progress report on the war in Iraq. Will democracy really bring peace to the region? You'll hear some answers.

At 4 Eastern on CNN LIVE SATURDAY, what drives suicide bombers to kill? We'll talk to a filmmaker who spoke with some would-be bombers. His work is eye opening.

And at 5 Eastern, on "PEOPLE IN THE NEWS," the Williams sisters volley into reality TV.

It's all ahead.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

SYLVESTER: Now in the news, London police regret fatally shooting a man at a subway station Friday. They say he was not connected to this week's attempted transit bombings.

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