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Erin Burnett Outfront

Missouri Fraternal Order of Police Condemns GOP Candidate's "RINO Hunting" Video; Georgia Election Worker to Testify Trump's Lies Led to Death Threats; Supreme Court Decision on Abortion Could Come as Soon as Tomorrow; Kremlin Claims Americans Captured in Ukraine Committed Crimes. Aired 7-7:30p ET

Aired June 20, 2022 - 19:00   ET

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

[19:00:19]

POPPY HARLOW, CNN HOST: OUTFRONT next, a Republican candidate armed and appearing with a tactical team calls on his MAGA supporters to hunt down fellow Republicans, as the January 6th Select Committee is now poised to hear from top Republicans who stood up to Trump's lies and had their own lives threatened.

Plus, Russia acknowledging that it has captured two Americans who were fighting in Ukraine, accusing them of committing illegal crimes. The fiance of one of them is out front tonight.

And help wanted. The CEO of one of the biggest airlines in the world pleading with the U.S. government to help, as it's now buckling under record cancellations and delays.

Let's go OUTFRONT.

Good evening, I'm Poppy Harlow, in for Erin Burnett.

OUTFRONT tonight, hunting down enemies. Republican Senate candidate in Missouri, Eric Greitens, is calling on voters to take down members of his own party. RINOs, Republicans in name only, he says.

This ad shows him pretending to hunt down MAGA opponents, a technical team breaks down the door of a home, sets off smoke bombs, and runs through with their guns drawn. Greitens then follows them in and says, quote, join the MAGA crew. Get a RINO hunting permit. There is no bagging limit, no tagging limit, and it doesn't expire until we save our country, close quote.

The Missouri Fraternal Order of Police just condemning the ad, saying it sends a dangerous message that it somehow -- that it is attempt acceptable to kill those with different political beliefs. It is beyond disturbing. And this threat of violence needs to be called out.

It also, I should note, comes at a time when the United States is on track, this year, to break the record for mass shootings. And the Department of Homeland Security is warning of war threats fueled by misinformation, misinformation lies, like the ones about the stolen 2020 election. Those lies drove the Texas Republican Party over the weekend to pass a stunning new resolution stating, quote, we reject the certified results of the 2020 presidential election, and we hold that acting President Joe Robinette Biden Jr. was not legitimately elected by the people of the United States.

Well, tomorrow, the January 6th Select Committee will focus on Trump's effort to get to overturn the election. One of the only two Republicans on the January 6th committee, Adam Kinzinger, tweeted an image of it later addressed to his wife, that reads in part, he not only broke his oath, he sold his soul. Therefore, although it may take time, he will be executed.

Kinzinger warning the attacks filled by Trump's lies will continue.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

REP. ADAM KINZINGER (R-IL): There is violence in the future, I'm going to tell you. And until we get a grip on telling people the truth, we can't expect it to be differently.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HARLOW: Evan Perez is OUTFRONT live in Washington tonight.

Evan, I know you're getting a lot of information about testimony that the American people will hear tomorrow, including one poll worker who will detail threats she received.

EVAN PEREZ, CNN SENIOR JUSTICE CORRESPONDENT: That's right, Poppy.

Look, I think what you're going to hear tomorrow are some of the consequences of those lies. Not only from those that you hear from, Adam Kinzinger, but also from election officials in Georgia, Brad Raffensperger and Gabe Sterling, who stood up to the former president, who was urging them, essentially, to find just the right amount of votes to make that difference for him in Georgia, as well as the former speaker of the house in Arizona, Rusty Bowers. They are going to be describing the direct pressure that they were under from the White House in order to turn those states over to the vote total to former President Trump.

And then you're going to hear from Shaye Moss who was an election worker in Georgia. And she describes in graphic detail the threats that her entire family have come under, because of the specific lies that were being told by, not only the former president, but people around him. People who said there were suitcases full of votes being taken into a voting center in Atlanta. I will read you a part of her statement. We have her prepared remarks from tomorrow's hearing.

And here's what she says: I have to live with these lies every single day. Before December 2020, I was never scared of people knowing my name. She says, I didn't realize how much I loved my job until it was taken away from me by a few people who decided that there lie was more important and then my life.

And this was a woman, Shaye Moss, rather, she is somebody who was a third generation, who worked as an election poll worker.

[19:05:02]

And she says the results of what the president, the former president did, in -- at the end of the 2020 election, has really upended her life and the lives of these other officials who will be testifying tomorrow -- Poppy.

HARLOW: Evan, that really sheds light on what is to come. Thank you for the reporting from Washington.

OUTFRONT now, former D.C. Metropolitan police officer who responded to the January 6th attack, of course, Michael Fanone. He was attacked so violently by the mob.

Thank you very much for being with me.

Let's begin with Congressman Kinzinger, if we could, because here's part of what he said. He said there is violence in the future, right? He is saying, if this doesn't stop now, if these lies don't stop, more violence will happen.

I wonder if you agree. Are you concerned an event like January 6th could happen all over again?

MICHAEL FANONE, CNN LAW ENFORCEMENT ANALYST: Absolutely. I agree with Adam's remarks. It's easy to agree with because we are living -- we are in the midst of political violence in this country, politically motivated violence. And we've also endured it in the not so distant past.

So, absolutely, you know, logic would tell you that we're going -- you know, we're headed to a very dark place in this country.

HARLOW: I wonder if you, because you have been an outspoken critic consistently of President Trump's since what happened to you since the insurrection and for his supporters, for what happened on that day. I wonder if you are concerned, personally, for your own safety. I mean, look at that letter, that the congressman's wife got.

FANONE: Yeah. I mean, I saw the letter. It was disgusting. I mean, unfortunately, having -- since I started to become outspoken, I have suffered, members of my family have suffered similar threats. I've had individuals come look for me at places where I used to reside. I mean, that has just become a new normal for me. And, unfortunately, for members of my family as well.

HARLOW: How do you live with that? What kind of threats -- they are coming to places they think you live, where you and your family might be. What else are they saying? And how do you get through each day knowing this is what continues to come your way?

FANONE: Well, I mean, I had a career in law enforcement that spanned two decades. I worked in narcotics and personal security, for most police officers, is a daily -- it's part of their daily thought process. It certainly was for me. The difference here is that, rather than a handful of individuals that

may wish to do me harm, we are talking about hundreds, if not thousands, of people who see me as a threat and have also chosen to target members of my family.

HARLOW: I'm so sorry that that continues to happen to you.

Let me ask you about this. We heard from the former vice president, Mike Pence, today. And he called January 6th a, quote, tragic day. He called the 2020 election divisive. He didn't say much more on the issue.

I wonder if you think it's important for the committee to subpoena Mike Pence, so the American people can hear more from him. Adam Kinzinger -- Adam Schiff really left the door open to a potential subpoena when he spoke to Dana Bash yesterday, on CNN.

Do you think that's important?

FANONE: I mean, I think it's important for the committee to speak with anyone they think would have relevant information to their investigation. I mean, it's unfortunate that we didn't have a bipartisan commission. But, you know, the Republican leadership in the House made sure that that didn't occur.

So, we got what we got. I think that, you know, when I testified, I did so with the understanding that the select committee would not pursue anyone for political purposes. But they also would not neglect to pursue anyone for political purposes.

And so, I think if they fully feel, and it's obvious that Mike Pence has relevant information, and he should voluntarily appear before the committee.

[19:10:07]

I mean, I have been critical of Mike Pence in the past because I think the things he says are very calculated. I don't think, you know, he's certainly not a hero, I heard that thrown about last week, and my head almost exploded.

You know, this is a guy who experienced violence firsthand of January 6th. He and his family was placed in danger. And, you know, in earlier remarks he referred to it as another day in January. He harped on Democrats for making it political. Well, you know, he's making it political as well.

HARLOW: Officer Fanone, thank you for your time tonight, as always, and, of course, for your service for those many years and on that day.

FANONE: Thank you, ma'am.

HARLOW: OUTFRONT now, David Urban who was an adviser to Donald Trump's 2020 presidential campaign and has since advised candidates running against Trump backed candidates.

David, good to have you.

Let's start with that video that we're not showing but let me describe to anyone who has not seen it. It is a new ad from a Republican Senate candidate, Eric Greitens. And he starts by holding a gun and says, today we're going RINO hunting. The RINO feeds on corruption and it's marked by stripes of cowardice.

And then we see him with a group of men in tactical gear, they are bursting through the door of a house. And Greitens says, join the MAGA crew. Get a RINO hunting permit. There is no bagging limit, no tagging limit. It doesn't expire until we save our country. He is a leading contender in this race.

And I will note, people should know for context here, you are a proud gun owner. But what do you make of this video at this moment, especially in this country?

DAVID URBAN, CNN POLITICAL COMMENTATOR: Well, Poppy, just first out of the blocks, it's politically tone-deaf, as you suggested. It's reprehensible. I don't know if it was meant to be macho or meant to be -- you know, to fire up the base.

But, you know, given what's taken place in and around our country, the Capitol, by the way, the party itself, Steve Scalise, the whip in the House, was shot, almost assassinated by somebody.

HARLOW: Our schools, our kids.

URBAN: We shouldn't be joking about things like this. Politicians -- Gabby Giffords was shoot -- an assassination attempt. So, we shouldn't be joking about this in any manner, shape or form. So, in that regards, it's incredibly poor judgment, demonstrates poor judgment on Eric Greitens' part.

And, by the way, Eric Greitens is out, you know, condemning RINOs. Eric Greitens was considering running as a Democrat, he went to Barack Obama's, you know, acceptance speech, and was going to run as a Democrat in 2010. And now, he's the arbiter of who is a Republican and who's not. It's somewhat laughable.

So, yet, at the same time, he remains a leading candidate for the Republican nomination in Missouri. And, you know, it makes me question, or it makes me think, how bad do Republicans think it is? How bad do they think it is? How bad they feel that they are willing to accept somebody like Eric Greitens?

Because the other side, they feel like the administration is failing so badly that we are willing to accept Eric Greitens as a flawed candidate because we think the Biden administration is failing us and not listening. So, you know, it makes me scratch my head on both sides.

HARLOW: So, you have former Republican congressman, Joe Walsh, of course, a frequent critic of Donald Trump, tweeted this. To every Republican today who's thinking about criticizing this ad, you cannot criticize this and still support Trump. There is zero difference between Eric Greitens and Donald Trump. In fact, your cowardly embrace of Trump directly led to Greitens and Greene, Boebert, et cetera.

Do you think he's right?

URBAN: I mean, look, again, I hold everybody responsible for their own actions, their own statements. You know, Eric Greitens is a grown man and can do what he wants. I'm not, you know, he is not a puppet of Donald Trump. I don't believe that he's --

(CROSSTALK)

HARLOW: I mean, can you have it both ways? I mean, this is really sort of like a MAGA purity test.

URBAN: Well, again, in what regards, and whose -- who gets the call who Republican, and Republican in name only. Mitch McConnell, I would point out, Eric Greitens, in this ad, really attacks -- goes at hard at Mitch McConnell, get rid of him as the majority leader.

But without Mitch McConnell, Donald Trump would not have -- the Trump administration nominees in the Supreme Court, wouldn't have the 20 plus percent of the federal circuit are Trump appointees. You know, ton -- you know, the president would like to crow about how many judges you put on the bench. None of that was possible without Mitch McConnell.

The president can't have it both ways either. You can't have the legislative horse like Mitch McConnell shepherding your judges through an incredibly complex system and yet attacking the guy.

HARLOW: David Urban, thanks very much for your time tonight. Good to have you.

URBAN: Thanks for having me, Poppy.

[19:15:00]

HARLOW: All right. OUTFRONT next, barricaded. The Supreme Court behind security fencing as officials brace for a decision on abortion rights. It could come as soon as tomorrow.

Plus, three Americans missing in Ukraine. I will speak with the fiancee of one of them. Russia now claims they committed crimes and should be held responsible.

And an incredible story of a priest in Russia risking it all to help Ukrainians believe that deadly conflict.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HARLOW: The Supreme Court, tonight, behind barricades prepared for protest when the high court hands down a decision that is widely expected to overturn Roe versus Wade. The opinion could come as soon as tomorrow morning.

This as one couple tell CNN the lengths they had to go to in order to obtain an abortion after they were told their baby would not survive outside of the womb.

Lucy Kafanov is OUTFRONT.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

LUCY KAFANOV, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Joy and eager anticipation. As one Oklahoma family prepared to welcome its newest member into the world.

LORI BROWN-LOFTIS, FORCED TO SEEK ABORTION OUT OF STATE: You are safe to share your news, you get excited, we had the nursery getting started.

KAFANOV: What should've been a happy time for Lori Brown-Loftis turned to crushing devastation. An ultrasound revealed a rare genetic disorder.

BROWN-LOFTIS: The doctor kind of explained that this disorder is not compatible with life. It was a little girl that, you know, she would not be viable, and that most children either died during childbirth or shortly after.

[19:20:11]

KAFANOV: With no chance of the baby surviving outside the womb, Lori made the painful choice to have an abortion.

BROWN-LOFTIS: That is one of the most difficult things I've ever had to do, the hardest decision. Had I been forced to carry that pregnancy, knowing that I would not get to bring the child home, would have caused so much trauma.

KAFANOV: This was not a decision you took lightly.

BROWN-LOFTIS: I did not make that decision lightly or easily.

KAFANOV: At 23 weeks pregnant, Lori was forced to travel out of state for the three day invasive procedure, at significant financial and emotional cost.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You are going to pay with hellfire.

KAFANOV: Visibly pregnant, she describes being harassed by protesters.

BROWN-LOFTIS: Just the assumption that I didn't want my baby, you know, I think that was probably the hardest part.

KAFANOV: This was a long dead child.

BROWN-LOFTIS: Yeah, absolutely.

KAFANOV: This was in January when Oklahoma had allowed abortions up to 20 weeks of pregnancy. Today, the state has one of the most far- reaching abortion bans in the nation, prohibiting the procedure and moment of fertilization, with very narrow exceptions. GOVERNOR KEVIN STITT (R), OKLAHOMA: I don't know how much clear we

can be. We don't believe in abortion in Oklahoma. We don't want it in our state.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: That put us in a dangerous position here in Oklahoma. It is life or death for women.

DR. ELI RESHEF, REPRODUCTIVE SPECIALIST: Your lining looks great. It's the bladder. That's the uterus. That's the cervix.

KAFANOV: As a fertility doctor, Eli Reshef's mission is to bring life into the world.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It looks great.

KAFANOV: But he worries Oklahoma's antiabortion law allowing private citizens to sue anyone who helps women terminate a pregnancy could have unintended consequences, impacting services like in vitro fertilization.

RESHEF: There is a sense of panic among patients. Patients are concerned they will have access to in vitro fertilization because it's difficult to read the law and even if you read it as I did, it's hard to interpret it. There are a lot of ambiguities.

KAFANOV: Abortion is now effectively outlawed in Oklahoma, with all four of its clinics no longer providing the service. If they can afford it, women seeking an abortion will now need to travel out of state, just like Lori Brown-Loftis did.

BROWN-LOFTIS: It was incredibly difficult. I mean, I still have flashbacks and night terrors and it is hard, and it is -- it will impact me for the rest of my life.

KAFANOV: One woman, sharing her painful journey, trying to end the stigma around abortion and help others feel less alone.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

HARLOW: Lucy, Oklahoma currently has, as you noted in your piece, the strictest abortion been on the books at the moment of fertilization. There are a lot of other states looking to follow Oklahoma's lead on how they did this, and they are just waiting for the Supreme Court's ruling to come down to act, to trigger those laws into effect laws into effect.

KAFANOV: That's right, Poppy. Lori's experience is one that more American women could soon be facing. The Supreme Court is poised to either overturn or severely weaken Roe versus Wade. That means the legal status of abortion could be left for individual states to decide and at least 13 states have so- called trigger loss that could effectively be in the procedure the moment Roe is struck down.

Now, if that happens, a lot more women may have to travel out of state to get abortion services. Rights activists are concerned this will place undue burden on low income women, as will well as women of color. He could place a strain on states like Colorado which have enshrined the rights to abortion but are overwhelmed with a surging demand -- Poppy.

HARLOW: Lucy Kafanov, what an important report. Thank you very much.

OUTFRONT next, Russia acknowledging tonight the two Americans have been captured in Ukraine. I will be joined by the fiancee of one of them.

And today alone, 15,000 flight delayed, more than 2,000 canceled around the world. What is behind the chaos taking place at airports tonight?

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[19:28:04]

HARLOW: Tonight, Putin's press secretary, Dmitry Peskov, saying that two Americans were captured by running forces while fighting in Ukraine have committed crimes which would be held responsible. Listen.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

DMITRY PESKOV, PUTIN PRESS SECRETARY: They are soldiers of fortune and they were involved in illegal activities on the territory of Ukraine. There were involved in firing and shelling our military personnel. They were endangering their life. And they should be responsible, they should be held responsible for those crimes that they have committed.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BURNETT: This is the first time the Kremlin is acknowledging that the two have been captured. Peskov also saying that Alex Drueke and Andy Tai Ngoc Huynh are not protected by the Geneva Conventions as prisoners of war because they are not members of the Ukrainian army.

I'm going to speak with Andy Tai Ngoc Huynh's fiancee in just a moment. But this all comes as new video from Russian TV tonight possibly revealing the Americans are being held in Donetsk. Drueke also saying in the new video he has been beaten several times. We are choosing here at CNN not to broadcast that video.

Also still missing tonight, U.S. marine veteran Brady Kurpasi. He's been missing since the end of April. His whereabouts are still unknown.

But, joining me now, Joy Black, he's Andy Tai Ngoc Huynh's fiancee.

Joy, thank you for your time tonight and we are so sorry for all you are enduring.

JOY BLACK, FIANCEE OF ANDY TAI NGOC HUYNH, AMERICAN MISSING IN UKRAINE: Thank you for having me.

HARLOW: Of course. I wonder what your reaction is, first, of that news but we just heard from Putin's press secretary that Andy has committed crimes against Russian forces and he is not protected by the Geneva Conventions because he's not a Ukrainian soldier? When you hear that, what do you think?

BLACK: Andy and Alex are not mercenaries. They are not soldiers of fortune. They are a part of the Ukrainian military. And they are a part of that military, meaning they are prisoners of war and they should be treated as such under the Geneva Convention.

HARLOW: There is this new video that surfaced over the weekend and it shows both Alex Drueke and your fiance.