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Early Start with John Berman and Zoraida Sambolin

Ottawa Attack; America on High Alert; Ebola Screenings Expanded; Royals Even World Series

Aired October 23, 2014 - 05:00   ET

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

JOHN BERMAN, CNN ANCHOR: EARLY START continues right now.

Breaking news overnight: Canada's prime minister calling for renewed strength in the battle for what he calls evil after a man he calls a terrorist kills a soldier in cold blood.

On high alert. Even before this attack in Canada, jihadist chatter had raised official concerns in Canada and in the United States. We have the details.

And the CDC laying out new extensive Ebola testing standards for passengers arriving in the United States. What hundreds, maybe thousands of passengers will now have to do not to mention the state officials who will be following them.

Good morning, everyone. Welcome to EARLY START. I'm John Berman. Christine Romans is on assignment today.

It is Thursday, October 23rd, 5:00 a.m. in the East. A lot going on. And welcome all of our viewers here in the United States and around the world.

And there is breaking news overnight on the shootings Wednesday by a man that Canada's prime minister is calling a terrorist. A gunman killed a soldier at the National War Memorial in Ottawa, wounding others, and apparently ran into a nearby building on Parliament Hill, with hundreds of leaders in that building. He was shot and killed by security officers there.

We now know more about the suspect -- apparently a man who had converted to Islam, a man with a criminal past. A man whose passport had been frozen recently by authorities over fear of dubious travel. He had been to the United States, apparently, as recently as 2013.

We now know more about the victim -- a man in his 20s with a young son. This was a man who loved serving his country, also loved animals, rescued a stray pet just weeks ago.

Wednesday night, Prime Minister Stephen Harper addressed his nation, calling for unity among Canadians and with the country's allies in the fight against terrorism.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP) STEPHEN HARPER, PRIME MINISTER OF CANADA: Attacks on our security personnel and on our institutions of governments are by their very nature attacks on our country, on our values, on our society, on us Canadians, as a free and democratic people who embrace dignity for all.

But let there be no misunderstanding. We will not be intimidated. Canada will never be intimidated.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BERMAN: Canada will never be intimated.

Major developments overnight in the investigation. CNN's Deborah Feyerick joins us now live from Ottawa with the very latest.

Good morning, Deb.

DEBORAH FEYERICK, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, John.

And now, law enforcement has the work cut out for it. They are searching all databases that they can to see exactly where this man may have traveled. U.S. law enforcement tracking back his travel to the United States. He apparently went there four times, the last time within the last year.

He went by three names. He was born Michael Joseph Hall. He later changed his name to his father's name, Zehaf-Bibeau, and recently adopted the name Abdullah as his first name.

Now, his birthday was last week. He turned 32 years old. His father is a Libyan, may have gone to that country to fight. His mother apparently is a government employee. She works for the immigration department here in Canada.

A U.S. source tells us that his passport was confiscated, as you mentioned. It was flagged because there was an intention for him to go overseas to fight. And when that passport was frozen and that travel denied, he clearly was on the radar of various authorities and it may have been because he was frustrated from going overseas, he decided to carry out a terror act here in Canada.

Now, he is sort of a small-time criminal with a record of drug possession. A couple of years ago, he was charged with robbery, however, he only served a little time for uttering a threat. We're trying to get the details on that.

But again, this is somebody who seemed lost. He had gone to a mosque and we are told by one report, that, in fact, he later became erratic and the mosque did not want him returning there. So, all of this under investigation. Real what authorities are trying to determine, John, is whether this is a loser who is acting on his own, who once frustrated from traveling overseas to fight jihad, decided to simply to do something here in Canada.

But they are also making sure he is part of a larger network. When you talk about a larger network, there are many of these lone wolves who are self radicalizing. And they are answering ISIS call to do what they can to try to create havoc -- John.

BERMAN: A reminder, this guy is now dead. He was killed inside that parliament building. And as you say, Deb, so many can be inspired by radical groups around the world.

Just to clear up a few things here. At this point, authorities there is a there are no more suspects because there was that search yesterday, that wild search for more people who may have been involved?

FEYERICK: Yes, that was a really big concern. You know, immediately after the shooting, law enforcement spoke to a number of witnesses to try to figure out whether he acted on his own, whether the car he drove to that war memorial, whether he was alone at that time. And so, it was unclear.

You know, you have to look at how this played out -- the distance between the war memorial and parliament, where he left that car, how he accessed it. So, there was a huge concern. Authorities said they killed the gunman, but they were looking for others. They just didn't know.

That's why we were here until 10:00 last night, John. We can tell you that it the lockdown was only then lifted. They brought in buses to basically remove all of the folks who had been trapped for more than a dozen hours. A serious situation.

You listen to the streets behind me. These are lockdown. The area now, we are closer now than we were last night. Last night, it was completely cordoned off, very difficult to get around. And it was interesting, when we left the scene, we had to take a very secure route to go really what's amount to a two-minute drive, John.

BERMAN: A moment of high anxiety there. And, Deb, to be clear -- this didn't happen in a complete vacuum in Canada or the United States for that matter. There had been concerns in recent days and recent weeks of chatter. There was an attack. There was a Canadian soldier killed on Monday, in a hit and run. A guy driven down by a man who was recently radicalized, they say.

And the U.S. embassy in Ottawa was on a heightened state of alert apparently.

FEYERICK: You know, the interesting thing is this, John, in both of those cases, in the case of that man, Martin Rouleau, who used his car as a vehicle, as a weapon to run down the soldier and yesterday, this man who also opened fire on the soldier at the National War Memorial.

The one thing they had in common is both of them had had their passports confiscated because they were intending to travel overseas to fight jihad. So, once those passports were confiscated, authorities knew they were out there.

But here's the problem, in the case of the hit-and-run man, he was interrogated. He was questioned. His family was cooperating with law enforcement. They even tried to get the mosque to intervene, to sort of talk him out of this.

What they could not do is they could not charge him with a crime because he had not yet committed a crime here in Canada. He had not made a statement that he was going to commit a crime, and therefore, they were unable to detain him. Now, you can beat, John, there's going to be a lot of discussion today as to whether in fact that needs to change, whether in fact, if somebody does has the passport confiscated, whether they go to the top of the list in terms of priority monitoring of priority surveillance. So, that was a striking similarity in both of these cases, John.

BERMAN: There seems to be a gap there, Deborah, to have -- to be a serious enough concern to have your passport essentially frozen, but not serious enough to be monitored constantly for the possibility of committing any crimes that will be addressed no doubt in the coming days.

Deborah Feyerick in Ottawa for us -- thank you so much.

We do want to keep our focus here on the extraordinary man, the victim in this crime, in this attack, a proud army reservist known by many as just a great guy, with an even bigger heart. Corporal Nathan Cirillo was shot dead while was standing guard in his ceremonial uniform at the National War Memorial. This posting, it was an honor. It was not supposed to be a risk.

Cirillo's social media pages say that he leaves behind a son, a young son, 6 years old, who started kindergarten this fall. They say Nathan loved animals, loved dogs, rescue dogs. He himself apparently had rescued a stray animal just weeks ago. Friends remembered him as a caring, funny person, who put his life on the line for his country -- a major loss.

As we were discussing with Deb just a moment ago, even before this attack in Ottawa, and a similar one in Quebec earlier in the week, jihadist chatter had already heightened official concerns in Canada and the United States. The administration and law enforcement officials say the U.S. tightened security at its Ottawa embassy and another U.S. consulate in Canada. That was before the shooting. After Wednesday's shooting, the U.S. embassy was put on lockdown.

In the United States, security was tightened at the Tomb of the Unknowns near Arlington National -- inside Arlington National, as well as around the Canadian consulate in New York.

President Obama spoke to the Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper Wednesday afternoon and later tell reporters, quote, "Obviously, we are all shaken by this shooting."

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

BARACK OBAMA, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: We don't yet have all of the information about whether this was part of a broader network or plan or whether this was an individual or series of individuals who decide to take these actions. But it emphasizes the degree to which we have to remain vigilant when it comes to dealing with these kinds of acts of senseless violence or terrorism. And I pledge, as always, to make sure that our national security teams are coordinating very closely given not only is Canada one of our closest allies in the world, but they're our neighbors and our friends.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BERMAN: We're following all the developments on this attack inside Ottawa all morning, because there are elements coming in every hour.

But there is other news we need to get to now. Israeli authorities are calling the hit-and-run attack in Jerusalem that killed a 3-month- old baby a terrorist attack. A Palestinian driver slammed into a group of pedestrians at a tram stop on Wednesday. Police shot the 20- year-old driver as he tried to flee the scene. The infant victim is believed to be American. At least seven other people were injured in that attack.

BERMAN: All right. Let's get an early start on the forecast now.

Indra Petersons is here with that.

And, Indra, I could not help but notice it rained a lot the last day.

INDRA PETERSONS, AMS METEOROLOGIST: (INAUDIBLE) just a few days ago to the system that is now in place. We are seeing that low really spinning out here.

So, notice all of the rain in place. We are talking about 2 inches of rain fallen around Boston. Winds are ripping out there, 30-mile-an- hour winds. Boston with the current gusts up to 40 miles per hour.

Notice Portland also seeing about 32-mile-an-hour winds. So, keep in mind, we are looking at this wind threat. High wind warnings in Boston, they are seeing winds expected as high as 60 miles per hour. That is the concern across much of the area. We are still talking about strong winds.

As far as how this is going to play out, day by day, keep in mind, we are talking about some heavy rain still in place today. But gradually, the system will continue to make its way through the north. So, with that, that bull's-eye getting closer and closer to northern portions of New England, about towards Maine.

We're also going to be looking at by tomorrow, finally clearing out to the weekend, and each other, only improve as the system starts to make its way offshore. That is a huge plus side we have in place. Keep in mind, winds are out there. The system kicks out.

There is another system that's been making its way across the country, very weak. The biggest thing you'll notice is the temperatures will dip down after they warm up. This is the key. It warms up before it cools down. So, notice -- you are going to be talking about these temperatures climbing once the system gets out of here, by the second half of the week and temperatures are going to be going back down. BERMAN: A weak puny system headed this way. I love it when we need

to thrash talk the weather.

All right. Indra Petersons, thanks so much. Appreciate it.

Twelve minutes after the hour.

We're going to continue to watch the situation in Ottawa. The developments this morning after a Canadian soldier was gunned down there.

Also on EARLY START, new Ebola guidelines for hundreds, maybe thousands of passengers coming to the United States from the hardest hit areas in West Africa. Might flyers simply choose not to come here now? That's coming up.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BERMAN: Major new measures going into place in the battle against Ebola. The CDC now saying it wants to track every passenger coming into the United States from the three West African nations that are being hardest hit right now by Ebola. Every airline passenger coming into the United States from one of these three nations will be monitored by state and local officials. They take their temperatures every day, report to these officials.

It is a huge logistical challenge. It could involve hundreds, if not thousands of travelers at any one time in the United States.

There is good news to report on the Ebola front. Dallas nurse Amber Vinson diagnosed with Ebola a week ago is now said to be Ebola free. Her family made the announcement Wednesday saying she will be transferred out of isolation.

We are hearing from another survivor. NBC cameraman Ashoka Mukpo. In an interview on "NBC Nightly News", he said he is not able to pinpoint exactly when he was infected.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

ASHOKA MUKPO, EBOLA SURVIVOR: The best thing that I can say is that there was a period of time of about a week that I was working with various news groups. And in the course of that week, I was at Ebola treatment units, I was following burial teams. I was with ambulance drivers.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BERMAN: The second Dallas nurse fighting Ebola, Nina Pham, she was upgraded Wednesday to good condition. That is also wonderful news.

A suspected serial killer who police say confessed to killing at least seven women in Indiana, he appeared in court, but he refused to speak to the judge, which caused his arraignment to be postponed. After 43- year-old Darren Vann refused to swear under oath, the frustrated judge said Vann will, quote, "stay in jail the rest of his life." The authorities say the killing spree could extend to other states and it could go back decades.

A new night of unrest in Ferguson, Missouri. Protests erupted following leaks of more information of the Michael Brown shooting. Two people are arrested outside of the police station. Sources now confirmed to CNN that Michael Brown's autopsy shows a gunshot wound in the hand at gun range. Now, some analysts say this supports Officer Darren Wilson's account.

But speaking with CNN's Erin Burnett, an attorney for Brown's family dismissed that suggestion.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

ANTHONY GRAY, MICHAEL BROWN'S FAMILY ATTORNEY: We've always said from the very beginning, there are two separate distinct events that occurred that day -- one at the vehicle and one away from the car. So, I don't see how any evaluation or any assessment as to what happened at the car bears on what happened outside of the car almost 100 feet away, which is the point in which we've all stated was the moment that Darren Wilson broke the law when he killed an unarmed Mike Brown Jr.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BERMAN: U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder has told Justice Department lawyers he is exasperated at the leaks coming out of Ferguson.

ISIS fighters trying to continue their offensive in Iraq, trying to get closer to Baghdad. The Islamic militants trying to take a town south of Fallujah which really isn't that far from Baghdad at all. Iraqi military and tribal forces are fighting to repeal the ISIS attack. Fighters are attempting to foil the Iraqi air force by lighting dozens of fighters (ph) so pilots cannot find their targets. Iraqi officials counted at least six suicide bombings, and more than 70 mortar attacks against government forces.

Nineteen minutes after the hour. Four ex-Blackwater security guards now face at least 30 years in prison, after a federal jury convicted them of shooting 31 Iraqis seven years ago. The suspects shot and killed 14 unarmed civilians and wounded 17 others, as the U.S. diplomatic convoy drove through Baghdad. None killed were insurgents. The incident infuriated Iraqis and changed how U.S. contractors were used.

Sports news: Royals are back in form. The fall classic now tied at a game a piece. A dramatic game, a tense game. Andy Scholes has all the drama in the "Bleacher Report" next.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BERMAN: It is all tied up in the least watched World Series of all time. The Kansas City Royals, they won game two. It all goes back to San Francisco, tied a game a piece.

Andy Scholes with more in the "Bleacher Report". Good morning, Andy.

ANDY SCHOLES, BLEACHER REPORT: Good morning, John.

Yes, the royals coming through in what was a really must win for them. They could not afford to go down 2-0 in the series with the next three games in San Francisco. And they broke things open in this one in the fifth or the sixth inning, I should say. Five runs, they've got. Omar Infante capping things off with a two-run home run off of Hunter Strickland.

And for some reason, Strickland was not happy with Salvador Perez as he crossed home plate. Those two had words. Royals bench semi- clears. Series is getting heated.

The Royals game two, 7-2. The series now tied at 1-1 as it shifts to San Fran. Game three is Friday night.

In Pittsburgh last night, before the Penguins/Flyers game, as a tribute to Ottawa, they sang "O Canada" before doing the national anthem.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

(SINGING "O CANADA")

(END VIDEO CLIP)

SCHOLES: After yesterday's tragic shooting of the Canadian guard and manhunt for the gunman in Ottawa, the game between the Senators and Maple Leafs was postponed. A make up date has not yet been announced.

The University of North Carolina may be in big trouble with the NCAA. An independent investigation commissioned by UNC found that the school held sham classes to help athletes maintain at least a 2.0 GPA, so that they could remain eligible to play.

In the 131-page report released yesterday, it claims more than 3,100 students were found to have taking fake classes during an 18-year period. Around 1,100 students were athletes. The NCAA declined to comment on the report while their investigation is ongoing.

According to multiple reports, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell will have to testify at Ray Rice's appeal at his indefinite suspension. Goodell is expected to face questions about what exactly Rice told him when the two met over the summer about altercation with Rice and his then fiancee. Rice was suspended for two games, but it was extended after more detailed video emerged showing Rice Janay Palmer.

In another NFL news, John, we finally have a good match up on Thursday night football. We're going to have the 5-2 Charges against Peyton Manning and the 5-1 Broncos. So, a reminder, set your fantasy football line up today.

BERMAN: If only Peyton Manning could get that offense going. That would clearly be a good game.

Andy Scholes, great to see you this morning. Thanks so much.

SCHOLES: All right.

BERMAN: We are following breaking news out of Canada this morning. New details in the killing there of a Canadian soldier. This attack on the parliament. What the prime minister there calls a terrorist attack.

We are live from Ottawa, coming up.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)