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Early Start with John Berman and Zoraida Sambolin

Orlando Gunman on the Phone During Massacre; Democrats Filibuster for Gun Control; Tragedy Strikes Disney. Aired 4-4:30a ET

Aired June 16, 2016 - 04:00   ET

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

[04:00:14] ALISON KOSIK, CNN ANCHOR: Breaking news overnight: new information from the phone of the Orlando club shooter. Who he was calling and what he was posting during the massacre?

And just a few hours ago, after 14 hours on the Senate floor, in the wee hours of the morning, Democrats get their colleagues to vote on new gun control.

Disney in crisis. A child killed by an alligator at its resort, the Orlando club pillar has closed its parks as it launches a brand new Disney World across the ocean.

Good morning and welcome to EARLY START. I'm Alison Kosik in New York.

JOHN BERMAN, CNN ANCHOR: I'm John Berman live in Orlando this morning. It is Thursday, June 16th, 4:00 a.m. in the East.

The breaking news this morning: new information on what went inside and what went on inside the nightclub during that massacre. Investigators have learned the gunman placed calls to at least three different places. One was to 911, another to a local TV newsroom. During those calls, he pledged allegiance to ISIS. There was a third call to a friend, we now know, apparently, to say good-bye.

Now, authorities have not identified that friend, but they want to know what was said and if the friend knew the attack was coming. Investigators are also looking into exactly what the gunman's wife knew about her husband's intentions and exactly when. The wife has given conflicting statements and now faces a grand jury investigation whether she will face charges for not reporting what she knew to authorities.

Joining me now with the latest is CNN's Polo Sandoval here in Orlando.

Polo, his phone calls, also posting to social media during apparently the rampage itself just some of the new details emerging this morning.

POLO SANDOVAL, CNN CORRESPONDENT: And, John, it all starts to paint a clear picture of what possibly happen, only a block from where I'm standing a few days ago. And since this is very much an active investigation, police still keeping specifics and details out of the case to themselves. But much of the information that we've been getting is still coming from lawmakers, for example.

In fact, just yesterday, Wisconsin Republican Ron Johnson sending a letter to Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg in which he specifically asked that Facebook continue to cooperate with the investigation as the gunman was linked to at least five Facebook accounts, at least one of them used for very specific searches the night of the attack for the terms "Pulse Orlando" and "shooting". That lawmaker then went on to elaborate on that letter that the gunman likely even posted several very disturbing messages, some that could have been hinting that this attack could be slowly coming.

One of them stands out, John. I'll read some of them to you. The first one saying, quote, "America and Russia, stop bombing the Islamic State." The gunman also allegedly or at least possibly pledged allegiance to ISIS. And then the final post, John, quote, "in the next few days, you will see the attacks from the Islamic State in the USA."

Could somebody have seen this coming? Of course, that is one of the main questions that people are asking. So, very important. It will be that exactly who he was talking to online and on the phone. We also recently learned he reached out to a friend that you just mentioned, but also to a local television station.

I want you to hear directly from the producer at CNN affiliate News 13 exactly what he said, again, according to these accounts, picked up the phone and dialed.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

MATT GENTILI, PRODUCER, NEWS 13 ORLANDO: It was at 2:45 when I just received the phone call of someone claiming to be the Orlando shooter. I answered the phone as I do News 13, "This is Matt". On the other end, I heard do you know about the shooting? I said, yes. I'm getting information. I'm receiving calls.

And he cut me off and he said, "I'm the shooter." And I didn't know what to say. It was, you know, alarming to say the least. He sounded really calm on the phone and he started saying he did it for the Islamic State. He did it for ISIS.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

SANDOVAL: Of course, the focus here is on the investigation. We cannot lose the fact that -- we have to remember this community continues to heal. The city of Orlando obviously has been through a very difficult last few days. So, of course, part of that healing process, President Obama and the vice president expected to travel here today. They will provide hope for healing, meeting with the survivors and families of the victims and also those first responders, because, of course, as the investigation continues, we cannot forget there were also some amazing acts of heroism that happened here just a few days ago -- John.

[04:05:09] BERMAN: Yes, indeed, right behind me as well, this hospital that treated so many of the patients that came from that night club.

Polo, what's the latest on the investigation into the wife? Conflicting stories now apparently from her?

SANDOVAL: Yes. Several conflicting stories. We understand no charges have been filed. She has not been arrested. However, the grand jury taking a closer look at the evidence that has been gathered here by federal agents of the last several days.

We do understand she is cooperating with federal authorities and even mentioned that she at least on one occasion possibly even drove her husband here to the nightclub from their hometown which is about two hours south of here. But, of course, that question is how much did she know? Yes, this has been by federal authorities as a terrorist- inspired act, which means the gunman didn't necessarily have the right contact with any terrorist organizations overseas, but somebody possibly knew something. Was it her? That's the question that investigators are still trying to ask.

They clearly have solid evidence to present to a grand jury. It will be interesting to find out what the grand jury decides. You hear experts on both sides that the picture doesn't look good to her. Others may say she was somebody that was caught in a difficult relationship, especially to hear from the gunman's previous wife as well -- John.

BERMAN: All right. Polo Sandoval in Orlando with me -- thanks so much, Polo.

We have new details on the gunman's connection to propaganda. Again, a law enforcement official tells CNN that his consumption of Islamist material, including videos of ISIS beheadings spiked just two weeks before the attack. A source said the shooter was a boiling kettle looking for any excuse to do something violent.

This as the interview video of the killer has just emerged from a film documentary on the 2010 BP oil spill. The security firm G4S has confirmed this is him working as a guard in Pensacola. He speaks on hidden camera talking about people making money off disasters.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

OMAR MATEEN, WORKED AS BP SPILL SECURITY GUARD: No one gives a (EXPLETIVE DELETED) here. Like everybody is out to get paid. They are like hoping for more oil to come out and more people to complain so they'll have jobs. Once people get laid off here, it's going to suck for them. They want more disaster to happen because that's where their money making is.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Yes, it's all about the money?

MATEEN: All about the money. Exactly.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BERMAN: New witnesses are emerging say they saw the killer out in the gay community. Could he have been struggling with his sexuality?

A man named Cord Cedeno tells Brian Todd that he saw the killer at Pulse and that that gunman approached him repeatedly on Grindr about a year ago, interactions he describes as creepy. Cedeno says he was not interested but that one of his friends also chatted online with the gunman over a span of years and almost went to meet him.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

CORD CEDENO, SAYS GUNMAN APPROACHED HIM ON GAY APP: From the Adam4Adam app, one of my friends actually, he's been speaking with him since 2007 on and off, year and year at a time. And he sent him a picture of his private parts and my friend actually was attracted to him. He almost went and hooked up with him.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BERMAN: Cedeno says his friend never did meet up with the killer, and that he himself does not know anyone who did.

As we heard from Polo, in just a few hours, President Obama arrives here in Orlando. He will be with the vice president as well. They will spend most of the day here stand in solidarity with the city. They will meet with the survivors and the families of the victims. They will spend time with the first responders and medical personnel, so many of them work here behind me if you're at the Orlando Regional Medical Center.

The president's visit will no doubt help soothe some of the nerves and some of the anxiety in this community. So much of what we're hearing from the people who survive is about survivor guilt. Why did others survive when others didn't? Again, so many of the people we've spoken to, so many of the survivors tell us they have not slept at all since last Saturday night.

Joining me now to talk about the investigation and where it goes next, I'm joined by Lieutenant General Mark Hertling, CNN national security and intelligence and terrorism analyst, former commanding general of the U.S. Army in Europe.

General, thanks for being with us this morning. I appreciate it.

This investigation right now, very much focused in two areas. The wife, you know, what did she know and when did she know it and did she help? And then the electronic messages and electronic footprint that this man left behind. Where do you see it going next?

LT. GEN. MARK HERTLING, CNN MILITARY ANALYST: You have to add to that, John, also what they're getting from the community. The intelligence that they're getting through social media outlets and who knows this guy. What has he said? What other things has he done?

[04:10:01] So, when you're talking about the FBI going into the house itself of the killer and finding the forensics, taking the computer, taking the cell phones, taking anything that might be in that residence, it's going to contribute. In combat, we do that naturally. Every single piece of information

you can get from any kind of media will help you drive connections, will help you drive what was the motive apparent it will contribute to whether or not this individual did conduct the reconnaissance as we know, at least on several occasions he did. It will elaborate more his true motives over the last several months and what his true motives were.

BERMAN: I was little surprised yesterday, late yesterday, the FBI posted a poster with his picture asking for help from the community. Have you seen this man? What can you tell us about the killer? You know, where did you see him over the last several months? I was surprised because he was in the news the last week, the focus has been so much on this and you would think that, you know, people would have come forward already and that investigators already have a pretty good idea of where he's been and what he's done over this time.

Is that just pro forma or do you think they are looking for something specific?

HERTLING: They're trying to get more.

As you know, John, I'm from this community. I was at the event last night with the Hispanics and they were passing some of that FBI information around. They want more. They actually want a picture in front of somebody and have that recollection come back to them and say, oh, yes, now I remember that guy.

You can see a lot on TV. You can see the multiple pictures that are flashing up. When you have a discussion about what the individual has done and where he has been then some synapses occur. The FBI is doing a masterful job in terms of getting it out to the community and making contacts with individuals who might have seen him, whether or not at a gay bar or other circumstances. They are trying to piece those elements together.

BERMAN: And, of course, overnight, we also learned that this gentleman had been posting on Facebook, suggesting an attack was coming in the United States. It gets to the issue of, how can this type of activity being monitored? How can investigators and intelligence officials in the United States spot something like that and head it off before it happens?

HERTLING: There are attempts to do scrubbings of social media sites. Sometimes it is dependent as we've said before on friends who have stepped forward as they have done in this case, but giving more information about what the individual is up to and what his mindset is and what he's trying to approach. Are these idle threats or is this guy serious about what he's attempting to do?

Again, it's a combination of intelligence gathering and focusing on key words, scrubbing as they call it in the community. But also reliance on the number of Facebook friends he had. I'd be curious, I don't know the answer to this. But how many Facebook friends were had and which connections were made when he did put this post up?

BERMAN: Very, very good questions. General Mark Hertling, thanks so much for being with us. We'll speak to you again shortly.

Big drama in Washington in the Senate. A filibuster, a long filibuster, nearly 15 hours on the Senate floor. Democrat Chris Murphy of Connecticut refusing to leave, refusing to stop talking until he gets a vote on gun control.

Stay with us.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[04:17:48] KOSIK: A filibuster in the Senate has come to an end with Democrats declaring victory in the first round of the gun control fight. Connecticut Senator Chris Murphy leading the charge.

After more than 14 hours on the floor, he finally left the podium overnight announcing there will be a vote on closing the terror gap and universal background checks.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SEN. CHRIS MURPHY (R), CONNECTICUT: I woke up this morning to ensure this would not be a lost week. Ask yourself, what can you do to make sure that Orlando or Sandy Hook never ever happens again? With deep gratitude to all those who have endured this very, very late night. I yield the floor.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

KOSIK: Meantime, Donald Trump is jumping feet first in the gun control debate. He plans to meet with the NRA to talk about banning people on terror watch list from buying firearms. NRA officials say they're happy to sit down with him.

A toddler killed by an alligator in Disney World has been found. Investigators are promising to make sure they find the alligator responsible. That's next.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[04:23:32] BERMAN: A heartbreaking end to the search for the 2-year- old boy who was dragged into the lagoon by an alligator at Disney World, really not very far from here at all. Divers recovered the body of Lane Graves six feet of murky water, about 10 to 15 yards from where he was snatched from the beach. The child likely drowned. Now, wildlife officials want to make sure the gator does not strike again.

Let's get more now from Martin Savidge.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

MARTIN SAVIDGE, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, John. Good morning, Alison.

The family of this little boy has issued a statement. They thanked the public for their prayers. They also thanked law enforcement for efforts and they have now said they wish to be left alone to grieve privately.

The recovery of the child does not mean this comes to an end. There are a number of investigations moving forward that Orange County will oversee them. Orange County will be looking to see what exactly happened.

And then, also, the Florida Fish and Wildlife, they will be working to determine if they have the right alligator. All ready, they have captured and euthanized five. They're not sure if that's the complete number that we're in the lake. They want to make sure they get the right one. They don't want that to continue to roam free.

And then there's going to be the internal investigation that will be conducted by Disney itself. It's expected there will be, what, it's referred to as an after-action report. Disney insiders say they believe as a result of the report, there will be significant changes. Going on, they say, they expect Disney to do the right thing. Many eyes will be watching.

[04:25:01] The thing that is constant as long as you have water and as long as you are in Florida, you are bound to have alligators -- John and Alison.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

BERMAN: That's a great point from Martin Savidge. Thanks so much.

Look, anywhere there is fresh water in the state, Alison, as you well know, there could be an alligator. There are millions of them here. They will roam about. It's something they have to deal with here for sometime.

KOSIK: Yes, I am from Florida. I know that all too well. Now come the questions, John. What more if anything could Disney have done? Maybe a fence around that lagoon?

BERMAN: Something they'll be looking at no doubt in the days and weeks ahead, Alison.

KOSIK: All right. John, thanks very much.

This was supposed to be a big week for Disney and CEO Bob Iger. The company has planned huge celebrations for the opening of its new park in Shanghai, that $5.5 billion investment which was years in the making.

But the events in Orlando overshadowed the opening. The attack at the Pulse nightclub and the trips to the shopping complex by the gunman and the 2-year-old boy dragged into the lagoon by an alligator. This is not the headline Disney expected this week. It's unclear if these events will affect Disney's theme park as a whole.

But it is a good reminder of the tough year Disney had. The stock is down more than 6 percent. It's unclear who will lead the company once Bob Iger steps down. Breaking news overnight: new information retrieved from the phone of

the Orlando club killer, who he called and what he posted during the massacre. That's next.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)