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Early Start with John Berman and Zoraida Sambolin

Turkey Airport Attack: Who Were the Terrorists?; U.S. Airports Add Security; Trump: A.G. Meeting with Bill Clinton "Terrible". Aired 4-4:30a ET

Aired July 01, 2016 - 04:00   ET

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

[04:00:26] MIGUEL MARQUEZ, CNN ANCHOR: Breaking news this morning: new information on the suicide bombers behind the Istanbul airport attack, where they came from and who gave them their orders.

ALISON KOSIK, CNN ANCHOR: Terror fears at the airport prompting beefed up security across the country as travelers head out this Fourth of July weekend.

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

MARQUEZ: I'm Miguel Marquez. Very good to see you.

KOSIK: You too.

MARQUEZ: It is Friday. Happy Friday, July 1st. It's 4:00 a.m. here on the East.

Breaking news overnight, new information on the three terrorists who bombed the Istanbul airport, killing 44 people and injuring hundreds more. Investigators identifying the men as citizens of Russia, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan. Officials believe the bombers entered Turkey about a month ago from the ISIS stronghold of Raqqa in Syria, bringing with them the suicide vests and bombs used in the attacks. The terrorists rented an apartment in an Istanbul neighborhood known for its pro-is rallies.

For the very latest, let's get to Alexandra Field who is live for us in Istanbul -- Alex.

ALEXANDRA FIELD, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hi there, Miguel.

U.S. officials now believe this attack was organized by a well-known ISIS militant, Akhmed Chatayev, from the north Caucasus region of Russia. It was carried out, Turkish officials say, by the three men you mentioned. One from Dagestan, one from Uzbekistan and one from Kyrgyzstan. As you say, they had spent time in Syria according to officials but they had also been in Istanbul it seems for at least a month.

Sources here telling CNN that the three men had rented an apartment. That's where they found a passport belonging to one of the men. That was a big break in this investigation. They've been spending time at that apartment complex where these men were living, talking to neighbors, showing them surveillance images that were captured at the airport of the three bombers, trying to determine what other information they can glean about these men and who else they may have been connected to, what else they could have potentially been planning.

One woman who lives at the apartment complex did say that she has smelled chemicals coming from the apartment over the last month. Not clear exactly what that could have. As Turkish officials are believing the suicide vests were made outside of the country and brought to Istanbul by the three attackers who bombed the airport behind me.

The death toll now up to 44 as more people succumb to their injuries. The latest to die, just a young boy, Miguel.

MARQUEZ: And, Alex, on the investigation -- I know they had many arrests yesterday. Is there a sense they're still sorting through neighborhoods and trying to figure out if there are any others who may be implicated in this?

FIELD: Absolutely. This will be an ongoing operation. We know that Turkey has been the target of terrorists increasingly. There had been eight suicide bombings here in just the last year. Officials have connected three of those bombings to ISIS militants.

So, the attack at this airport has prompted a series of counterterrorism operations, including raids that happened in Istanbul and in the coastal city of Izmir. Thirteen people were detained out of Istanbul. Another nine were detained from Izmir. They will all be questioned.

It isn't sure exactly what police are questioning these people about but it is in connection to these attacks. So, certainly, we can expect that we will see ongoing raids across Turkey trying to find who else could be connected to a possible ISIS cell.

This is similar to the aftermath in both Brussels and Paris when the attacks there launched counterterrorism officials to do continued raids which lasted for weeks, really months actually, Miguel.

MARQUEZ: Turkish security service well known for their aggressiveness.

Alexandra Field for us in Istanbul, thank you very much.

KOSIK: All right. So, clearly, a lot of new information about these attacks and the attackers.

Let's sort through all of this and bring in military analyst, Colonel Cedric Leighton. He's a former member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Good morning and thanks for joining us on the show.

COL. CEDRIC LEIGHTON (RET.), CNN MILITARY ANALYST: Good morning, Alison. Good to be with you.

KOSIK: So, there's a lot of information about who these attackers were. These are terrorists from the former Soviet states, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Russia. Why is this attack different concerning who carried it out and why do -- why are counterterrorism officials so concerned about these attackers?

LEIGHTON: Well, the fact that there is Russian and former Soviet Union state involvement, the fact that we're talking about people who are citizens of those countries indicates that these are very hardened, battle hardened terrorists. These folks, for example, the Uzbeks have an Uzbek battalion within ISIS and that Uzbek battalion is known for its brutality.

[04:05:02] The Chechens also are known for their brutality within ISIS and their willingness to really fight for ISIS' cause.

So, these people are very much true believers. They are ones that are very different from the ones that took part in the Paris and the Brussels attacks. Those were Arabs from North Africa, totally different mindset. In terms of their tactical ability, certainly a very, very effective group of terrorists, and that's what really concerns law enforcement officials. The efficacy of these groups and the fact that they were able to bring things in that probably aided them in the Istanbul attack.

MARQUEZ: Colonel, the fact this had to directed by clearly ISIS in Raqqah, they had to be sent there, and despite being hardened, battle field individuals, they may not have been the best fighters in the world. One of them apparently panicked and his bomb went off. One was shot very quickly.

The video we see of them is them running around an empty airport looking for targets to shoot at. It looks like it was put together in a hurry. What do you glean from the bits of information we've seen so far?

LEIGHTON: So, Miguel, one of the things interesting about this there was a lot of planning -- in my mind, there was a lot of planning went into this attack. However, you're right. Once they got to the execution phase of this, that's when things started to fall apart. The fact that Turkish authorities were able to stop them basically at the security perimeter prevented a lot of other deaths.

You know, as bad as what this attack was, it's very clear it could have been much, much worse. And when you see what they were able to do, there clearly are indications that these guys are not 10-foot tall. It's very clear that they are, in some ways, yes, hardened fighters, but they are also ones that have adopted some tactics and techniques that point to certain vulnerabilities within ISIS. That's something that can be exploited by those of us who are fighting them.

KOSIK: Colonel, it seems that the number of attacks of these ISIS either inspired attacks or ISIS attacks seem to be becoming more frequent. What are we gleaning from the information from each of these attacks about the M.O., the kind of attacks that are being used? We're seeing this pattern where they are attacking these vulnerable areas of airports but how do we stay one step ahead of them about what they're going to be -- what their M.O. will be next? LEIGHTON: That's going to be the hardest thing to do, Alison, because

their M.O. does vary a bit. There are certain techniques. One is a kamikaze-style attack that involves detonating a bomb and then rushing the victims of the bomb or firing at the position and then rushing in and then detonating bombs. So, it varies a little depending on the exact situation.

But what we can glean is they are using what they can to effect security checkpoints. They are finding as many crowded places that they can possibly go after and that particular fact is creating a situation where there are a lot of vulnerabilities out there that are going to be very tough to actually prevent attacks like this at. So, when you have a situation of this type, vigilance and intelligence are going to be the key elements here. And in this particular situation, there were -- seemed to be some signs that were missed by people in the neighborhood where they stated in Istanbul and there were also some signs that may have been missed by Turkish authorities. But, of course, we don't know enough yet to know what those signs were. I can certainly guess there were some out there.

KOSIK: Hindsight is 20/20. We say, if I only would have done something because I smelled that or I saw that.

All right. Cedric Leighton, Colonel Cedric Leighton, thanks so much for your expertise.

LEIGHTON: You bet, Alison. Absolutely.

KOSIK: Happening now, heightened security as millions prepare to travel for the Fourth of July holiday in the wake of the Istanbul attack. Surveillance, screening patrols all heightened in soft target areas outside TSA checkpoints.

Let's bring in Rene Marsh at Washington Reagan National Airport.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

RENE MARSH, CNN AVIATION CORRESPONDENT: Well, Alison and Miguel, it's projected some 43 million people will travel this holiday. That's the most on record for the Fourth of July weekend. The majority of those people will be driving but some 3 million will be flying. And after the attack in Istanbul, the concern is about the soft areas, the soft target areas in airports across the country.

In many airports, this is the situation. The TSA checkpoint is the first line of defense. It leaves that other section of airport, the perimeter, that part is very vulnerable. We heard from the Department of Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson.

[04:10:01] He said that passengers will notice an increase of police officers in the soft target areas of airports across the country. That includes the TSA's Viper Team assigned to do random bag checks, random passenger checks to prevent a terrorist attack. However, no changes have been made to the screening process for passengers.

Back to you, guys. (END VIDEOTAPE)

MARQUEZ: Rene Marsh for us in Washington, thank you very much.

A political firestorm igniting for Bill Clinton and Attorney General Loretta Lynch after the two meet while the FBI investigates Hillary Clinton's use of e-mail as secretary of state.

That's coming up.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

MARQUEZ: A new storm brewing for the Clinton presidential campaign over a meeting this week between Bill Clinton and Attorney General Loretta Lynch. Lynch says the two met by chance when she and Bill Clinton found themselves on the same airport tarmac in Phoenix, Arizona.

[04:15:05] Republicans say the meeting undermines confidence in the FBI investigation into Hillary Clinton's e-mail, but, Lynch, the FBI's boss, as head of the Justice Department, says she and Bill Clinton only had a social conversation about grandchildren and golf and did not talk about his wife's email.

The White House defending the integrity of the federal investigation as Donald Trump weighs in calling the meeting terrible.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

REPORTER: Do you think that was an appropriate conversation?

DONALD TRUMP (R), PRESUMPTIVE PRESIDENTIAL NOMINEE: Well, it was shocking. It was shocking to me, but it was shocking to everybody that's saw it take place. I was so surprised to see that. It's the system. I guess it's the system. But it was very disappointing.

JOSH EARNEST, WHITE HOUSE PRESS SECRETARY: Both the president and the attorney general understand how important it is for the Department of Justice to conduct investigations that are free of political interference. She's made clear that that's the expectation that she has for the way that this investigation should be conducted. The president has made clear that that certainly is consistent with h& expectation about how this should be handled.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

KOSIK: New confirmation New Jersey Governor Chris Christie and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich among the finalists to be Donald Trump's running mate. Sources confirming to CNN that Christie, a former Trump rival, now among his strongest defenders is being officially vetted. And a Trump adviser says Gingrich is being, quote, "seriously considered". This as Trump prepares to speak this afternoon in Denver at the Western Conservative Summit. Sarah Palin, Carly Fiorina and Hugh Hewitt also set to be there.

MARQUEZ: Bernie Sanders denying reports he's ready to officially endorse Hillary Clinton for president. Vice President Biden telling NPR's Rachel Martin in an interview set to air this weekend, I've talked to Bernie. Bernie is going to endorse her. This is going to work out.

The Democrats are coalescing even before this occurs. But Sanders says, not so fast. That's just not the case. Not yet, anyway.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SEN. BERNIE SANDERS (D), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: We are working. As we speak, we are work with the Clinton campaign trying to be able to come forward and say to my supporters out there, you know what? Here's the progress we have made. I hear what Secretary Clinton is saying on this issue and that issue. That means a whole lot to you.

So, I hope we can reach that goal. We are not there at this moment.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

MARQUEZ: Now, neither Clinton nor sanders has any scheduled events today.

KOSIK: The U.S. military lifting the ban on transgender people serving openly in the armed forces. Defense Secretary Ash Carter says new regulations ensure no one can be discharged or denied re- enlistment based on gender identity. The policy will allow members to transition gender while serving and will set standards for medical care will be phased in over a year. Meantime, Republican critics are charging the White House's prioritizing politics over policy.

MARQUEZ: And President Obama this morning getting a briefing from members of his public health team about the ongoing response to the Zika virus. The move comes after Congress this week failed to pass a Zika funding bill. Democrats said the Republican-sponsored bill was filled with a poison pill provision that would defund Obamacare and Planned Parenthood.

KOSIK: House Republicans moving forward next week on an anti- terrorism package to block people on the terror watch list from buying guns. House Speaker Paul Ryan outlined the legislation Thursday. Ryan said it will also include measures to disrupt radicalization and recruitment. The move made in an effort to preempt House Democrats from holding another floor protest on gun control.

MARQUEZ: And the government now probing Tesla's auto pilot feature following a fatal crash in Florida. Authorities say Joshua David Brown's 2015 Model S Tesla slammed into the side of a tractor trailer crossing the road to make a turn. The top of the vehicle and its windshield completely crushed. Tesla officials say this type of crash is extremely rare, noting the auto pilot feature didn't apply the brake because it didn't pick up the white side of the tractor trailer against the bright sky. Jeez.

KOSIK: Time for an early start on your money. Wall Street is closing the books on a wild first half of the year, capped off by a volatile week of trading following the Brexit vote. Check out the Dow in 2016 so far. Look at that chart. In February,

falling oil prices and worries about China sent the average spiraling down almost 2,000 points from where it began the year. Then a rebound in the spring and a brief hiccup from the U.K. vote to leave the eurozone.

But now, it seems the market is back on track. The Dow up almost 3 percent for the year. That came thanks to a nice rally yesterday, marking the third straight day of big gains and erasing that 610-point plunge from last Friday.

[04:20:02] As for today, futures are down just slightly today. Global markets are mixed. It's like this Brexit was just this nightmare that happened where we saw --

MARQUEZ: Well, do you think it's smooth sailing ahead or --

KOSIK: I think for the --

MARQUEZ: I'm going to put all my money in the market now because you said that.

KOSIK: OK. Well, I think for the short term you're looking OK. You're looking at central banks action to pour more liquidity into the market. That's really would calm markets.

MARQUEZ: I take it uncertainty ahead in Britain, though.

KOSIK: Yes, absolutely.

MARQUEZ: Yes, all right. An American-Israeli girl stabbed to death as she slept in her West Bank home. We're live with what happened and what the Israeli prime minister is calling for now.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[04:25:05] KOSIK: Violent chaos in a West Bank settlement as a 13- year-old Israeli American girl is stabbed to death sleeping in her bedroom. The teenaged Palestinian suspect gunned down by security guards following a vicious fight.

CNN's Oren Liebermann joining us now live from Jerusalem with the latest -- Oren.

OREN LIEBERMANN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Alison, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visiting this bereaved family this morning in Kiryat Arba in the West Bank offering his condolences after an incredibly emotional day for everyone there yesterday.

Hundreds turned out for the funeral of 13-year-old Hallel Ariel. A number of speakers there, perhaps the most powerful was this young girl's mother who cried throughout most of the speech praying that her daughter after 13 years is now sitting next to God. This all started around 8:30 in the morning. This young girl Hallel Ariel was sleeping in her bed when the IDF says a Palestinian teenager from a nearby village broke into the settlement, broke into her home and stabbed her to death in her sleep. The shock, the outrage from all over.

Here is what the prime minister had to say.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

BENJAMIN NETANYAHU, ISRAELI PRIME MINISTER (through translator): The entire people identify with the horrible pain of the family. We tell the murderers you will not break us. We will continue to act decisively and steadfastly against terror anywhere and any time. The entire world should condemn this murder just as it condemns the murders in Istanbul, in Brussels, in Orlando or anywhere else.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

LIEBERMANN: And that condemnation has come in from the U.S. and U.K. and other places. Prime Minister Netanyahu will revoke the permits of the members of the Palestinian attacker's family and work to begin proceedings to demolish this family's home, a not uncommon procedure from Israeli authorities -- Alison.

KOSIK: You know, Oren, there are a number of Israelis who feel there's this lack of hope with the stagnation in the peace process that's kind of fueling this unrest.

LIEBERMANN: It's interesting you mentioned that. There was just a report that came out from the quartet which tries to push forward the peace process, saying there are a number of steps that have to happen. Perhaps the most important here is the lack of hope on both sides in any prospect for a peace process, saying that it is a two-state solution that will be the best solution but one that doesn't seem viable right now.

And that solution -- I'm sorry -- that report points out problems on both sides here. Israeli building in the settlements in the West Bank. Palestinian incitement to violence saying all of that needs to stop for these attacks to stop.

Now, it's not at the level we saw when it began in October, November, December, but occasionally, you are still seeing these attacks. There was another one this morning, an attempted attack as the prime minister was visiting this family in Kiryat Arba. There was an attempted stabbing in Hebron nearby at the Cave of the Patriarchs, a site holy to Jews and Muslims. There, the Israeli police say the attempted -- the Palestinian woman attempted to stab border police officers there. Police saying she was shot and killed at the scene.

All right. CNN's Oren Liebermann thanks so much.

MARQUEZ: And breaking news this morning. New information on the suicide bombers behind the Istanbul airport attack -- where they came from and who directed the massacre.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)