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Early Start with Rahel Solomon

Utah Governor Says Suspect in Charlie Kirk's Murder has Leftist Ideology; Superintendent of L.A. Unified School District Advises Immigrants to Know their Legal Rights; Spain's Vuelta Cycling Finale Abandoned After Pro-Palestine Protest in Madrid. Aired 5-5:30a ET

Aired September 15, 2025 - 05:00   ET

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

[05:00:00]

BRIAN ABEL, ANCHOR, EARLY START: Good morning and welcome to our viewers joining us from the United States and all around the world, thank you so much for being with us, I'm Brian Abel, Rahel Solomon is off. It is Monday, September 15th, 5:00 a.m. here in Washington D.C., and straight ahead on EARLY START.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

REP. MIKE JOHNSON (R-LA): Our dear friend Charlie would never want us to be overcome by despair.

DONALD TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: The problem is on the left. If you look at the problem, the problem is on the left.

GOV. SPENCER COX (R-UT): Are we going to try to make it better, or are we going to make it worse?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Back up, back up.

ALBERTO CARVALHO, SUPERINTENDENT, LOS ANGELES UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT: Know the law. Know your legal rights. Our children are not a threat. Immigrants are not.

SEN. BERNIE SANDERS (I-VT): But half of older workers have nothing in the bank as they face retirement.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The economy really concerns me. Affordability for people back home.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

ABEL: It's been five days now since the shocking murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, and investigators have still not said what they think the gunman's motive was. Utah's governor confirms they are looking into a note left by suspect Tyler Robinson. This comes after the Vice President of social and gaming platform Discord said there had been communications between the suspect's roommate and a friend after the shooting about the contents of the note.

Meanwhile, a video obtained by the "Associated Press" from a home security camera shows a person matching the suspect's description walking through a neighborhood before Wednesday's shooting. CNN has geolocated that footage to a neighborhood about a half-mile away from the university where Kirk was speaking when he was gunned down.

The alleged killer has been placed under a special watch at the Utah County jail, pending a mental health evaluation. Last week's shooting has raised fears of further political violence and prompted a push by leaders to tamp down tensions.

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COX: If we're waiting for a president or a governor to get us off of -- out of this dark chapter, then it will never happen. We can't -- I don't understand this again. Giving our agency up, waking up every day and saying, well, what did the President say today? That's going to determine how I react, or what does governor --

DANA BASH, CNN ANCHOR: Yes --

COX: Say today? That makes no sense to me. Every one of us has to look in the mirror and decide, are we going to try to make it better, or are we going to make it worse? And I just -- I pray that God will help us find him again and find our souls and find each other again.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

ABEL: That message, it stands in contrast to Donald Trump, who continues to accuse his political opponents of provoking violence, pinning the blame on the left.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

TRUMP: Problem is on the left. If you look at the problem, the problem is on the left. It's not on the right like some people like to say on the right. The problem we have is on the left. And when you look at the agitators, the -- you look at the scum that speaks so badly of our country, the American flag burnings all over the place, that's the left, that's not the right.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

ABEL: CNN's Danny Freeman is in Utah with more details on the investigation.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

DANNY FREEMAN, CNN CORRESPONDENT (on camera): There are still a lot of outstanding questions we have about 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, the main suspect in the killing of Charlie Kirk. But over the weekend, we did learn a lot more information. I'm going to highlight two of the things that we actually learned from Utah's governor on Sunday.

One, concerning a potential note left behind by Robinson and the other regarding Robinson's roommate that he had here in St. George. So first, that roommate, per Governor Cox of Utah, Robinson was roommates with a, quote, "romantic partner who was a male transitioning to a female".

However, Governor Cox emphasized that this person, this roommate has been incredibly cooperative with authorities and seemed genuinely shocked to learn about what Robinson has been accused of. I'll also note when CNN pressed Governor Cox if this was at all part of a potential motive regarding Kirk's killing last week, the governor said it's easy to draw conclusions, but he declined to speculate further.

Now, Governor Cox also told CNN that Robinson was a part of a conservative family here in southwest Utah. But Robinson had been moving left over the course of the past few years, that's according to family. I want you to take a listen to how the governor characterized this shift in recent days.

[05:05:00]

BASH: Some outlets are reporting that the suspect lived with a transgender partner. Is that accurate? And are investigators looking at this part of his life as a possible motivation?

COX: Yes, definitely. And yes, I can confirm that. I know that has been reported, and that the FBI has confirmed that as well, that the roommate was a romantic partner, a male transitioning to female. I can say that he has been very cooperative, this partner has been incredibly cooperative. Had no idea that this was happening, and is working with investigators right now.

FREEMAN: Now, I want to turn to that potential note left behind by Robinson. Allegedly, according to the social and gaming platform, Discord, a roommate and a friend of Robinson's had mentioned, quote, "contents of a note the suspect had left elsewhere". Now, the governor appeared to acknowledge that note's existent, but declined to go into any more detail, saying that this is all still a part of the ongoing investigation.

I'll note the next thing that we are all looking ahead towards is Tuesday. That's when Robinson is expected to make his first court appearance, and we're expected to hear from prosecutors the formal charges announced. Danny Freeman, CNN, St. George, Utah.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

ABEL: Members of Congress and Trump administration officials were among those who attended a memorial service and prayer vigil for Kirk at the Kennedy Center in Washington. Speakers on Sunday included White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt and House Speaker Mike Johnson. A massive memorial is planned for next Sunday at the State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.

Vice President J.D. Vance says he'll pay tribute to Kirk, who he called his friend when he hosts the Charlie Kirk show podcast later today. Meanwhile, family and friends gathered Sunday to remember Harper Moyski, she's the ten-year-old who was gunned down in the mass shooting inside Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis last month.

Her parents say Harper was a loving big sister whose bright and joyful laughter touched everyone she knew.

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JACKIE FLAVIN, MOTHER OF HARPER MOYSKI: After two-and-a-half weeks without Harper, we can tell you, love is real and powerful, it doesn't leave, and it can't leave. It transforms. We poured our hearts, the very best parts of ourselves into Harper and Quinn(ph), and that kind of love doesn't disappear or die. It deepens. It strengthens. It becomes a force capable of carrying us, changing us, and maybe even changing some laws too. Harper's life was short, but her light is everywhere.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

ABEL: Harper's family expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support. Also killed in that horrific school shooting was eight-year- old Fletcher Merkel. He was laid to rest last week in Minneapolis. An Israeli official tells CNN, Israel's ground operation into Gaza city is imminent and could begin as soon as today.

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(EXPLOSION)

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ABEL: The IDF intensified its air offensive across Gaza on Sunday, killing at least 61 Palestinians, according to local officials. The strikes came ahead of a cabinet meeting called by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to talk about the risk, a ground operation would pose to the remaining hostages. There are thought to be about 20 hostages still alive in Gaza.

Another building at the Islamic University in Gaza was destroyed by several missiles on Sunday. Israel's Defense Minister posting a number of videos of the strikes on social media, and said in part, the hurricane storm continues to strike Gaza. All of this as the U.S. Secretary of State is visiting Israel and meeting with Netanyahu today.

Israeli sources tell CNN that Netanyahu plans to raise his government's potential West Bank annexation plans with Rubio. Israel is weighing whether to apply sovereignty over parts of the occupied West Bank. And that sources say, he wants to understand where the Trump administration draws a line on annexation. CNN's Salma Abdelaziz is following all of these developments for us. And Salma, we just talked about what Netanyahu is looking to do. But what do we know about what Rubio hopes to accomplish with this meeting?

SALMA ABDELAZIZ, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, let me begin by breaking some news for you on the Secretary of State's visit just in the last hour. We've heard that after his meetings today, he's going to head to Doha tomorrow, Qatar, to speak with Arab and Islamic states as they hold a summit on the Israel-Gaza issue.

And it begins to reveal to you what's taking place on the ground right now in the region. Two opposing events, both intended to draw and persuade President Trump's administration, as this conflict moves forward. Right now, in fact, Secretary of State Marco Rubio should be sitting down with Prime Minister Netanyahu, who, as you mentioned there, should be bringing up, according to multiple Israeli officials, should be bringing up his intention or his plans to annex portions of the West Bank.

[05:10:00]

Something that the United Nations, of course, has called a violation of international law, something that has caused a great outcry, but something that has also led some Arab states to say it is a red line when it comes to the normalization agreements. And this is extremely important because it makes it personal for President Trump.

The 2020 Abraham Accords, those are the agreement that made normalization between the United Arab emirates and Israel, that could potentially be under threat, the UAE says if Israel moves ahead with these plans to annex portions of the West Bank, so that will be something, of course, for the Secretary of State to weigh.

So, why would Israel go ahead and take this step when it's already fighting a front in Gaza? Open another front, if you will, in the West Bank? Well, Israel says it's a response to plans by U.S. allies to announce their recognition of Palestinian statehood, including the U.K., France, Canada, Australia and others at the U.N. General Assembly next week.

The other issue on the table is, of course, the military takeover of Gaza city. Already, the Israeli military says that it occupies and controls some 40 percent of what is the political, social heart of the enclave. And you've seen the outcry, you've seen those images there that you played at the beginning of the buildings being blown up, the families trapped in that enclave.

We also understand from sources close to Israel's thinking that aid deliveries may be cut off to Gaza city or reduced to Gaza city as a means of pushing people out. Now, to the other event that I mentioned at the beginning here, Brian, today as well, right now, as well as Secretary of State Marco Rubio, sits down with Prime Minister Netanyahu, Arab and Islamic states are meeting right now gathering in Doha, Qatar, to discuss their response to an Israeli strike on Hamas officials inside Qatar last week.

They are expected to issue a joint resolution that condemns that attack, that calls it a red line, and that pleads with the U.S. administration and others to push Prime Minister Netanyahu away from a conflict that only continues to escalate further and further. But as all of these meetings take place, as this diplomatic shuffling happens, I think it's important to remember that the decision for what happens next may also be decided in Washington D.C., where President Trump is going to have to mull over both of these arguments and how he wants to react to Prime Minister Netanyahu's escalating conflict. ABEL: So many story lines to continue watching. Salma Abdelaziz for

us in London. Salma, thank you. Pro-Palestinian protesters blocking the final stage of a cross-country cycling race in Spain. They dragged barriers into the street and refused to leave. Officials called an early end to the race and declared a winner. CNN's Pau Mosquera has more from Madrid.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

PAU MOSQUERA, CNN SPAIN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): This is the moment that marked the abrupt end of the final stage of La Vuelta a Espana. After occupying the center of Madrid, hundreds of Pro- Palestinian protesters took over the final kilometers of the cycling circuit. Although, the police tried to disperse them, they were unsuccessful.

Demonstrations also took place in previous stages of the competition, but none of this magnitude. The protesters have been a constant presence at the race, condemning the Israeli government's war in Gaza.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE (through translator): There is no right more important than a right to life. So, when the lives of children, when the lives of a people are worthless, I believe it's everyone's obligation to come here to defend and protest.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE (through translator): People who are human are dying. They are people trapped there, unable to get anywhere, being bombed when they go to get food, dying of hunger.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE (through translator): As ordinary citizens, the only thing we can do is demonstrate so the world can hear us.

MOSQUERA: A few minutes after taking the last meters of the circuit, organizers decided to suspend the final stage of the competition.

(on camera): With barricades like these ones, made of the fences that composed the last kilometer of the race, it became very clear that the cyclists would have not been able to reach the finish line.

(voice-over): This year has been one of the most polemic editions of La Vuelta that we have seen so far. It has concluded with no podium ceremony. Two people arrested and 22 police officers injured, according to a Spanish National Police spokesperson.

(on camera): Pau Mosquera, CNN, Madrid.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

ABEL: The new school year is off to a fearful start in one of America's largest school districts. Families across Los Angeles are afraid to take their children to school amid President Trump's immigration crackdown. We have that story for you just ahead. And Pope Leo turning 70 on Sunday, and the Vatican, they threw a party with a very special purpose.

[05:15:00] And later, Hollywood's brightest stars coming out for the 77th Emmy

Awards. We'll discuss the biggest wins and upsets of the night after a short break.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

ABEL: Donald Trump isn't ruling out military escalation against Venezuela. The President was non-committal when asked Sunday if trying to remove Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro was on the table. He also didn't answer directly when asked about potential military attacks on the country's mainland.

Earlier this month, the U.S. struck what the administration said was a Venezuelan boat trafficking drugs. Venezuela says the strike killed 11 innocent people.

[05:20:00]

The U.S. currently has eight warships and a submarine in the region. And President Trump is intensifying his crackdown on Washington over ICE cooperation. In a Truth Social post, he wrote that he will call a national emergency and federalize the city if necessary, after the city's mayor said the police would not cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Trump brought in the National Guard last month, saying crime was surging in the city. With immigration raids happening across the U.S., some parents are afraid to take their children to school. The uneasiness it intensified last month after a special needs teen was pulled from a car and handcuffed by federal agents in California.

Now, the superintendent of the Los Angeles Unified School District is leading efforts to keep ICE away from his campuses. CNN correspondent Julia Vargas Jones sat down with that superintendent.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JULIA VARGAS JONES, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Los Angeles, a recent target of aggressive immigration enforcement actions --

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Hey! Ho-hoo!

JONES: After protests in a week's long legal battle, the Supreme Court allowed so-called roving patrols to continue in the city just as L.A. kids went back to school.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Bienvenidos!

JONES: Los Angeles Unified Superintendent has drawn a line in the sand. Schools, he says, should be off limits to ICE. And he is asking for an expansion of protections.

CARVALHO: Can we not establish zones of exclusion two blocks away from any school across the country, where one hour before the start of the school day, one hour after the school day is over, that no action would take place within those two blocks? JONES (on camera): You asked, how would a first, second, third,

fourth or sixth grader pose any type of risk to the national security of our nation that would require Homeland Security to deploy its agents to two elementary schools? Have you got an answer?

CARVALHO: Not yet. But I will ask the question again, our children are not a threat. Our children are a promise. They've always been, immigrant or not.

JONES: You've said recently that you would be a hypocrite if you did not defend students that are now going through what you went through as an undocumented teenager. You said that you would put your job on the line if necessary for that. I'm curious as to where that line is right now.

CARVALHO: I feel I have both a professional, but also a moral responsibility to stand in defense of those who today are experiencing the same journey I lived through over four decades ago. Agents have come into our community. They've tried to have access to our kids in elementary schools, and we've done what I believe is right.

JONES: Are you concerned that at some point, that will mean that you have crossed a line with federal agents, that you would be obstructing federal operations like we've seen other officials in Los Angeles be accused of.

CARVALHO: So, we are informed by our own legal entities in terms of everything we do. We do not think that we are crossing the line. We are enforcing the law. Do I have institutional concerns? I do. I'm concerned that somehow our protective policies and practices may invite a challenge that may compromise or threaten the federal funding we get from Washington D.C., funding like Title One that supports kids in poverty, or IDA, which supports students with disabilities.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Back up, back up, you're in my way.

JONES (voice-over): As the Trump administration ramps up raids in other cities, Carvalho has a message for his counterparts.

CARVALHO: Know the law, know your legal rights. Ensure that your institution is prepared to protect your kids and your workforce. But don't fail to maintain a dialogue, because I do believe that it is at the table of conversation, respectful way that you actually craft policies of protection for our kids.

JONES (on camera): In a statement earlier this week, the Department of Homeland Security did not address Los Angeles schools specifically, but he did say ICE is not raiding campuses or arresting children, instead, it said the directive that allows ICE to go into schools would only be used in extremely rare cases and with supervisor approval.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

ABEL: Julia Vargas Jones reporting there. Ukrainian troops lost their internet connection early today. They use it to communicate and control drones on the frontlines. What went wrong with Starlink? Coming up. Plus, Donald Trump says NATO members need to stop buying Russian oil. Why that demand could be difficult for some countries. It's ahead.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[05:25:00]

ABEL: Ukrainian frontline troops losing the ability to control their drones earlier today. They were among thousands of Starlink internet users affected by a global outage. The Ukrainian military also uses Starlink for communications. Most users are now believed to be back online, and it's not yet clear what caused that outage.

Donald Trump says he is, quote, "ready to do major sanctions on Russia if NATO does the same thing, and only if all NATO-member countries stop purchasing Russian oil." The Trump administration has been putting inconsistent pressure on Russia in recent weeks, giving two- week deadlines, but allowing those to pass without taking action. Now, President Trump says it's up to NATO and Europe to make a move.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

TRUMP: NATO has to get together. Europe has to get together, and look, Europe is -- they're my friends --