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New York Launching New Program to Give Authorities Leg Up Against Terrorists
Aired May 26, 2004 - 13:34 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
MILES O'BRIEN, CNN ANCHOR: Headlines at the half hour for you. In about 30 minutes we'll learn more about new intelligence indicating terrorists may be planning an attack on U.S. soil as early as this summer. And we'll learn what these people might have to do with it. Attorney General John Ashcroft and FBI Director Robert Mueller plan to hold a news conference, 2:00 Eastern. We invite you to watch it right here on CNN.
Shock and despair in the Dominican Republic. More than 200 confirmed dead, about 150 others still missing after days of severe flooding. Some of the worst destruction is on the Haiti side of the island, where many of the victims were swept away by rushing water. Two towns completely cut off by water are receiving aid by helicopter.
The U.S. is tightening security at its outpost in Karachi, Pakistan after back to back explosions today. The apparent car bombings happened within minutes of each other outside a private English-language school. A police officer was killed, 22 injured, several of them journalists.
One of the biggest criticisms to come out of the 9/11 investigation is the lack of cooperation among law enforcement. Now, in the face of new terror concerns, New York is launching a new program that will give authorities a leg up against terrorists. CNN's Deborah Feyerick with details.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
DEBORAH FEYERICK, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): In the months leading up to the 9/11 attacks, 3 of the 19 hijackers were pulled over for speeding. At the time, no one had a clue what they were up to, but the significance of those traffic stops has not been lost on authorities.
ROBERT MUELLER, FBI DIRECTOR: We all know terrorists and their supporters are mobile, networked, operate across jurisdictional boundaries, and we can defeat these adversaries only, only if our agencies work together.
FEYERICK: In the first program of its kind, the FBI will soon begin sharing some of its counterterrorism data with New York State troopers, sheriffs and local police. In exchange, the FBI gets lots more foot soldiers, some 70,000 officers statewide looking for bad guys. JAMES KALLSTROM, NEW YORK COUNTERTERRORISM ADVISER: The targets may be in places like New York City, Washington, D.C., Chicago, L.A. or Houston, but the terrorists aren't necessarily there. The terrorists could be in some small town in this great state.
FEYERICK: Officials tell CNN, since 9/11, police in small cities have been frustrated by the lack of intelligence they get, even when the country is on high alert. The database includes people of interest to authorities and those on government watch lists. Once an officer has those details, they may receive guidance from the state's new intelligence center on what to do next.
SHERIFF JAMES KRALICK, ROCKLAND CO., NEW YORK: It is a major step forward for that cop on the street.
FEYERICK: Officials say the intelligence data cannot be used to go on fishing expeditions, a violation of civil liberties.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Our goal is very simple, to do everything in our power to prevent another terrorist attack.
FEYERICK (on camera): Officials say the program is not yet foolproof. For example, potential terrorists may remain under the radar, like the three 9/11 hijackers stopped for speeding and let go. If the program does work, the FBI plans to expand it across the country.
Deborah Feyerick, CNN, New York.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
KYRA PHILLIPS, CNN ANCHOR: Other "News Across America" now, beginning in Oklahoma. The state murder trial of Terry Nichols has gone to the jury for deliberation. At one point jurors asked for a dictionary, but the judge refused. Nichols faces the death penalty if convicted in the Oklahoma City bombing.
A published report says suspended Colorado head football coach Gary Barnett is getting his job back. "The Rocky Mountain News" says university President Betsy Hoffmann will make a formal statement as soon as tomorrow. The Colorado football program has been hit hard by a recruiting scandal.
A giant cloud of chlorine and smoke stretches for 100 miles near Atlanta. A fire that broke out at a pool chemical plant is still burning. Hundreds of people remain evacuated from their homes after the fire broke out yesterday. The state insurance commissioner says it's the biggest fire in Georgia in the last ten years.
Unhappy parishioners are reacting with shock and anger after finding out that the Boston archdiocese will close dozens of Catholic churches. CNN's Dan Lothian reports the closings were forced many factors, including the sex abuse scandal.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE) DAN LOTHIAN, CNN BOSTON BUREAU CHIEF (voice-over): The fate of Catholic parishes in Boston's archdiocese came sealed in a FedEx envelope. For parishioners in 65 of the 357 churches...
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Please, God, give us back our church.
LOTHIAN: ... the message was painful.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Says this parish must close.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The St. Albert the Great (ph) parish must close.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I did everything for the church, and now I have nothing.
LOTHIAN: This is all part of what the archdiocese calls a massive restructuring, prompted in part by a shortage of priests, declining attendance and donations.
ARCHBISHOP SEAN O'MALLEY, ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON: I wish there were some way that all of these wonderful houses of life and prayer could remain open and alive and full, but there is not.
LOTHIAN: Archbishop Sean O'Malley called the closures necessary for the future health of the church.
But many who gathered at their churches to hear the news were angry, lost in the memory of baptism, first communions, and marriages.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I personally feel betrayed.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I will not give one dime any more to the archdiocese.
LOTHIAN: Some vowed to appeal. Others at this parish in the Boston suburb of Deadam (ph) talked about going it alone.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I say give here. Let's be independent.
LOTHIAN: The archdiocese, already bruised by the clergy sex abuse scandal, says the closures are not connected.
But Mitchell Garabedian, who has represented many of the abused victims and continues to file lawsuits, says the church is paying a price for the past.
MITCHELL GARABEDIAN, ATTORNEY FOR CLERGY SEX ABUSE VICTIMS: It's the result of so much evil happening over so many years.
LOTHIAN: In fact, some blame the scandal for the decrease in donations and shortage of priests, now resulting in closures.
On a day filled with tears of sadness, there were also tears of joy.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Isn't it great? It's great.
LOTHIAN: The letter that arrived here had a much more positive message. This church, like nearly 300 others, will not be closing.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Thank God for little favors and prayers. I believe in prayers.
LOTHIAN (on camera): While some doors might be closing, they're not locked yet. It will be a rolling process over the next two to six months.
And there are still some options. Priests will be able to appeal to the archbishop, and if denied there, can take it all the way to the Vatican. But they must hard issues, not just a desire to stay open.
Dan Lothian, CNN, Boston.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
PHILLIPS: Well, we've all said it, it can't happen to me. Except for one woman, it did. A personal account with battle with skin cancer, and how her experience may help you.
And is there a cure for the SARS virus on the horizon?
You're never too old to learn. Just ask this graduate. LIVE FROM resumes class right after recess.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
PHILLIPS: In health news now, China announcing tests on a SARS vaccine for humans. Beijing says the four volunteers taking part in the study are in good condition. The university students, three men and one woman, were injected with the vaccine on Saturday. The test is part of China's efforts to avoid another outbreak. SARS killed 774 people around the world last year.
Now they say an aspirin a day can keep the cardiologist away. But the oncologist as well, perhaps? Well, breast cancer could soon be added to the list of diseases Aspirin can thwart. A new study focuses on volunteers who took Aspirin at least four times a week for at least three months. Researchers say that they reduced the risk of the most common form of breast cancer by 30 percent. Experts offer up the familiar disclaimer, however, more research is needed.
O'BRIEN: About this time every year, experts issue a reminder to wear sunscreen. If you haven't taken their warning seriously, maybe one woman's story will get your attention.
Here's Holly Firfer.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
ANN PLANAS, MELANOMA PATIENT: Hit a ball. Go, go, go, go, go, go. HOLLY FIRFER, CNN MEDICAL CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Eight years ago, Ann Planas noticed a spot on her chest. This sun lover went to the doctor and was told it was melanoma. Doctors removed it and told her she was in the clear.
PLANAS: Excellent, we're in great shape. You know small little scar, no big deal. We, you know, go on.
Come on, buddy.
FIRFER: Two years ago that all changed.
PLANAS: I was playing with my son around Christmastime, and he was bouncing on my stomach, and I had a pain on my side. And about a week later, I started having like flu-like symptoms.
FIRFER: By Valentine's Day, doctors determined Ann's melanoma was back and had spread. She would undergo liver surgery, like this one, but for her it was a matter of life and death.
PLANAS: Approximately about two weeks before surgery, my husband and I weren't really trying, but we found out that I was -- I was pregnant.
FIRFER: Last September, she gave birth to a healthy, happy baby girl she named Angelina (ph). But her joy was short-lived, three weeks after giving birth, she was told there were three more tumors, this time on her lungs. She would undergo another surgery this past January as the melanoma continued to spread.
DR. CARL WASHINGTON, EMORY UNIVERSITY: For the most part, once it's spread beyond the regional lymph nodes, it's a pretty bad prognosis.
FIRFER: Ann's last body scan showed the melanoma had returned to her liver. Although she has a brave face, she knows her time may be limited.
PLANAS: I have written people letters, because if it happens, you know I don't want to not tell people something. I tell my family I love them as much as I can.
In Atlanta, I'm Holly Firfer.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
O'BRIEN: What a story. What a story. Sun safety, just one of the topics of this weekend's "HOUSE CALL." And if that isn't enough to make you put on the sunblock, I don't know what will be.
Holly Firfer will also have tips from keeping the kids from being hurt on the water or on a bike. It is summertime, folks, and that is when kids end up, unfortunately, in the emergency room quite a bit. So you should listen up and call in, send your e-mails to Holly. That's on Saturday morning, 8:30 Eastern, right here on CNN.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
PHILLIPS: John Kerry says he can wage a more effective war on terror than President Bush. Right now he's speaking in Seattle at a warfront rally. This is what he said just a few minutes ago.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SEN. JOHN KERRY (D-MA), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: Yesterday, we were again reminded that we do live in dangerous times. And for the first time since the Christmas holidays, the administration has warned us about the possibility of terrorist attacks in our nation.
I know that every American who watched the news last night or who pick up the paper this morning was struck by the seriousness and the concern by this administration.
I also know that the keyword that we need to focus on is the word when, when possibly.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
PHILLIPS: The Democratic presidential nominee is also talking about energy and the rising fuel costs.
(MARKET UPDATE)
PHILLIPS: Coming up in the second hour of LIVE FROM...
O'BRIEN: We are awaiting a news conference from the FBI Director Robert Mueller and Attorney General John Ashcroft on the most recent terror threat. LIVE FROM... continues after a short break.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com
Aired May 26, 2004 - 13:34 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
MILES O'BRIEN, CNN ANCHOR: Headlines at the half hour for you. In about 30 minutes we'll learn more about new intelligence indicating terrorists may be planning an attack on U.S. soil as early as this summer. And we'll learn what these people might have to do with it. Attorney General John Ashcroft and FBI Director Robert Mueller plan to hold a news conference, 2:00 Eastern. We invite you to watch it right here on CNN.
Shock and despair in the Dominican Republic. More than 200 confirmed dead, about 150 others still missing after days of severe flooding. Some of the worst destruction is on the Haiti side of the island, where many of the victims were swept away by rushing water. Two towns completely cut off by water are receiving aid by helicopter.
The U.S. is tightening security at its outpost in Karachi, Pakistan after back to back explosions today. The apparent car bombings happened within minutes of each other outside a private English-language school. A police officer was killed, 22 injured, several of them journalists.
One of the biggest criticisms to come out of the 9/11 investigation is the lack of cooperation among law enforcement. Now, in the face of new terror concerns, New York is launching a new program that will give authorities a leg up against terrorists. CNN's Deborah Feyerick with details.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
DEBORAH FEYERICK, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): In the months leading up to the 9/11 attacks, 3 of the 19 hijackers were pulled over for speeding. At the time, no one had a clue what they were up to, but the significance of those traffic stops has not been lost on authorities.
ROBERT MUELLER, FBI DIRECTOR: We all know terrorists and their supporters are mobile, networked, operate across jurisdictional boundaries, and we can defeat these adversaries only, only if our agencies work together.
FEYERICK: In the first program of its kind, the FBI will soon begin sharing some of its counterterrorism data with New York State troopers, sheriffs and local police. In exchange, the FBI gets lots more foot soldiers, some 70,000 officers statewide looking for bad guys. JAMES KALLSTROM, NEW YORK COUNTERTERRORISM ADVISER: The targets may be in places like New York City, Washington, D.C., Chicago, L.A. or Houston, but the terrorists aren't necessarily there. The terrorists could be in some small town in this great state.
FEYERICK: Officials tell CNN, since 9/11, police in small cities have been frustrated by the lack of intelligence they get, even when the country is on high alert. The database includes people of interest to authorities and those on government watch lists. Once an officer has those details, they may receive guidance from the state's new intelligence center on what to do next.
SHERIFF JAMES KRALICK, ROCKLAND CO., NEW YORK: It is a major step forward for that cop on the street.
FEYERICK: Officials say the intelligence data cannot be used to go on fishing expeditions, a violation of civil liberties.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Our goal is very simple, to do everything in our power to prevent another terrorist attack.
FEYERICK (on camera): Officials say the program is not yet foolproof. For example, potential terrorists may remain under the radar, like the three 9/11 hijackers stopped for speeding and let go. If the program does work, the FBI plans to expand it across the country.
Deborah Feyerick, CNN, New York.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
KYRA PHILLIPS, CNN ANCHOR: Other "News Across America" now, beginning in Oklahoma. The state murder trial of Terry Nichols has gone to the jury for deliberation. At one point jurors asked for a dictionary, but the judge refused. Nichols faces the death penalty if convicted in the Oklahoma City bombing.
A published report says suspended Colorado head football coach Gary Barnett is getting his job back. "The Rocky Mountain News" says university President Betsy Hoffmann will make a formal statement as soon as tomorrow. The Colorado football program has been hit hard by a recruiting scandal.
A giant cloud of chlorine and smoke stretches for 100 miles near Atlanta. A fire that broke out at a pool chemical plant is still burning. Hundreds of people remain evacuated from their homes after the fire broke out yesterday. The state insurance commissioner says it's the biggest fire in Georgia in the last ten years.
Unhappy parishioners are reacting with shock and anger after finding out that the Boston archdiocese will close dozens of Catholic churches. CNN's Dan Lothian reports the closings were forced many factors, including the sex abuse scandal.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE) DAN LOTHIAN, CNN BOSTON BUREAU CHIEF (voice-over): The fate of Catholic parishes in Boston's archdiocese came sealed in a FedEx envelope. For parishioners in 65 of the 357 churches...
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Please, God, give us back our church.
LOTHIAN: ... the message was painful.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Says this parish must close.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The St. Albert the Great (ph) parish must close.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I did everything for the church, and now I have nothing.
LOTHIAN: This is all part of what the archdiocese calls a massive restructuring, prompted in part by a shortage of priests, declining attendance and donations.
ARCHBISHOP SEAN O'MALLEY, ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON: I wish there were some way that all of these wonderful houses of life and prayer could remain open and alive and full, but there is not.
LOTHIAN: Archbishop Sean O'Malley called the closures necessary for the future health of the church.
But many who gathered at their churches to hear the news were angry, lost in the memory of baptism, first communions, and marriages.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I personally feel betrayed.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I will not give one dime any more to the archdiocese.
LOTHIAN: Some vowed to appeal. Others at this parish in the Boston suburb of Deadam (ph) talked about going it alone.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I say give here. Let's be independent.
LOTHIAN: The archdiocese, already bruised by the clergy sex abuse scandal, says the closures are not connected.
But Mitchell Garabedian, who has represented many of the abused victims and continues to file lawsuits, says the church is paying a price for the past.
MITCHELL GARABEDIAN, ATTORNEY FOR CLERGY SEX ABUSE VICTIMS: It's the result of so much evil happening over so many years.
LOTHIAN: In fact, some blame the scandal for the decrease in donations and shortage of priests, now resulting in closures.
On a day filled with tears of sadness, there were also tears of joy.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Isn't it great? It's great.
LOTHIAN: The letter that arrived here had a much more positive message. This church, like nearly 300 others, will not be closing.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Thank God for little favors and prayers. I believe in prayers.
LOTHIAN (on camera): While some doors might be closing, they're not locked yet. It will be a rolling process over the next two to six months.
And there are still some options. Priests will be able to appeal to the archbishop, and if denied there, can take it all the way to the Vatican. But they must hard issues, not just a desire to stay open.
Dan Lothian, CNN, Boston.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
PHILLIPS: Well, we've all said it, it can't happen to me. Except for one woman, it did. A personal account with battle with skin cancer, and how her experience may help you.
And is there a cure for the SARS virus on the horizon?
You're never too old to learn. Just ask this graduate. LIVE FROM resumes class right after recess.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
PHILLIPS: In health news now, China announcing tests on a SARS vaccine for humans. Beijing says the four volunteers taking part in the study are in good condition. The university students, three men and one woman, were injected with the vaccine on Saturday. The test is part of China's efforts to avoid another outbreak. SARS killed 774 people around the world last year.
Now they say an aspirin a day can keep the cardiologist away. But the oncologist as well, perhaps? Well, breast cancer could soon be added to the list of diseases Aspirin can thwart. A new study focuses on volunteers who took Aspirin at least four times a week for at least three months. Researchers say that they reduced the risk of the most common form of breast cancer by 30 percent. Experts offer up the familiar disclaimer, however, more research is needed.
O'BRIEN: About this time every year, experts issue a reminder to wear sunscreen. If you haven't taken their warning seriously, maybe one woman's story will get your attention.
Here's Holly Firfer.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
ANN PLANAS, MELANOMA PATIENT: Hit a ball. Go, go, go, go, go, go. HOLLY FIRFER, CNN MEDICAL CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Eight years ago, Ann Planas noticed a spot on her chest. This sun lover went to the doctor and was told it was melanoma. Doctors removed it and told her she was in the clear.
PLANAS: Excellent, we're in great shape. You know small little scar, no big deal. We, you know, go on.
Come on, buddy.
FIRFER: Two years ago that all changed.
PLANAS: I was playing with my son around Christmastime, and he was bouncing on my stomach, and I had a pain on my side. And about a week later, I started having like flu-like symptoms.
FIRFER: By Valentine's Day, doctors determined Ann's melanoma was back and had spread. She would undergo liver surgery, like this one, but for her it was a matter of life and death.
PLANAS: Approximately about two weeks before surgery, my husband and I weren't really trying, but we found out that I was -- I was pregnant.
FIRFER: Last September, she gave birth to a healthy, happy baby girl she named Angelina (ph). But her joy was short-lived, three weeks after giving birth, she was told there were three more tumors, this time on her lungs. She would undergo another surgery this past January as the melanoma continued to spread.
DR. CARL WASHINGTON, EMORY UNIVERSITY: For the most part, once it's spread beyond the regional lymph nodes, it's a pretty bad prognosis.
FIRFER: Ann's last body scan showed the melanoma had returned to her liver. Although she has a brave face, she knows her time may be limited.
PLANAS: I have written people letters, because if it happens, you know I don't want to not tell people something. I tell my family I love them as much as I can.
In Atlanta, I'm Holly Firfer.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
O'BRIEN: What a story. What a story. Sun safety, just one of the topics of this weekend's "HOUSE CALL." And if that isn't enough to make you put on the sunblock, I don't know what will be.
Holly Firfer will also have tips from keeping the kids from being hurt on the water or on a bike. It is summertime, folks, and that is when kids end up, unfortunately, in the emergency room quite a bit. So you should listen up and call in, send your e-mails to Holly. That's on Saturday morning, 8:30 Eastern, right here on CNN.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
PHILLIPS: John Kerry says he can wage a more effective war on terror than President Bush. Right now he's speaking in Seattle at a warfront rally. This is what he said just a few minutes ago.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SEN. JOHN KERRY (D-MA), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: Yesterday, we were again reminded that we do live in dangerous times. And for the first time since the Christmas holidays, the administration has warned us about the possibility of terrorist attacks in our nation.
I know that every American who watched the news last night or who pick up the paper this morning was struck by the seriousness and the concern by this administration.
I also know that the keyword that we need to focus on is the word when, when possibly.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
PHILLIPS: The Democratic presidential nominee is also talking about energy and the rising fuel costs.
(MARKET UPDATE)
PHILLIPS: Coming up in the second hour of LIVE FROM...
O'BRIEN: We are awaiting a news conference from the FBI Director Robert Mueller and Attorney General John Ashcroft on the most recent terror threat. LIVE FROM... continues after a short break.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com
