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Vote Taken, No New Pope Yet; FBI: Red Lake Shootings Planned

Aired April 18, 2005 - 15:00   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.


KYRA PHILLIPS, HOST: Black smoke, no pope. About an hour ago at the Vatican the cardinals signaled that they have held their first vote and have not yet agreed on a pontiff. That means no single candidate got the necessary 77 votes and the process will continue tomorrow.
Standing by for CNN, Vatican watcher Delia Gallagher to tell us more.

Delia, it's a pretty excited moment. Why don't you bring our viewers up to date that missed the black smoke just about an hour ago?

DELIA GALLAGHER, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, yes, Kyra, as you mentioned, just about an hour ago, the crowds here that had gathered since the cardinals went into the conclave. Took them about 3 1/2 hours from the time that they went in, had their solemn ceremony, had their swearing in and the doors were shut. And from that moment they heard a meditation from one of the cardinals, and then they began their voting.

We know, of course, they did not decide on a pope yet tonight. That's really what we expected. But the crowds here, even before we saw the smoke, started to clap. Loud applause. There are probably a couple thousand down there at that stage, so that was a signal smoke was coming out. And we saw, indeed, initially some doubts, but it was the black smoke -- Kyra.

PHILLIPS: All right. Now you also pointed out that after this vote took place, 115 cardinals that for the first time they heard the names of, I guess, the final contenders to become the new pope?

GALLAGHER: Well, they heard the names of some of the contenders. It's not to say that they will be the final ones. In fact, often the initial ones are not the final ones.

And really all we have, Kyra, is what has happened in past conclaves, and even there, it's only based on some of the things that cardinals have said about the way the voting went in those conclaves. So we don't have initial or past tally -- tally votes because, of course, the votes are secret. Any notes that the cardinals take during the conclave have to be burned with the ballots. There's only one official tally, which is kept in the papal safe and cannot be opened by anyone without authorization of the pope.

So there have been lots printed, historically, books and articles about what -- the way the voting went in past conclaves, and we know that often it happens that the front-runners initially are not the ones that come out in the end. So it remains to be seen where the cardinals are going to go from here.

And I think this is why this vote was so important for them, that now they can sort of discuss, OK, we've heard the top few names, now who do we want to put our votes behind?

Another point, Kyra, that we -- you had touched on earlier. Let us say that there is a top candidate. Let's say Cardinal Ratzinger, for example, that has a certain number of votes. Well, it may be the case that Cardinal Ratzinger says, "I don't want to do this. I want my votes to go somebody."

And this is another element which will be introduced. If one of the top contenders doesn't feel he wants that position or somebody else would be better in it, he may try to convince those people who have voted for him to give their votes to another candidate of his choice. So that's where we see the influence of some of these top contenders, as it were, coming into play in the conclave.

PHILLIPS: Well, from curia to conclave, we've been learning so many details about the Catholic Church and tradition, Delia. Tell our viewers the story behind the word conclave and how it refers to the locked section of the Vatican. There's a neat little historical story behind that, isn't there?

GALLAGHER: Well, of course, conclave means with a key, "con clave." And, of course, the idea is that the cardinals have to be locked in, because they wanted them to make this decision and make it rather quickly. So they made circumstances very difficult for the cardinals.

And of course, now the cardinals have a nice residence, and they can have their meals and they can walk, if they want, or they can take a car over to the Sistine Chapel. Before they were all literally locked in the Apostolic Palace. And they had to sleep there and have their meals there.

And all of the historic data refers to the fact the cardinals were miserable in the conclave and wanted to get out as quickly as possible. And that's why they got to name the pope in fewer days than it would otherwise take. Sometimes it has taken as long as years.

PHILLIPS: Delia Gallagher, live from Rome. Thank you so much. And we'll follow the second vote as it takes place tomorrow. Thanks, Delia.

Well, also, we want to take you now live to Minneapolis, a briefing by the FBI and the Justice Department. This is Special Agent Mike Tabman talking about the worst school attack since Columbine. You'll remember the shooting that took place at Red Lake High School in Minnesota. Jeff Wiese, 16-year-old, shot five students, a security guard, a teacher and then took his own life. Let's listen in.

SPECIAL AGENT MIKE TABMAN, FBI: ... in relation to the actions taken by Jeff Wiese. As can you imagine, it was a very intense aspect of the investigation. Within days we conducted over 400 interviews. At that time, there are over 400 law enforcement officers at the scene. That would be the local police, the sheriff departments, state agencies and federal agencies.

Once we determined that we addressed that possible threat, we would move, as we do with any investigation, to get a map of perspective from the crime. We want to look from the beginning, to planning and preparation stages through its tragic end.

In that regard we conducted more extensive interviews. We obtained the personal belongings of Jeff Wiese. That would be his computers and his personal journals. Upon reviewing those journals and his belongings and looking at his activities at the school, we determined that, while some of his actions appeared random, his actions at the school were planned. We also learned that Wiese had engaged in electronic communications with others.

As far as the resources that are now committed to this investigation, at crime scene, the FBI, and the BCA have expended over 450 man hours of crime scene processing and evidence collection. We have brought up from our FBI lab in Quantico our special projects and photographic units, in hopes that they can create a three-dimensional visual diagrams and interactive models of the crime scene in hopes that there may be lessons that we can learn from what happened.

We have consulted with our behavioral scientists, who have experience in analyzing crime scenes involving unusual or extreme violence. Members of the FBI firearms and tool mark unit have responded to assist in the analysis of ballistics.

We have made extensive use of our computer analysis response teams. These are forensic experts, computer forensic experts from our regional computer forensic labs throughout the country. They are perhaps the most highly trained computer forensics experts in the world. They bring with them not just their knowledge but the most sophisticated hardware and software tools for forensic analysis and data extraction. To date, they're processed over two trillion bytes of data from over 100 computers.

We have also utilized our field intelligence group. These groups were formed in every FBI division after 9/11. They're a point for all data and information intelligence to be funneled, where the information is synthesized and analyzed. And they're there to assure that any intelligence gaps are identified and the proper leads are covered. They're designed primarily for counterterrorism, but they are used for criminal investigations.

The analysts on the field intelligence group are not just FBI analysts but analysts from other agencies in the metropolitan area. It is a truly collaborative effort.

From the analysis which we conducted so far, much of it, which is still preliminary, I can share with you some of the information that we've determined.

At approximately 2:49 p.m., Jeff Wiese entered the school holding a shotgun. Within seconds he was approached by security guard Derrick Brun, and he shot Brun just in side the entrance to the school. At 2:51 p.m., Wiese entered the classroom where he committed the murder of the teacher and the students. He was in that classroom for approximately 1 1/2 minutes.

From there, for approximately five minutes, Wiese wandered the school where he took some random shots into empty classrooms as well as shooting other students, some of who were injured but not fatally.

At 2:57 p.m., Wiese was engaged in the exchange of gunfire with the responding police officers. During that exchange, the officers were not struck. Wiese was struck three times, once in the lower back area, once in the leg area, and a third time in the right arm.

During these events we believe that Wiese fired approximately the following: two rounds from a .22 caliber Ruger semiautomatic pistol; eight rounds from a .12 gauge Remington, 870 police magnum shotgun; 35 rounds from a .40 caliber Glock semiautomatic pistol, for an approximate total of 45 rounds.

As previously stated, the bullet proof vest that he was wearing, the police duty belt, the police SUV that he drove to the school, the shotgun and the Glock pistol were taken from his grandfather and his grandfather's residence after Wiese shot and killed the grandfather and the grandfather's companion. Approximately 12 .22 caliber rounds and one .40 caliber round was shot in the house.

At 2:58, Wiese was found to have taken his own life, thus ending the incident. All of these events occurred in just about nine minutes.

I would like to acknowledge the assistance, again, numerous police departments and law enforcement agencies who have helped in this investigation. The first responders, the Red Lake Police Department, the Leech Lake Tribal Police Department, Beltrami -- Beltrami County Sheriff's Office, the Minnesota State Patrol, the Cass County Sheriff's Office, Minnesota ENR Enforcement Division, the Red Lake Indian Health Services and the emergency medical technicians.

In conducting the numerous interviews, we were aided greatly by the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. In the crime scene processing we're partnered with the Minnesota BCA. The agencies helping us conduct the analysis, ATF, National Guard, and the Secret Service. Of course, we're also greatly helped by the United States attorney's office. In that regard, I'm going to turn it over to the United States attorney.

TOM HEFFELFINGER, U.S. ATTORNEY: Thank you, Michael.

TABMAN: Thank you.

HEFFELFINGER: The events of March 21, 2005, were a tragedy beyond comprehension for the people of the Red Lake reservation and for the people of Minnesota. But this tragedy could have been even worse if there were not for the heroism shown by security guard Derrick Brun, the prompt and professional response of the Red Lake Police Department to the initial calls, and the cool-headed and rapid response of the teachers and staff of the Red Lake High School.

At the time that Jeffrey Wiese entered the high school on March 21, the school was protected by a school safety plan. That plan worked, and it saved lives.

As part of that plan, there were two security desks set up inside the front door of the Red Lake High School, one on either side of an entry hallway. There was an active metal detector between those two desks.

Investigation has established that, as Wiese entered the school, both guards became immediately aware of the apparent threat presented by Mr. Wiese. One guard immediately got up from her position and ran into the school, reportedly to warn students and staff.

The second guard, Derrick Brun, age 28, and a former member of the Red Lake tribal Police Department, attempted to intercept the intruder. Mr. Brun rose from his desk, took three or four steps towards the intruder, at which point Mr. Wiese shot Mr. Brun two times, killing him.

The evidence developed during the investigation has made it clear that the danger presented by Mr. Wiese was readily apparent, and that Mr. Brun attempted, without hesitation, to confront that danger, thereby placing his duty to the safety of the school and its occupants above his own personal safety.

As Jeffrey Wiese walked down the hallways of the Red Lake High School four weeks ago, he repeatedly tried to open classroom doors, only to find those doors to have been locked. On that date, March 21, Red Lake High School had in place a school safety plan, and it worked. The immediate action of Red Lake staff and teachers to lock the doors...

PHILLIPS: Live from Minneapolis, we've been listening to U.S. attorney there Tom Heffelfinger, also FBI Special Agent Michael Tabman, updating reporters from a live news conference.

About four weeks ago today, it was when 16-year-old Jeffrey Wiese opened fire at Red Lake High School in Minnesota, killing seven people before turning the gun on himself.

Authorities now saying that they have confirmed by looking at his journals and his belongings there at school, that he did, indeed, plan that shoot-out that took place at that high school.

Also, they did discover that he did have electronic communication with others about that attack. We're waiting to hear about the others that might be implicated here, others that are still alive, that may be held accountable in this attack.

Meanwhile, interactive models of the crime scene are now being put together to see what lessons authorities can learn from this shoot-out with regard to security, and keeping tabs on students that show signs of depression, which is what authorities did say about Jeffrey Wiese. Also a boy described as possibly a young man involved with a neo-Nazi organization. Police recovering paperwork on that also.

We're going to take a quick break. More LIVE FROM right after this.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

PHILLIPS: Well, you want your ocean cruise to be an adventure, but not "The Poseidon Adventure."

Some of the more than 3,000 passengers and crew aboard a cruise liner may have been remembering the 1970s disastrous movie Saturday. A freak 70-foot wave smashed into the Norwegian Dawn en route from the Bahamas to New York. The wave didn't swamp the ship but it flooded dozens of cabins and slightly injured four people.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

BRIAN FERGUSON, PASSENGER: We were in a different part of the ship from where the -- where that wave hit, so -- but it was -- it was like a roller coaster. I mean, that's pretty much the best way we could describe it. It was like being on a roller coaster at Great Adventure.

MARGIE CRANSTON, PASSENGER: The worst, I would say, more like 2, 3 a.m. in the morning because it was constant, and then, you know, around 6 or so, a little before, that's when, you know, the wave happened. And right after we were hit by the wave, we had -- there was announcement for a Code Alpha, and you know, nine and 10 and then a bunch of room numbers. And so we knew we were hit, we knew there was damage, and we knew there was something seriously the matter.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

PHILLIPS: The ship safely returned to New York after a stop in Charleston, South Carolina, for repairs.

Other news across America now.

A school bus ride turns deadly in Virginia. That bus packed with elementary school students collided with a garbage truck in Arlington today, killing a child. Sixteen other people were injured, four critically.

And check this out. A police chase ends dramatically near Atlanta when the driver of a truck crashes and flips over. The 40 minute chase began this morning when police suspected that truck was stolen. No word on any injuries.

A Rhode Island man charged with killing a police detective inside a police station is ordered held without bond. Esteban Carpio appeared in court in a Hannibal Lechter-like contraption today. It's a bit disturbing. The police say Carpio was being interviewed in the stabbing of an elderly woman yesterday when he grabbed a detective's gun and shot him. Carpio tried to escape, breaking through a third floor window. That may explain the bruising on his face. A first of its kind lawsuit could set a major precedent within in the airline industry. Georgia's Supreme Court is considering whether Delta Airlines should be held accountable for a passenger who got drunk on a flight and upon landing caused a traffic accident. Delta says it would be impossible to monitor all its passengers.

Just ahead, the boss' bellowing. George Steinbrenner's public scolding of his New York Yankee team straight ahead.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

(WEATHER REPORT)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

PHILLIPS: Smoke signals over Vatican City. You're looking at pictures of the chimney on top of the Sistine Chapel. In our last hour, we saw black smoke rising, indicating that the first vote by the cardinals in the conclave today failed to elect a new pope. But after a night's rest and probably some meditation and prayer, they will return to the deliberations tomorrow.

Well, there's an old saying you get what you pay for, and that's what has Yankees owner George Steinbrenner coming off the bench. The Yanks are now four wins and eight losses into the season, a dismal showing for a team that has the fattest payroll in the Major League, a reported $200 million.

Steinbrenner erupted with this statement, quote, "Enough is enough. I am bitterly disappointed, as I'm sure all Yankee fans are, by the lack of performance by our team. It's unbelievable to me that the highest-paid team in baseball would start the season in such a deep funk. They are not playing like true Yankees. They have the talent to win and they are not winning. I expect Joe Torre, his complete coaching staff and the team to turn this around."

That wraps up this edition of LIVE FROM. We're happy with our team. Here's John king with a preview of what's ahead on "INSIDE POLITICS." No complaints on this front.

HI, John.

JOHN KING, HOST, "INSIDE POLITICS": No complaints from me about that poor Yankee start, Kyra. I'll tell you that much. Go Red Sox, and thank you, Kyra.

The president calls him the architect, and right now you might say there's a lot under construction. Deputy White House chief of staff Karl Rove joins me for an in depth interview on the challenges and the chores ahead for President Bush in his second term.

Also is he a man in trouble? He's shoring up support on the right and calling out his critics on the left. But will it be enough to save the House majority leader, Tom DeLay?

"INSIDE POLITICS" begins in just a moment. (COMMERCIAL BREAK)

PHILLIPS: I'm Kyra Phillips. "INSIDE POLITICS" is next after a quick look at stories now in the news.

The ballots burn black. Cardinals sequestered in the highly secretive conclave failed to elect a new pope in their first vote just about an hour ago. Live reaction from Rome just ahead on "INSIDE POLITICS."

Held without bond. A convicted sex offender faces first-degree murder charges in the killing of 13-year-old Sarah Lunde. Florida investigators say Scott Onstott confessed to killing Lunde at her home nine days ago. Her body was found in a nearby pond on Saturday.

Is American cyclist Lance Armstrong hanging up his helmet? The Tour de France champ is making an announcement just moments from now on his future in cycling. Some people suspect he will announce his retirement. Find out on CNN's "WOLF BLITZER REPORTS" at 5 p.m. Eastern.

We'll be back here tomorrow. "INSIDE POLITICS" starts right now.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

ANNOUNCER: The papal vote...

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 April 18, 2005 - 15:00   ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
KYRA PHILLIPS, HOST: Black smoke, no pope. About an hour ago at the Vatican the cardinals signaled that they have held their first vote and have not yet agreed on a pontiff. That means no single candidate got the necessary 77 votes and the process will continue tomorrow.
Standing by for CNN, Vatican watcher Delia Gallagher to tell us more.

Delia, it's a pretty excited moment. Why don't you bring our viewers up to date that missed the black smoke just about an hour ago?

DELIA GALLAGHER, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, yes, Kyra, as you mentioned, just about an hour ago, the crowds here that had gathered since the cardinals went into the conclave. Took them about 3 1/2 hours from the time that they went in, had their solemn ceremony, had their swearing in and the doors were shut. And from that moment they heard a meditation from one of the cardinals, and then they began their voting.

We know, of course, they did not decide on a pope yet tonight. That's really what we expected. But the crowds here, even before we saw the smoke, started to clap. Loud applause. There are probably a couple thousand down there at that stage, so that was a signal smoke was coming out. And we saw, indeed, initially some doubts, but it was the black smoke -- Kyra.

PHILLIPS: All right. Now you also pointed out that after this vote took place, 115 cardinals that for the first time they heard the names of, I guess, the final contenders to become the new pope?

GALLAGHER: Well, they heard the names of some of the contenders. It's not to say that they will be the final ones. In fact, often the initial ones are not the final ones.

And really all we have, Kyra, is what has happened in past conclaves, and even there, it's only based on some of the things that cardinals have said about the way the voting went in those conclaves. So we don't have initial or past tally -- tally votes because, of course, the votes are secret. Any notes that the cardinals take during the conclave have to be burned with the ballots. There's only one official tally, which is kept in the papal safe and cannot be opened by anyone without authorization of the pope.

So there have been lots printed, historically, books and articles about what -- the way the voting went in past conclaves, and we know that often it happens that the front-runners initially are not the ones that come out in the end. So it remains to be seen where the cardinals are going to go from here.

And I think this is why this vote was so important for them, that now they can sort of discuss, OK, we've heard the top few names, now who do we want to put our votes behind?

Another point, Kyra, that we -- you had touched on earlier. Let us say that there is a top candidate. Let's say Cardinal Ratzinger, for example, that has a certain number of votes. Well, it may be the case that Cardinal Ratzinger says, "I don't want to do this. I want my votes to go somebody."

And this is another element which will be introduced. If one of the top contenders doesn't feel he wants that position or somebody else would be better in it, he may try to convince those people who have voted for him to give their votes to another candidate of his choice. So that's where we see the influence of some of these top contenders, as it were, coming into play in the conclave.

PHILLIPS: Well, from curia to conclave, we've been learning so many details about the Catholic Church and tradition, Delia. Tell our viewers the story behind the word conclave and how it refers to the locked section of the Vatican. There's a neat little historical story behind that, isn't there?

GALLAGHER: Well, of course, conclave means with a key, "con clave." And, of course, the idea is that the cardinals have to be locked in, because they wanted them to make this decision and make it rather quickly. So they made circumstances very difficult for the cardinals.

And of course, now the cardinals have a nice residence, and they can have their meals and they can walk, if they want, or they can take a car over to the Sistine Chapel. Before they were all literally locked in the Apostolic Palace. And they had to sleep there and have their meals there.

And all of the historic data refers to the fact the cardinals were miserable in the conclave and wanted to get out as quickly as possible. And that's why they got to name the pope in fewer days than it would otherwise take. Sometimes it has taken as long as years.

PHILLIPS: Delia Gallagher, live from Rome. Thank you so much. And we'll follow the second vote as it takes place tomorrow. Thanks, Delia.

Well, also, we want to take you now live to Minneapolis, a briefing by the FBI and the Justice Department. This is Special Agent Mike Tabman talking about the worst school attack since Columbine. You'll remember the shooting that took place at Red Lake High School in Minnesota. Jeff Wiese, 16-year-old, shot five students, a security guard, a teacher and then took his own life. Let's listen in.

SPECIAL AGENT MIKE TABMAN, FBI: ... in relation to the actions taken by Jeff Wiese. As can you imagine, it was a very intense aspect of the investigation. Within days we conducted over 400 interviews. At that time, there are over 400 law enforcement officers at the scene. That would be the local police, the sheriff departments, state agencies and federal agencies.

Once we determined that we addressed that possible threat, we would move, as we do with any investigation, to get a map of perspective from the crime. We want to look from the beginning, to planning and preparation stages through its tragic end.

In that regard we conducted more extensive interviews. We obtained the personal belongings of Jeff Wiese. That would be his computers and his personal journals. Upon reviewing those journals and his belongings and looking at his activities at the school, we determined that, while some of his actions appeared random, his actions at the school were planned. We also learned that Wiese had engaged in electronic communications with others.

As far as the resources that are now committed to this investigation, at crime scene, the FBI, and the BCA have expended over 450 man hours of crime scene processing and evidence collection. We have brought up from our FBI lab in Quantico our special projects and photographic units, in hopes that they can create a three-dimensional visual diagrams and interactive models of the crime scene in hopes that there may be lessons that we can learn from what happened.

We have consulted with our behavioral scientists, who have experience in analyzing crime scenes involving unusual or extreme violence. Members of the FBI firearms and tool mark unit have responded to assist in the analysis of ballistics.

We have made extensive use of our computer analysis response teams. These are forensic experts, computer forensic experts from our regional computer forensic labs throughout the country. They are perhaps the most highly trained computer forensics experts in the world. They bring with them not just their knowledge but the most sophisticated hardware and software tools for forensic analysis and data extraction. To date, they're processed over two trillion bytes of data from over 100 computers.

We have also utilized our field intelligence group. These groups were formed in every FBI division after 9/11. They're a point for all data and information intelligence to be funneled, where the information is synthesized and analyzed. And they're there to assure that any intelligence gaps are identified and the proper leads are covered. They're designed primarily for counterterrorism, but they are used for criminal investigations.

The analysts on the field intelligence group are not just FBI analysts but analysts from other agencies in the metropolitan area. It is a truly collaborative effort.

From the analysis which we conducted so far, much of it, which is still preliminary, I can share with you some of the information that we've determined.

At approximately 2:49 p.m., Jeff Wiese entered the school holding a shotgun. Within seconds he was approached by security guard Derrick Brun, and he shot Brun just in side the entrance to the school. At 2:51 p.m., Wiese entered the classroom where he committed the murder of the teacher and the students. He was in that classroom for approximately 1 1/2 minutes.

From there, for approximately five minutes, Wiese wandered the school where he took some random shots into empty classrooms as well as shooting other students, some of who were injured but not fatally.

At 2:57 p.m., Wiese was engaged in the exchange of gunfire with the responding police officers. During that exchange, the officers were not struck. Wiese was struck three times, once in the lower back area, once in the leg area, and a third time in the right arm.

During these events we believe that Wiese fired approximately the following: two rounds from a .22 caliber Ruger semiautomatic pistol; eight rounds from a .12 gauge Remington, 870 police magnum shotgun; 35 rounds from a .40 caliber Glock semiautomatic pistol, for an approximate total of 45 rounds.

As previously stated, the bullet proof vest that he was wearing, the police duty belt, the police SUV that he drove to the school, the shotgun and the Glock pistol were taken from his grandfather and his grandfather's residence after Wiese shot and killed the grandfather and the grandfather's companion. Approximately 12 .22 caliber rounds and one .40 caliber round was shot in the house.

At 2:58, Wiese was found to have taken his own life, thus ending the incident. All of these events occurred in just about nine minutes.

I would like to acknowledge the assistance, again, numerous police departments and law enforcement agencies who have helped in this investigation. The first responders, the Red Lake Police Department, the Leech Lake Tribal Police Department, Beltrami -- Beltrami County Sheriff's Office, the Minnesota State Patrol, the Cass County Sheriff's Office, Minnesota ENR Enforcement Division, the Red Lake Indian Health Services and the emergency medical technicians.

In conducting the numerous interviews, we were aided greatly by the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. In the crime scene processing we're partnered with the Minnesota BCA. The agencies helping us conduct the analysis, ATF, National Guard, and the Secret Service. Of course, we're also greatly helped by the United States attorney's office. In that regard, I'm going to turn it over to the United States attorney.

TOM HEFFELFINGER, U.S. ATTORNEY: Thank you, Michael.

TABMAN: Thank you.

HEFFELFINGER: The events of March 21, 2005, were a tragedy beyond comprehension for the people of the Red Lake reservation and for the people of Minnesota. But this tragedy could have been even worse if there were not for the heroism shown by security guard Derrick Brun, the prompt and professional response of the Red Lake Police Department to the initial calls, and the cool-headed and rapid response of the teachers and staff of the Red Lake High School.

At the time that Jeffrey Wiese entered the high school on March 21, the school was protected by a school safety plan. That plan worked, and it saved lives.

As part of that plan, there were two security desks set up inside the front door of the Red Lake High School, one on either side of an entry hallway. There was an active metal detector between those two desks.

Investigation has established that, as Wiese entered the school, both guards became immediately aware of the apparent threat presented by Mr. Wiese. One guard immediately got up from her position and ran into the school, reportedly to warn students and staff.

The second guard, Derrick Brun, age 28, and a former member of the Red Lake tribal Police Department, attempted to intercept the intruder. Mr. Brun rose from his desk, took three or four steps towards the intruder, at which point Mr. Wiese shot Mr. Brun two times, killing him.

The evidence developed during the investigation has made it clear that the danger presented by Mr. Wiese was readily apparent, and that Mr. Brun attempted, without hesitation, to confront that danger, thereby placing his duty to the safety of the school and its occupants above his own personal safety.

As Jeffrey Wiese walked down the hallways of the Red Lake High School four weeks ago, he repeatedly tried to open classroom doors, only to find those doors to have been locked. On that date, March 21, Red Lake High School had in place a school safety plan, and it worked. The immediate action of Red Lake staff and teachers to lock the doors...

PHILLIPS: Live from Minneapolis, we've been listening to U.S. attorney there Tom Heffelfinger, also FBI Special Agent Michael Tabman, updating reporters from a live news conference.

About four weeks ago today, it was when 16-year-old Jeffrey Wiese opened fire at Red Lake High School in Minnesota, killing seven people before turning the gun on himself.

Authorities now saying that they have confirmed by looking at his journals and his belongings there at school, that he did, indeed, plan that shoot-out that took place at that high school.

Also, they did discover that he did have electronic communication with others about that attack. We're waiting to hear about the others that might be implicated here, others that are still alive, that may be held accountable in this attack.

Meanwhile, interactive models of the crime scene are now being put together to see what lessons authorities can learn from this shoot-out with regard to security, and keeping tabs on students that show signs of depression, which is what authorities did say about Jeffrey Wiese. Also a boy described as possibly a young man involved with a neo-Nazi organization. Police recovering paperwork on that also.

We're going to take a quick break. More LIVE FROM right after this.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

PHILLIPS: Well, you want your ocean cruise to be an adventure, but not "The Poseidon Adventure."

Some of the more than 3,000 passengers and crew aboard a cruise liner may have been remembering the 1970s disastrous movie Saturday. A freak 70-foot wave smashed into the Norwegian Dawn en route from the Bahamas to New York. The wave didn't swamp the ship but it flooded dozens of cabins and slightly injured four people.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

BRIAN FERGUSON, PASSENGER: We were in a different part of the ship from where the -- where that wave hit, so -- but it was -- it was like a roller coaster. I mean, that's pretty much the best way we could describe it. It was like being on a roller coaster at Great Adventure.

MARGIE CRANSTON, PASSENGER: The worst, I would say, more like 2, 3 a.m. in the morning because it was constant, and then, you know, around 6 or so, a little before, that's when, you know, the wave happened. And right after we were hit by the wave, we had -- there was announcement for a Code Alpha, and you know, nine and 10 and then a bunch of room numbers. And so we knew we were hit, we knew there was damage, and we knew there was something seriously the matter.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

PHILLIPS: The ship safely returned to New York after a stop in Charleston, South Carolina, for repairs.

Other news across America now.

A school bus ride turns deadly in Virginia. That bus packed with elementary school students collided with a garbage truck in Arlington today, killing a child. Sixteen other people were injured, four critically.

And check this out. A police chase ends dramatically near Atlanta when the driver of a truck crashes and flips over. The 40 minute chase began this morning when police suspected that truck was stolen. No word on any injuries.

A Rhode Island man charged with killing a police detective inside a police station is ordered held without bond. Esteban Carpio appeared in court in a Hannibal Lechter-like contraption today. It's a bit disturbing. The police say Carpio was being interviewed in the stabbing of an elderly woman yesterday when he grabbed a detective's gun and shot him. Carpio tried to escape, breaking through a third floor window. That may explain the bruising on his face. A first of its kind lawsuit could set a major precedent within in the airline industry. Georgia's Supreme Court is considering whether Delta Airlines should be held accountable for a passenger who got drunk on a flight and upon landing caused a traffic accident. Delta says it would be impossible to monitor all its passengers.

Just ahead, the boss' bellowing. George Steinbrenner's public scolding of his New York Yankee team straight ahead.

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PHILLIPS: Smoke signals over Vatican City. You're looking at pictures of the chimney on top of the Sistine Chapel. In our last hour, we saw black smoke rising, indicating that the first vote by the cardinals in the conclave today failed to elect a new pope. But after a night's rest and probably some meditation and prayer, they will return to the deliberations tomorrow.

Well, there's an old saying you get what you pay for, and that's what has Yankees owner George Steinbrenner coming off the bench. The Yanks are now four wins and eight losses into the season, a dismal showing for a team that has the fattest payroll in the Major League, a reported $200 million.

Steinbrenner erupted with this statement, quote, "Enough is enough. I am bitterly disappointed, as I'm sure all Yankee fans are, by the lack of performance by our team. It's unbelievable to me that the highest-paid team in baseball would start the season in such a deep funk. They are not playing like true Yankees. They have the talent to win and they are not winning. I expect Joe Torre, his complete coaching staff and the team to turn this around."

That wraps up this edition of LIVE FROM. We're happy with our team. Here's John king with a preview of what's ahead on "INSIDE POLITICS." No complaints on this front.

HI, John.

JOHN KING, HOST, "INSIDE POLITICS": No complaints from me about that poor Yankee start, Kyra. I'll tell you that much. Go Red Sox, and thank you, Kyra.

The president calls him the architect, and right now you might say there's a lot under construction. Deputy White House chief of staff Karl Rove joins me for an in depth interview on the challenges and the chores ahead for President Bush in his second term.

Also is he a man in trouble? He's shoring up support on the right and calling out his critics on the left. But will it be enough to save the House majority leader, Tom DeLay?

"INSIDE POLITICS" begins in just a moment. (COMMERCIAL BREAK)

PHILLIPS: I'm Kyra Phillips. "INSIDE POLITICS" is next after a quick look at stories now in the news.

The ballots burn black. Cardinals sequestered in the highly secretive conclave failed to elect a new pope in their first vote just about an hour ago. Live reaction from Rome just ahead on "INSIDE POLITICS."

Held without bond. A convicted sex offender faces first-degree murder charges in the killing of 13-year-old Sarah Lunde. Florida investigators say Scott Onstott confessed to killing Lunde at her home nine days ago. Her body was found in a nearby pond on Saturday.

Is American cyclist Lance Armstrong hanging up his helmet? The Tour de France champ is making an announcement just moments from now on his future in cycling. Some people suspect he will announce his retirement. Find out on CNN's "WOLF BLITZER REPORTS" at 5 p.m. Eastern.

We'll be back here tomorrow. "INSIDE POLITICS" starts right now.

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ANNOUNCER: The papal vote...

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