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CNN Live Today

Rising Iraqi Violence; Moussaoui Guilty Plea?;

Aired April 22, 2005 - 11:00   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.


CAROL LIN, CNN ANCHOR: The second hour of CNN LIVE TODAY begins right now.
Yes, it is Kansas. Tornadoes, accompanied by large hail and heavy rains, ravaged homes and forced airport evacuations last night as storms rampaged through the Midwest. Today, those same storms are bearing down on the Southeast.

We are tracking those storms for you. This is what the radar looks like right now. We are going to tell you exactly where they are headed in just a moment.

In the meantime, the Virginia Supreme Court has upheld the death penalty for convicted D.C.-area sniper John Allen Muhammad. In a ruling released today, the court says it finds no reason to commute or set aside the death sentences. Muhammad was convicted for his role in the shootings that killed 10 people in the Washington area in 2002.

Security is being beefed up as Rome prepares for yet another influx of visitors this weekend. An estimated half-million people are expected to crowd St. Peter's Square Sunday for the inauguration mass of Pope Benedict XVI. Rome's mayor calls it another extraordinary challenge.

The woman who claims to have found a severed human finger in a bowl of Wendy's chili is under arrest this morning in Las Vegas. But we'll have to wait until an afternoon news conference to find out what happened. In the meantime, the arrest comes after Anna Ayala suddenly dropped plans to file a lawsuit against the restaurant.

The jury in the Michael Jackson child molestation trial gets the weekend off. Testimony resumes on Monday. The prosecution lost a key legal battle this week. The judge refused to allow testimony from a domestic violence expert who might explain why the mother of Jackson's accuser lied under oath.

It's just after 11:00 a.m. on the East Coast, 8:00 a.m. out West. From the CNN Center in Atlanta, I'm Carol Lin. Daryn's got the day off today.

Storm chasers were in the wrong place at the right time to capture this video of a thin white tornado as it touched down in rural Kansas. The twister remained more or less stationary for several minutes. Earlier today on CNN, a stormer chaser recounted that experience.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP) REED TIMMER, STORM CHASER: Initially, we were in southeast Kansas, and we saw the storm to our south. And it was beautiful. It had a beautiful, nice, crisp band (ph) and everything.

And so we headed south and punched through the core and had -- got pelted by baseball-size hail. And as we continued south, we saw some rapid rotation in the wall cloud, and just headed east and the funnel came down slowly, a very skinny, beautiful, white tornado.

And again, there was baseball-size hail being swung around the tornado. I forgot to wear my bike helmet. So we were a little bit worried about the hail.

But, yes, it's a beautiful tornado. And it's a good thing that it was out over open terrain.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

LIN: Wow, like a bike helmet is going to help in those conditions.

Weather experts say several tornadoes were spotted in the region yesterday. Three farmhouses were destroyed and some livestock killed. But no human casualties have been reported.

Orelon Sidney standing by at the CNN Weather Center tracking that weather as it heads to the North -- excuse me, the Southeast.

What's happening right now, Orelon?

ORELON SIDNEY, CNN METEOROLOGIST: Well, you could have said Northeast, too...

LIN: Really?

SIDNEY: ... because it's all part of a big storm system, a big area of low pressure that's located in the Midwest.

(WEATHER REPORT)

LIN: I've got to warn you, the scenes are horribly difficult to watch, and certainly show the determination of Iraqi insurgents. We are talking about two pieces of videotape.

One appears to show a helicopter shot down. The tape shows the helicopter flying low, two loud blasts follow. The chopper then bursts into flames.

The Arab channel Al Jazeera aired the video today. The network says it was distributed by the group the Army of the Mujahideen. The attack killed 11 people. Six of them were Americans working for the security firm Blackwater USA.

Now, the second video seems to show the on-the-spot execution of a man who survived the crash. The company that owned the helicopter identifies him as a Bulgarian crew-member. We caution there's no way to know with any certainty whether the tape is, in fact, legitimate. CNN's Aaron Brown shows us.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

AARON BROWN, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): It happened north of Baghdad. Insurgents taped the aftermath. At least 10 people died, including six American contractors, men who act as bodyguards for diplomats and others.

The camera takes us on a grisly tour of the wreckage, of the carnage. The circumstances, though, of what comes next are in question.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Stand up. Stand up.

BROWN: Unmistakably, an injured man is first interrogated, then helped to his feet. "Weapons, weapons?" they ask. He's unarmed.

Then, after the camera zooms in to get a better view, he's ordered to run.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Go! Go!

BROWN: "Go! Go!" they say. Then they open fire, something they wanted to show. But we don't and won't. So we stopped the video here.

Still unclear whether the victim being executed was in fact a victim of the crash. Or was this video of another execution, another atrocity in the war, edited together for additional propaganda?

Aaron Brown, CNN, Los Angeles.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

LIN: The helicopter attack shows, after a lull, the insurgents are not going to walk away from their fight. So let's bring in Pentagon correspondent Barbara Starr.

Barbara, when you first saw that videotape, your reaction? What went through your mind.

BARBARA STARR, CNN PENTAGON CORRESPONDENT: Well, Carol, it is just another one of the horrifying examples of the violence that is continuing in Iraq. And the military now will take over the investigation into the downing of that helicopter. But it comes at a time when violence is on the rise, of course, and U.S. commanders are quite concerned that the insurgency may be trying to score a spectacular hit.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

STARR (voice-over): The death of 11 civilians on a chartered helicopter is just the latest violence in a violent week in Iraq. U.S. officials believe the helicopter was brought down by hostile fire. Insurgent video shows the execution of a man which the tape suggests apparently survived the crash.

After weeks of decline, attacks now number about 50 a day. U.S. officials are watching closely to assess what the insurgents might do next.

LARRY DI RITA, DEPUTY ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF DEFENSE: The commanders wonder whether they're marshalling their dwindling capacity on being able to conduct these kinds of -- what appear to be better coordinated attacks. But more spectacular, and perhaps fewer more spectacular attacks. That's speculation.

STARR: One senior military officer tells CNN there is concern, however, insurgents may keep trying to overrun a U.S. military outpost. Already, the insurgents have failed twice to do just that.

In March, there was a coordinated insurgent attack on the U.S. troops guarding the Abu Ghraib prison. Earlier this month, Marines near the Syrian border are repelled a series of three car bomb attacks at their base.

DI RITA: The fact is that the security forces and coalition are developing some capacity to interrupt these things or to stop them before they cause real damage.

STARR: Iraqis are still bearing the brunt of the attacks. Government officials say they have recovered dozens of bodies from the Tigris River and from a stadium. And the al Qaeda network in Iraq has claimed responsibility for the attempted assassination of interim Prime Minister Ayad Allawi. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld said he believes the long-term trend in Iraq is still positive.

DONALD RUMSFELD, SECRETARY OF DEFENSE: Generally we're going to see the insurgency be less successful over time. It's still lethal from time to time. Don't mistake me.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

STARR: But, Carol, some military officials say it's still very premature to talk about breaking the back of the insurgency or planning just yet to bring the troops home -- Carol.

LIN: All right. Thanks very much. Barbara Starr live at the Pentagon.

There is other violence today in Iraq as well. A U.S. soldier was killed and a second wounded when a roadside bomb exploded in northern Iraq. Two Marines died in a similar attack in the Sunni Triangle town of Ramadi earlier this week. And nine people died today in a car bombing at a mosque in Baghdad. The attack happened as Shiite worshipers were leaving the mosque following Friday prayers.

President Bush nominated General Pete Pace to be the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff today. He's currently the vice chairman. Now, Pace would replace General Richard Myers when he leaves in September. And Pace, if confirmed by the Senate, would be the first Marine to hold the post. And our tornado coverage continues throughout the show and the rest of the day. We are going to keep you up to date on the change in weather news.

And he says he's an al Qaeda member. Now Zacarias Moussaoui plans on pleading guilty in connection to the 9/11 terror acts. But will he actually go through with it? A live report is next.

U2's Bono, rocker, activist. What else is he? We've got the inside scoop on his life coming up a little later on the program.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

(STOCK MARKET REPORT)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

LIN: Accused terrorist Zacarias Moussaoui is scheduled to appear in federal court at 3:00 Eastern Time this afternoon. The expectation is that he is going to plead guilty from charges stemming from the 9/11 attacks. But we have learned to expect the unexpected in this case.

CNN's Bob Franken at the courthouse in Alexandria, Virginia, with a preview of what may or may not happen in just a few hours.

Bob, why is there any doubt.

BOB FRANKEN, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Well, because there's been a tumultuous history in connection with this case due almost exclusively to his contempt for just about everything that has to do with the United States. He has insulted the judge. He has constantly changing his mind.

So when it comes to making a prediction, the only thing you can say is, don't bet on it.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

BOB FRANKEN, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): In the federal courthouse just nine miles from where a hijacked plane slammed into the Pentagon on September 11, Zacarias Moussaoui will plead guilty this afternoon to six charges growing out of the attacks, if he keeps his word. He's changed his mind before.

BERNARD GRIMM, ATTORNEY: The problem is, in representing Mr. Moussaoui, it's like -- it's essentially a 24-hour time bomb. You don't know when it's going to explode.

FRANKEN: Moussaoui used to be called the 20th hijacker, although never by prosecutors. He was already under arrest on that September 11 after erratic behavior at a Minnesota flight training school. But officials in Washington refused to allow a search of his laptop computer in spite of various warnings he had ties to al Qaeda, and despite the fact he had paid for the instruction with close to $7,000 in cash. Different theories of his involvement include the possibility he was a potential replacement hijack pilot on 9/11, or that he was preparing to take part in the second wave of attacks. His defense lawyers continue to object to the finding by Judge Leonie Brinkema, who he's frequently ridiculed, that Moussaoui is now mentally competent to plead guilty to charges that carry the death penalty. Execution could be up to a jury.

PETER WHITE, FMR. FEDERAL PROSECUTOR: This is a very unusual death penalty in that Zacarias Moussaoui didn't kill anyone. Zacarias Moussaoui was in jail, in fact, when September 11 happened.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

FRANKEN: Even with all of those uncertainties, prosecutors say they absolutely would love to go before a jury and seek the death penalty given the strong feelings that remain, of course, after September 11 -- Carol.

LIN: All right. Thanks very much, Bob. We'll see what happens.

Now, in Madrid, a trial began today for two dozen suspected members of an al Qaeda cell in Spain. Three of them allegedly had direct ties to the 9/11 attacks. Those three are charged with providing logistical support and surveillance videos to the hijackers. The trial is the result of an 8-year investigation by Spanish authorities.

Now, there is some speculation some of the defendants may have links to the Madrid train bombings. That trial begins later this year.

CNN "Security Watch" keeps you up to date on safety. So stay tuned day and night for the most reliable news about your security.

More news coming up. In the meantime, we're going to take a quick break.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

LIN: The Castro brothers are keeping politics all in the family. Julian is running for mayor of San Antonio. His twin, Joaquin, is a member of the Texas State House. Both brothers were going to ride a parade float this week in San Antonio, but Julian -- he's the mayoral candidate -- had a last-minute changes of plan.

That's Joaquin on the float. And you got it, the crowd didn't even know the difference. Like any good politician, they had an explanation.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

JULIAN CASTRO (D), MAYORAL CANDIDATE: I went off to do my council duties, and my brother had been invited because on the barge family members can go. He showed up. But nobody told the parade announcer from the boat that I wasn't there and he was. He has gone with me before. And guest day (ph) is a wonderful time. We're having it right now in San Antonio.

We've got three different parades. He's gone with me before on the barge. This time, he told everybody on the barge that it was him. But nobody told the announcer to announce him instead of me.

JOAQUIN CASTRO (D), TEXAS STATE HOUSE: Every day I go out of my way -- that's the strange thing -- to tell people that it's me, you know, and that it's not him. But that night, we were floating along the river on the barge, and folks are lined along the walls and the stands. And it's just impossible for them to hear you or you to hear them. So I couldn't exactly go out to them, "Oh, it's Joaquin, not Julian."

(END VIDEO CLIP)

LIN: OK. Well, the twins made light of the mix-up with "I'm not Julian" T-shirts. But some people are not laughing. One of Julian's opponents said that kind of switcheroo is funny when you're a kid but, hey, when you're mayor? That's serious business, especially when you're standing on a float in a parade.

The world has a new pope. But how does Pope Benedict XVI see the United States? Cardinal Mahony of the Los Angeles Archdiocese shares his thoughts on the matter in just a moment.

Stay right there.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

LIN: Coming up on the half-hour. I'm Carol Lin, in today for Daryn Kagan. And here's what's happening right "Now in the News."

Suspicious people reportedly have been found poking around at three different hospitals pretending to be inspectors dropping in unannounced. "The Washington Post" reports that they are fakes. They have been discovered in Boston, Detroit and Los Angeles. FBI and Homeland Security agents are investigating.

Marine Corps General Peter Pace has been nominated to become the new Joint Chiefs chairman. President Bush's announcement was seen live right here on CNN in the last hour. If confirmed, Pace would replace Air Force General Richard Myers as the president's top military adviser.

And in Texas, an ex-convict recently released from prison is being held as a suspect in the deaths of two elderly women in Port Arthur. The body of another elderly woman was discovered on Monday. Port Arthur police say the women had been killed during home burglaries.

And smoldering wreckage is about all that remains of a fatal accident early this morning on the New Jersey Turnpike. Three people were killed. A state highway official says the multiple-vehicle wreck occurred at about 1:00 a.m. and it shut down the turnpike. Nearly a half-dozen tornadoes streaked across the state of Kansas and shut down the international airport in Kansas City. And they are now heading towards the eastern part of the United States, north and south, according to Orelon Sidney, who's been tracking all this weather action.

Orelon, what's happening right now?

(WEATHER REPORT)

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 22, 2005 - 11:00   ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
CAROL LIN, CNN ANCHOR: The second hour of CNN LIVE TODAY begins right now.
Yes, it is Kansas. Tornadoes, accompanied by large hail and heavy rains, ravaged homes and forced airport evacuations last night as storms rampaged through the Midwest. Today, those same storms are bearing down on the Southeast.

We are tracking those storms for you. This is what the radar looks like right now. We are going to tell you exactly where they are headed in just a moment.

In the meantime, the Virginia Supreme Court has upheld the death penalty for convicted D.C.-area sniper John Allen Muhammad. In a ruling released today, the court says it finds no reason to commute or set aside the death sentences. Muhammad was convicted for his role in the shootings that killed 10 people in the Washington area in 2002.

Security is being beefed up as Rome prepares for yet another influx of visitors this weekend. An estimated half-million people are expected to crowd St. Peter's Square Sunday for the inauguration mass of Pope Benedict XVI. Rome's mayor calls it another extraordinary challenge.

The woman who claims to have found a severed human finger in a bowl of Wendy's chili is under arrest this morning in Las Vegas. But we'll have to wait until an afternoon news conference to find out what happened. In the meantime, the arrest comes after Anna Ayala suddenly dropped plans to file a lawsuit against the restaurant.

The jury in the Michael Jackson child molestation trial gets the weekend off. Testimony resumes on Monday. The prosecution lost a key legal battle this week. The judge refused to allow testimony from a domestic violence expert who might explain why the mother of Jackson's accuser lied under oath.

It's just after 11:00 a.m. on the East Coast, 8:00 a.m. out West. From the CNN Center in Atlanta, I'm Carol Lin. Daryn's got the day off today.

Storm chasers were in the wrong place at the right time to capture this video of a thin white tornado as it touched down in rural Kansas. The twister remained more or less stationary for several minutes. Earlier today on CNN, a stormer chaser recounted that experience.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP) REED TIMMER, STORM CHASER: Initially, we were in southeast Kansas, and we saw the storm to our south. And it was beautiful. It had a beautiful, nice, crisp band (ph) and everything.

And so we headed south and punched through the core and had -- got pelted by baseball-size hail. And as we continued south, we saw some rapid rotation in the wall cloud, and just headed east and the funnel came down slowly, a very skinny, beautiful, white tornado.

And again, there was baseball-size hail being swung around the tornado. I forgot to wear my bike helmet. So we were a little bit worried about the hail.

But, yes, it's a beautiful tornado. And it's a good thing that it was out over open terrain.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

LIN: Wow, like a bike helmet is going to help in those conditions.

Weather experts say several tornadoes were spotted in the region yesterday. Three farmhouses were destroyed and some livestock killed. But no human casualties have been reported.

Orelon Sidney standing by at the CNN Weather Center tracking that weather as it heads to the North -- excuse me, the Southeast.

What's happening right now, Orelon?

ORELON SIDNEY, CNN METEOROLOGIST: Well, you could have said Northeast, too...

LIN: Really?

SIDNEY: ... because it's all part of a big storm system, a big area of low pressure that's located in the Midwest.

(WEATHER REPORT)

LIN: I've got to warn you, the scenes are horribly difficult to watch, and certainly show the determination of Iraqi insurgents. We are talking about two pieces of videotape.

One appears to show a helicopter shot down. The tape shows the helicopter flying low, two loud blasts follow. The chopper then bursts into flames.

The Arab channel Al Jazeera aired the video today. The network says it was distributed by the group the Army of the Mujahideen. The attack killed 11 people. Six of them were Americans working for the security firm Blackwater USA.

Now, the second video seems to show the on-the-spot execution of a man who survived the crash. The company that owned the helicopter identifies him as a Bulgarian crew-member. We caution there's no way to know with any certainty whether the tape is, in fact, legitimate. CNN's Aaron Brown shows us.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

AARON BROWN, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): It happened north of Baghdad. Insurgents taped the aftermath. At least 10 people died, including six American contractors, men who act as bodyguards for diplomats and others.

The camera takes us on a grisly tour of the wreckage, of the carnage. The circumstances, though, of what comes next are in question.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Stand up. Stand up.

BROWN: Unmistakably, an injured man is first interrogated, then helped to his feet. "Weapons, weapons?" they ask. He's unarmed.

Then, after the camera zooms in to get a better view, he's ordered to run.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Go! Go!

BROWN: "Go! Go!" they say. Then they open fire, something they wanted to show. But we don't and won't. So we stopped the video here.

Still unclear whether the victim being executed was in fact a victim of the crash. Or was this video of another execution, another atrocity in the war, edited together for additional propaganda?

Aaron Brown, CNN, Los Angeles.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

LIN: The helicopter attack shows, after a lull, the insurgents are not going to walk away from their fight. So let's bring in Pentagon correspondent Barbara Starr.

Barbara, when you first saw that videotape, your reaction? What went through your mind.

BARBARA STARR, CNN PENTAGON CORRESPONDENT: Well, Carol, it is just another one of the horrifying examples of the violence that is continuing in Iraq. And the military now will take over the investigation into the downing of that helicopter. But it comes at a time when violence is on the rise, of course, and U.S. commanders are quite concerned that the insurgency may be trying to score a spectacular hit.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

STARR (voice-over): The death of 11 civilians on a chartered helicopter is just the latest violence in a violent week in Iraq. U.S. officials believe the helicopter was brought down by hostile fire. Insurgent video shows the execution of a man which the tape suggests apparently survived the crash.

After weeks of decline, attacks now number about 50 a day. U.S. officials are watching closely to assess what the insurgents might do next.

LARRY DI RITA, DEPUTY ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF DEFENSE: The commanders wonder whether they're marshalling their dwindling capacity on being able to conduct these kinds of -- what appear to be better coordinated attacks. But more spectacular, and perhaps fewer more spectacular attacks. That's speculation.

STARR: One senior military officer tells CNN there is concern, however, insurgents may keep trying to overrun a U.S. military outpost. Already, the insurgents have failed twice to do just that.

In March, there was a coordinated insurgent attack on the U.S. troops guarding the Abu Ghraib prison. Earlier this month, Marines near the Syrian border are repelled a series of three car bomb attacks at their base.

DI RITA: The fact is that the security forces and coalition are developing some capacity to interrupt these things or to stop them before they cause real damage.

STARR: Iraqis are still bearing the brunt of the attacks. Government officials say they have recovered dozens of bodies from the Tigris River and from a stadium. And the al Qaeda network in Iraq has claimed responsibility for the attempted assassination of interim Prime Minister Ayad Allawi. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld said he believes the long-term trend in Iraq is still positive.

DONALD RUMSFELD, SECRETARY OF DEFENSE: Generally we're going to see the insurgency be less successful over time. It's still lethal from time to time. Don't mistake me.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

STARR: But, Carol, some military officials say it's still very premature to talk about breaking the back of the insurgency or planning just yet to bring the troops home -- Carol.

LIN: All right. Thanks very much. Barbara Starr live at the Pentagon.

There is other violence today in Iraq as well. A U.S. soldier was killed and a second wounded when a roadside bomb exploded in northern Iraq. Two Marines died in a similar attack in the Sunni Triangle town of Ramadi earlier this week. And nine people died today in a car bombing at a mosque in Baghdad. The attack happened as Shiite worshipers were leaving the mosque following Friday prayers.

President Bush nominated General Pete Pace to be the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff today. He's currently the vice chairman. Now, Pace would replace General Richard Myers when he leaves in September. And Pace, if confirmed by the Senate, would be the first Marine to hold the post. And our tornado coverage continues throughout the show and the rest of the day. We are going to keep you up to date on the change in weather news.

And he says he's an al Qaeda member. Now Zacarias Moussaoui plans on pleading guilty in connection to the 9/11 terror acts. But will he actually go through with it? A live report is next.

U2's Bono, rocker, activist. What else is he? We've got the inside scoop on his life coming up a little later on the program.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

(STOCK MARKET REPORT)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

LIN: Accused terrorist Zacarias Moussaoui is scheduled to appear in federal court at 3:00 Eastern Time this afternoon. The expectation is that he is going to plead guilty from charges stemming from the 9/11 attacks. But we have learned to expect the unexpected in this case.

CNN's Bob Franken at the courthouse in Alexandria, Virginia, with a preview of what may or may not happen in just a few hours.

Bob, why is there any doubt.

BOB FRANKEN, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Well, because there's been a tumultuous history in connection with this case due almost exclusively to his contempt for just about everything that has to do with the United States. He has insulted the judge. He has constantly changing his mind.

So when it comes to making a prediction, the only thing you can say is, don't bet on it.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

BOB FRANKEN, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): In the federal courthouse just nine miles from where a hijacked plane slammed into the Pentagon on September 11, Zacarias Moussaoui will plead guilty this afternoon to six charges growing out of the attacks, if he keeps his word. He's changed his mind before.

BERNARD GRIMM, ATTORNEY: The problem is, in representing Mr. Moussaoui, it's like -- it's essentially a 24-hour time bomb. You don't know when it's going to explode.

FRANKEN: Moussaoui used to be called the 20th hijacker, although never by prosecutors. He was already under arrest on that September 11 after erratic behavior at a Minnesota flight training school. But officials in Washington refused to allow a search of his laptop computer in spite of various warnings he had ties to al Qaeda, and despite the fact he had paid for the instruction with close to $7,000 in cash. Different theories of his involvement include the possibility he was a potential replacement hijack pilot on 9/11, or that he was preparing to take part in the second wave of attacks. His defense lawyers continue to object to the finding by Judge Leonie Brinkema, who he's frequently ridiculed, that Moussaoui is now mentally competent to plead guilty to charges that carry the death penalty. Execution could be up to a jury.

PETER WHITE, FMR. FEDERAL PROSECUTOR: This is a very unusual death penalty in that Zacarias Moussaoui didn't kill anyone. Zacarias Moussaoui was in jail, in fact, when September 11 happened.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

FRANKEN: Even with all of those uncertainties, prosecutors say they absolutely would love to go before a jury and seek the death penalty given the strong feelings that remain, of course, after September 11 -- Carol.

LIN: All right. Thanks very much, Bob. We'll see what happens.

Now, in Madrid, a trial began today for two dozen suspected members of an al Qaeda cell in Spain. Three of them allegedly had direct ties to the 9/11 attacks. Those three are charged with providing logistical support and surveillance videos to the hijackers. The trial is the result of an 8-year investigation by Spanish authorities.

Now, there is some speculation some of the defendants may have links to the Madrid train bombings. That trial begins later this year.

CNN "Security Watch" keeps you up to date on safety. So stay tuned day and night for the most reliable news about your security.

More news coming up. In the meantime, we're going to take a quick break.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

LIN: The Castro brothers are keeping politics all in the family. Julian is running for mayor of San Antonio. His twin, Joaquin, is a member of the Texas State House. Both brothers were going to ride a parade float this week in San Antonio, but Julian -- he's the mayoral candidate -- had a last-minute changes of plan.

That's Joaquin on the float. And you got it, the crowd didn't even know the difference. Like any good politician, they had an explanation.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

JULIAN CASTRO (D), MAYORAL CANDIDATE: I went off to do my council duties, and my brother had been invited because on the barge family members can go. He showed up. But nobody told the parade announcer from the boat that I wasn't there and he was. He has gone with me before. And guest day (ph) is a wonderful time. We're having it right now in San Antonio.

We've got three different parades. He's gone with me before on the barge. This time, he told everybody on the barge that it was him. But nobody told the announcer to announce him instead of me.

JOAQUIN CASTRO (D), TEXAS STATE HOUSE: Every day I go out of my way -- that's the strange thing -- to tell people that it's me, you know, and that it's not him. But that night, we were floating along the river on the barge, and folks are lined along the walls and the stands. And it's just impossible for them to hear you or you to hear them. So I couldn't exactly go out to them, "Oh, it's Joaquin, not Julian."

(END VIDEO CLIP)

LIN: OK. Well, the twins made light of the mix-up with "I'm not Julian" T-shirts. But some people are not laughing. One of Julian's opponents said that kind of switcheroo is funny when you're a kid but, hey, when you're mayor? That's serious business, especially when you're standing on a float in a parade.

The world has a new pope. But how does Pope Benedict XVI see the United States? Cardinal Mahony of the Los Angeles Archdiocese shares his thoughts on the matter in just a moment.

Stay right there.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

LIN: Coming up on the half-hour. I'm Carol Lin, in today for Daryn Kagan. And here's what's happening right "Now in the News."

Suspicious people reportedly have been found poking around at three different hospitals pretending to be inspectors dropping in unannounced. "The Washington Post" reports that they are fakes. They have been discovered in Boston, Detroit and Los Angeles. FBI and Homeland Security agents are investigating.

Marine Corps General Peter Pace has been nominated to become the new Joint Chiefs chairman. President Bush's announcement was seen live right here on CNN in the last hour. If confirmed, Pace would replace Air Force General Richard Myers as the president's top military adviser.

And in Texas, an ex-convict recently released from prison is being held as a suspect in the deaths of two elderly women in Port Arthur. The body of another elderly woman was discovered on Monday. Port Arthur police say the women had been killed during home burglaries.

And smoldering wreckage is about all that remains of a fatal accident early this morning on the New Jersey Turnpike. Three people were killed. A state highway official says the multiple-vehicle wreck occurred at about 1:00 a.m. and it shut down the turnpike. Nearly a half-dozen tornadoes streaked across the state of Kansas and shut down the international airport in Kansas City. And they are now heading towards the eastern part of the United States, north and south, according to Orelon Sidney, who's been tracking all this weather action.

Orelon, what's happening right now?

(WEATHER REPORT)

TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com