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Tunisian Attack; Arizona Manhunt; Kennedy Threatened; Penn State Suspends Frat. Aired 2-2:30p ET

Aired March 18, 2015 - 14:00   ET

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


WOLF BLITZER, CNN ANCHOR: "Newsroom" with Brooke Baldwin starts right now.

[14:00:04] BROOKE BALDWIN, CNN ANCHOR: Hi there. I'm Brooke Baldwin. And thank you so much for being with me here. You're watching CNN.

Right now we've got to tell you about this manhunt underway for these three terrorists accused in a mass killing. These people here managed to escape this rampage, but at least 19 others, most of them tourists, did not. The siege unfolded at this museum of Tunis, this is the capital of Tunisia. Obviously, you're looking at pictures for inside the building here as people were running quite literally for their lives. They were visiting the Bardo Museum, which is connected to Tunisia's parliament hall. Twenty-two other people were wounded, and two gunmen were killed.

But, as we mentioned, the manhunt, these three other terrorists are still on the run. The prime minister here in Tunisia is calling their assault quote/ unquote "cowardly." These images show museum visitors running from the shooting scene, running from a man - a man there actually here clutching his one child heading up the stairs, another with another child continuing past them. Lawmakers were working nearby when this gunfire erupted. One spoke with CNN by phone explaining that the gunmen first tried to enter parliament, got into the shootout with security and then headed straight for the tourists.

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UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: And we - we just heard gunshots and then we - people, workers from the administration of the assembly told us, came to the committees (ph) and told us that we had to stop our work because the parliament was attacked from its main entrance. And then the information that they had is that we - the tourists went first to the main entrance of the parliament building and then when there were some gun fight between them and between the police officers who were in the entrance, they came back, they went back to the museum and at the entrance of the museum they shot a bus of tourists.

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BALDWIN: I have with me now our CNN global affairs analyst. David Rohde. David, we'll chat in just a minute. But first, Atika Shubert, let me just begin with you as far as what more we know. We mentioned this manhunt is underway. As far as these tourists, these victims, where are they from and are any American? ATIKA SHUBERT, CNN CORRESPONDENT: As far as we know, no Americans were

injured or killed in this attack, although there's still information coming in. What we understand from the Tunisian prime minister is that 19 in total were killed, 17 of those believed to be foreign tourists. We do know that a Polish national and at least one Italian national was killed, possibly more, but we are waiting for confirmation. There are also reports from Turkish officials that Spanish and French nationals may also have been killed, but we're still trying to nail down those details.

But as you can imagine, every country is scrambling to find out if any of their citizens were involved. No Americans, fortunately, have been reported killed, but the State Department did put out a statement just a little while ago with the spokesperson, Jen Psaki, condemning the attack. Take a listen.

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JEN PSAKI, STATE DEPARTMENT SPOKESWOMAN: We extend our heartfelt sympathies to the victims' families and loved ones. We commend Tunisian authorities' rapid response to today's (INAUDIBLE) violence and their efforts to resolve the hostage situation and restore calm. The United States stands with the Tunisian people at this difficult time and continues to support the Tunisian government's efforts to advance a secure, prosperous and democratic Tunisia.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

SHUBERT: Now in terms of who carried out this attack, two gunmen have been killed, another three still being looked for, but so far no one has claimed responsibility, Brooke.

BALDWIN: No one has as of yet. OK, Atika Shubert, thank you so much.

David Rohde, to you. You know, listen, when I think big picture in this part of the world, I think of Tunisia, I think of the genesis of the Arab Spring and all of this hope that was sweeping the region several years ago. And now you see thousands of these young Tunisians, in fact, is it the largest number from any country going to Syria to train with ISIS?

DAVID ROHDE, CNN GLOBAL AFFAIRS ANALYST: I believe it's the largest in the region.

BALDWIN: Yes.

ROHDE: I don't know if it's the total. But it's a problem. But I - I don't want to overreact to this attack. There have been two peaceful elections in Tunisia. It's an overwhelmingly moderate society. But it is, you know, it's very striking and distressing. Again, you know, two gunmen, maybe five gunmen, are able to wreak havoc to get very large headlines, kill lots of foreigners. It's, you know, we saw this in Sydney, in Ottawa, in Paris. They're all different - probably different groups involved, but it is -- it's a problem this pattern continues to happen.

BALDWIN: Why target tourists here?

[14:04:54] ROHDE: It's very simple. It's to go after the Tunisian economy. It's been a problem since the democratic governments took over and this will frighten away European tourists. And that's a key source of revenue for the country and a slow economy means frustrated young men, which, you know, means more recruits for these kind of groups.

BALDWIN: For this part of the world here, sort of a wedge between, you know, Morocco, Libya, Egypt, when I think of my picture in my head of northern Africa and a fairly solid government for this part of the world, correct. So you talk about the economy. What would be the motivation for all these young people? Are they lacking jobs? Are they lacking direction? I'm just trying to understand the why.

ROHDE: This was -- Tunisia was a very stagnant country before their longtime dictator was, you know, overthrown four years ago. There's a real rural urban divide. You know, Tunisia, Tunis, the capital, is incredibly cosmopolitan. There's cafes. You know, most people proudly, you know, speak French as well as Arabic.

BALDWIN: It looks beautiful.

ROHDE: It's amazing and it's full of tourists. There was a nearby - there was a boat full of Italian tourists from a cruise ship -

BALDWIN: A cruise, right.

ROHDE: That were right near where this attack occurred. But the countryside has had economic problems and that's where a lot of these young men come from that go off to Syria. And they're trying to, I think, exacerbate that divide with what was, you know, a very clever attack, unfortunately.

BALDWIN: It's interesting you use the word "clever." You know my -- my question would be, when you learn a little bit about the attack, we know that there were at least five attackers, and it seems fairly targeted. Would you - would you rate this on an organizational scale as fairly sophisticated?

ROHDE: I guess so. And what's - again, they're able to use small arms, just rifles to kill this many people. This isn't, you know, trying to get a large truck bomb in.

BALDWIN: OK.

ROHDE: It seems that they went to the parliament first. That would have been a, you know, a great, you know, again, high-profile but a real blow to the government. And then they maybe had a plan "b" it seems to go at a very popular museum full of foreigners.

BALDWIN: Again, still looking for three of these attackers at this hour. David Rohde, thank you very much.

ROHDE: Thank you.

BALDWIN: Atika Shubert, my thanks to you as well, in London.

Also breaking news back here at home, we are getting reports of an urgent manhunt in Arizona after several people were shot. We're told shots were fired at five or six different locations in Mesa. This is including a restaurant. Let me go to Paul Vercammen, who's working this for us.

Paul Vercammen, tell me - tell me what you know.

PAUL VERCAMMEN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, Mesa police are saying that at 8:39 this morning they got a call. It was out near the East Valley Institute of Technology. That is in Mesa. And as you pointed out, Brooke, five or six locations involved, including a nearby tri-city - this is a motor hotel.

From what we understand right now, according to Mesa police, at least four people shot, perhaps one fatally. They are looking into that right now. There's an active manhunt for the alleged shooter. We heard on scanner traffic that he was bald and he may even have changed shirts to disguise his identity.

There was also a report of a carjacking near the place called The Bistro, obviously a restaurant in the area. And this is a very active search at this moment right now. The East Valley Institute of Technology closed down. Students leaving the school said that classes had ended for the day, Brooke.

BALDWIN: All right, Paul Vercammen, please keep your eye and ear on the situation in Mesa. We'll come back to you as soon as news warrants. Thank you, sir.

Meantime, Caroline Kennedy - Caroline Kennedy, the U.S. ambassador to Japan, is reportedly receiving death threats. This comes just a few weeks after the U.S. ambassador to South Korea was slashed by that knife. What's going on? We'll talk about that coming up.

Also ahead, Syria claims it shot down a U.S. drone as the Pentagon gives a pretty interesting response. Are U.S. secrets at risk here?

And another fraternity in trouble, this time over a FaceBook page allegedly showing pictures of naked women, some of them passed out. Hear what some of these frat boys could be charged with.

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[14:13:01] BALDWIN: You're watching CNN. I'm Brooke Baldwin.

She grew up in a family truly of political icons and in the dangers that followed them. Now the daughter of John F. Kennedy is reportedly facing threats against her own life. Caroline Kennedy is the U.S. ambassador to Japan. She attended public events in Tokyo today and Tuesday, and she certainly showed no sign that she knows what local media are reporting that Tokyo police are now investigating threatening calls made just last month to the U.S. embassy there. Reuters is reporting that Alfred Magleby, the U.S. concul general in Okinawa, was also targeted. CNN's David Molko is following this story for us and he joins me now live.

David Molko, I mean, first of all, context, just for our viewers as well, you have the first lady, Michelle Obama, over there. Bill Clinton is there in Japan right now. Is there a greater threat to Americans visiting this country now and why?

DAVID MOLKO, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Brooke, that's tough to say because there are just so many questions about - about the timing of these threats and about their credibility. You know, this - this happened in February, and now they have come out in local Japanese press, some saying that they were phoned in by a male, an English speaker. But there are questions about, why are they coming out now and who is - who is providing them with this information?

You know, Caroline Kennedy, of course, one of the highest profile American diplomats in the world, if not the highest profile. Of course, everybody on a heightened state of awareness given what happened in South Korea just a few weeks ago, Brooke. Tokyo police not saying anything. The U.S. embassy in Tokyo not saying anything.

But we do have some information from the State Department. They are saying, quote, "we take any threats to U.S. diplomats seriously. We take every step possible to protect our personnel. We are working with the Japanese government to ensure the necessary measures are in place."

Brooke.

BALDWIN: You mentioned that U.S. ambassador to South Korea recently attacked. I mean gun - you know, rather knife. It was a knife to his face. What kind of security do these ambassadors have?

[14:15:06] MOLKO: Yes, that was quite horrific attack happening at a breakfast in the South Korean capital just a few weeks ago. He had surgery, stitches. He was bleeding in those - in those pictures.

The thing is, it's handled case by case. And they will never come out publicly and say, such and such ambassador has this level of security. You know, the State Department spokeswoman just mentioned this in the daily briefing just a few minutes ago. She said they do review things day to day, week to week. But to come out and explain exactly what they're doing would defeat the purpose.

Brooke, worth mentioning, neither Seoul nor Tokyo are considered high- risk postings. So, of course, these two events, the attack and then these threats, however credible they are, certainly concerning.

BALDWIN: David Molko, thank you very much. Appreciate that.

Coming up here on CNN, yet another college fraternity facing troubling allegations. This one involving a private FaceBook page showing women, some of them passed out and missing clothing. Among the alleged comments here on this FaceBook page, a no (ph) piece of forethought. They actually wore, "Lol, delete those or we'll be on CNN in a week." Well, they were right. That story when we come back.

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[14:20:35] BALDWIN: OK. Yet another fraternity scandal. This one at Penn State where Kappa Delta Rho has been suspended and is now under investigation by the university and local police. Members allegedly posted photo of drugs and hazing and partially nude women, some of them passed out and definitely in compromising positions. On this private FaceBook page, officials say the page had 144 members, this is including some current and former students. A former fraternity brother tipped off police. Penn State has suspended the fraternity now for a year saying, quote, "the evidence offered by the FaceBook postings is appalling, offensive and inconsistent with the university community's values and expectations."

I've got Sara Ganim with me. She's reporting on this one. And also - well, actually, Sara, I guess - do we have Nancy? Oh, Darren Kavinoky, I'm told. Darren Kavinoky is standing by as well.

But, Sara, to you first. Start at the beginning as far as you have some of these guys behind this page, some of these women on the page, many of whom police don't even know who they are. They've not been identified.

SARA GANIM, CNN CORRESPONDENT: A lot of them police don't know who they are. Some of the guys, police tell me, were using nicknames and a lot of women, you can't see their faces. So today what police are doing is trying to track these people down. Police actually made a plea last night for any and everyone who knows anything about this to come forward.

Now, what we see here, you and I were just talking about this in the break -

BALDWIN: Right.

GANIM: Some of this is stuff that you would expect to see maybe from a fraternity in college. Some of it was -

BALDWIN: College kids behaving badly.

GANIM: Exactly.

BALDWIN: Yes.

GANIM: Like boys pulling down their pants and showing their bare behind for the camera.

BALDWIN: (INAUDIBLE) not necessary.

GANIM: Or, you know, girls exposing themselves, clearly posing for the cameras, right?

BALDWIN: Right.

GANIM: But a lot of these pictures, you can see, I want to show you some of them, are women who are passed out, clearly unconscious, not knowing what's going on. BALDWIN: It's hard to see what you're looking at.

GANIM: Yes, it's very hard. We had to blur these out so that we weren't re-victimizing some of these women.

BALDWIN: Of course.

GANIM: But I saw them and, you know, there were a few women who clearly were not aware that this was - that their pictures were being taken, number one, and then they were being shared on a private FaceBook page where, I can tell you, a lot of the comments underneath these photos were just as disturbing as the photos themselves because the fraternity brothers were commenting on who their conquests, for example.

BALDWIN: Oh, disgusting.

GANIM: They were making fun of women who were concerned about some of their drunken hookups. They would post text messages of the - of concern for, you know, from the women and then talk about them.

BALDWIN: That's disgusting. Disgusting, disgusting.

Darren Kavinoky, though, a lot of these - as Sara was reporting, a lot of these were nicknames used. Police are trying to I.D. some of these men. Once they do, what charges could these young men face, first of all?

DARREN KAVINOKY, ATTORNEY: Yes, there's a variety of potential criminal charges that can arise here, Brooke. It could be on a federal, on a state or even on a local level. And what we don't know and one of the challenges that prosecutors obviously would face is, first, identifying some of these victims. If any of them turn out to be under the age of 18, that's where the most significant legal problems can arise because there it becomes child pornography. And on a state level, possessing, creating or distributing that child pornography can land you in prison for up to 10 years. On a federal level, it can be even more, as long as 30 years in prison. So that's potentially a significant issue, as well as the lack of consent issues when we're talking about sexual battery or other laws that prevent somebody from being placed in a compromising position due to their intoxication. So this -- there's a laundry list of potential crimes that can be potentially prosecuted, as well as civil lawsuits that can arise for the invasion of privacy. This can get very messy very quickly.

BALDWIN: Well, let -- let's messy it up a little bit more because let's just take it a step further. Here's what I'm also wondering, and, Sara Ganim, jump in if you need to. But, so this was one of those private invite-only FaceBook pages, right? This wasn't sort of anyone on FaceBook could click?

KAVINOKY: Right.

BALDWIN: You had to be invited to join, right?

GANIM: That's right. That's right.

KAVINOKY: That's right.

BALDWIN: So - so then, to take it a step further, Darren, would be, if I'm someone who was invited to join this website and I click like or accept or whatever I'm clicking on, does that then mean I could get in trouble too, that I, thus, would be condoning this behavior, these photos that are posted on this FaceBook page?

KAVINOKY: Yes.

[14:25:00] BALDWIN: You follow me?

KAVINOKY: Yes. Yes, no, completely. And that's absolutely something that prosecutors would look at. It would be a defense to the charge if you said, well, look, I only viewed this photograph accidentally. But if you've downloaded it, if you've displayed to other people and there's reason that you know or should know that the photos that you're looking at depict people who are under the age of 18 or over the age of 18 that haven't given their consent, that is potentially very problematic, even for the ultimate end user.

BALDWIN: So then, Sara Ganim, too, my other question would be, as you - as you pointed out and you've looked through these way thoroughly than I've had to, some of the women are passed out, some of the women appear to be consenting, but there's a whole caveat to that being what?

GANIM: Well, the caveat to the consenting is that it appears that these were maybe sexting messages that were sent privately and then later posted without the woman's consent. And I'll give you an example of that. There was a prior private FaceBook page that existed, the same fraternity, and they were caught by one of the women who found a topless photo of herself on this site because a brother had left it logged in at the fraternity house and she found it. She threatened them. She never went to police but she threatened the fraternity. They took it down and then started a new one. And the new one is what we see here.

So they knew that this was not good behavior. And you can - you can kind of, you know, gather from the search warrant, from the whistleblower. Now, the whistleblower, a credit to him because police would have never been able to find this by themselves. This was private, like you mentioned, invitation only. He had this. He had left the fraternity and was able to save the screen shots and bring them to police. But if he hadn't been a member and clicked like, like you said, if he hadn't been inside, they wouldn't have learned about this.

BALDWIN: Sara Ganim, thank you.

KAVINOKY: You know, and it's -

BALDWIN: Quickly, quickly, Darren.

KAVINOKY: Oh, no, it's so amazing that the college would respond or that the fraternity would respond to that version 1.0 by instead of pulling it down and changing their conduct, just to relaunch it as a 2.0. That's something that could really return to haunt them.

BALDWIN: Behaving badly. Darren Kavinoky, thank you so much. Sara Ganim, thank you as well. Appreciate it.

Next here on CNN, we have more on our breaking news. These three terrorists on the run after this attack in a museum killing 17 tourists during this hostage standoff. We'll talk to someone who heard about this terror threat months ago who was there.

Plus, here at home, a manhunt is also underway for this active shooter situation. This individual apparently opened fire at multiple locations in Mesa, Arizona, including a restaurant. We have the latest on that unraveling live. Stay right with me.

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