Return to Transcripts main page

CNN NEWSROOM

Massive Manhunt to Find Escaped Killers; Texas Officer's Conduct Sparks Outrage; Obama Meeting with Iraqi P.M. on ISIS; Graham: Caitlyn Jenner Welcome in GOP. Aired 9-9:30a ET

Aired June 8, 2015 - 09:00   ET

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


[09:00:07] (BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: Happening now the NEWSROOM, two convicted killers on the run out of tunneling out of a maximum security prison.

GOV. ANDREW CUOMO (D), NEW YORK: It was elaborate. It was sophisticated.

COSTELLO: Power tools, dummies, and a sticky note reading, "have a nice day." So where in the world are these dangerous criminals now?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: They could be literally anywhere.

COSTELLO: Also, pool party mayhem. A teenager in a bikini thrown to the ground, as she sobs for her mother the officer pulling a gun on two boys. He's on leave now. Is that enough?

Plus is Spike Lee giving Chicago a bad name?

MAYOR RAHM EMANUEL, CHICAGO: I was clear that I was not happy about the title.

COSTELLO: Chicago plus Iraq equals Chiraq? But now the director is dodging complaints that the title glorifies street violence.

Let's talk. Live in the CNN NEWSROOM.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

COSTELLO: And good morning. I'm Carol Costello. Thank you so much for joining me.

We begin with an international manhunt to try to find two cold-blooded killers. Authorities now scrambling to find 49-year-old Richard Matt and 35-year-old David Sweat who made a stunning and brazen escape from a maximum security prison in upstate New York. Their elaborate plan straight out of a Hollywood thriller. The inmates used power tools to saw through a cell wall before tunneling their way to freedom. Now major suspicious they had help from inside.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

CUOMO: This was very sophisticated. They had equipment that they shouldn't have had access to. That's a clear. But we're looking at the civilian employees now and the private contractors to see if possibly one civilian employee or a contractor was assisting this escape because they wouldn't have had the equipment on their own. That's for sure.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

COSTELLO: To make it worse on their way out the inmates left behind this note. You see it there. It reads "Have a nice day." Authorities now offering an unprecedented $100,000 reward for their capture and warns both men are extremely dangerous.

Let's bring in CNN's Polo Sandoval. He's on the ground in upstate New York. Good morning.

POLO SANDOVAL, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hey, good morning, Carol. We continue to see a very heavy police presence here in the small town of Dannemora, New York, just outside of the prison perimeter here. Despite the rainy conditions here I can tell you that authorities are continuing their efforts to track downtown two individuals and find out exactly how in the world they were able to pull off such an elaborate escape.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We're leaving no stone unturned. They could be literally anywhere.

SANDOVAL (voice-over): Two convicted murderers escaping this maximum security prison for the first time in its 170-year history, and as hundreds of law enforcements scouring upstate New York this morning.

CUOMO: These are dangerous people.

SANDOVAL: The massive manhunt is on for 35-year-old David Sweat who was sentenced to life with no parole for a 2002 killing of a sheriff's deputy, and 49-year-old Richard Matt who was spending 25 to life for beating a man to death and dismembering him in 1997.

CUOMO: When you look how it was done it was extraordinary.

SANDOVAL: New York's governor, Andrew Cuomo, taking a tour of their elaborate and almost unbelievable escape route discovered around 5:30 Saturday morning.

CUOMO: Must have kept you awake with all that cutting, huh?

SANDOVAL: After stuffing makeshift dummies into their beds so the guards thought they were sleeping, the inmates somehow obtained power tools to cut this hole at the back of their cell. Cutting through solid steel they exited on to a cat walk. From the cat walk they had to shimmy down into a tunnel below. Once there they had to breakthrough a 24-inch brick wall, then cut through a 24-inch steel vertical pipe which they then shimmied into continuing for a significant distance until cutting another hole making their way into the city sewer. Then when they reached the manhole, they had to cut through a steel

lock and chain, finally disappearing into the neighborhood about a block away from the prison. But not before leaving this racially offensive drawing for prison officials on a post it reading, "Have a nice day."

LISE VAN SUSTEREN, FORENSIC PSYCHIATRIST: It's clear that they had help. There's no way power tools don't just materialize inside prison cells. This has been being planned for a very long time.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

SANDOVAL: So again the key question here, how were they able to actually carry out these plans. And of course the priority trying to find these two individuals considered by authorities as extremely dangerous. We just mentioned there some of the details on this -- on the rap sheets of these folk, both Richard Matt and David Sweat, which is interesting, though, here, Carol.

I reached out to Broom County sheriff's officials which is really south of here, they -- the search for them here is little quite personal. You see sweat was convicted of shooting one of their deputies 22 times. So investigators there had some time to heal since one of their -- one of their, really, colleagues was gunned down.

[09:05:16] After speaking to the supervisors they're saying that this escape essentially tears open a piece of -- tears open up these wounds. And so the main focus here is to find them. With the Canadian border only 30 miles away, there's a real concern that they could have left the country by now -- Carol.

COSTELLO: All right. Polo Sandoval, reporting live for us this morning. Thank you.

Police in riot gears used Maison, a piercing alarm, trying to break up angry crowds as part of the hip-hop and R&B concert last night. Watch.

Investigators say some people were trying to jump fences and forced their way into a sold out summer jam concert at MetLife Stadium. Witnesses say the people did have tickets but got frustrated by slow security lines. Several arrests were made.

A summer pool party in an upscale neighborhood ends with police under fire and a Texas community outraged. It started after pool goers became upset that some teenagers showed up allegedly without a pool pass for birthday party at a swim club. Some kind of altercation took place and that's when police were called in. Watch.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: On the ground. I told you stay. (EXPLETIVE DELETED) stay on the ground. (EXPLETIVE DELETED). On the grass.

(END VIDEO CLIP) COSTELLO: All right. You can see these McKinney police officers are telling 14 and 15-year-olds to stay, I mean, you see that officer has this exchange with this 14-year-old girl, she's in a bikini. Supposedly she has said something to him like stop talking. She back talked him and he threw her to the ground. And then you'll eventually see he puts her face down on the ground -- well, actually you just saw it.

And then he'll stand up after he subdues this girl. A couple of boys try to rescue the girl, and then this officer pulls a gun on the teenagers trying to help this young lady.

All right. We're going to bring in Ed Davis, a former police commissioner from Boston and also a CNN analyst.

Welcome, sir. Sorry about the delay. I was expecting to see more there. Thank you for being here. But just in viewing that videotape, what goes through your mind?

ED DAVIS, FORMER COMMISSIONER, BOSTON POLICE DEPARTMENT: Well, I would agree with the Chief Connelly that there is some troubling behavior there that has to be reviewed. You know, when you go to a situation like this, the police's job is to establish order out of chaos. You get called to chaotic situations all the time, and the ideal thing is to come in with a calm demeanor and get things calmed down and get people moving along and out of the area.

You don't want to make a lot of arrests. You want to -- you want to try to just break up the party and get people to leave. And clearly this officer got emotionally involved in what was happening. He had -- he didn't have the control that is necessary to do his job properly.

COSTELLO: I want to show you a series of scenes from what happened that day. This is how the officer arrived at the scene. Hopefully we'll see him rolling. Look at that. It's like he's Rambo and he's arriving on the scene. What do you make of that?

DAVIS: Well, it's hard to understand what caused that. I mean, did he trip? It looks like he was running up to the scene and, you know, that's problematic to begin with. This is not a shooting incident or an incident where anybody's life is in danger. As I said you should be walking in there cool, calm, and collected and not let yourself get caught up in the excitement of the moment. And, you know, from looking at this that clearly didn't happen.

So, you know, we do hire human beings. Police officers are hired from the human race. They do have all of the issues that anybody has when they're turning their lights and siren on and driving to a call, and sometimes they get a little excited. And I mean it would appear as though that's what happened here. I think that the police department has to step in at this point in time, look at the training their officers are receiving, look at the supervision that they're receiving at the scene.

There were a whole bunch of other officers there that acted appropriately that were doing exactly what should have been done, and so the question is why did this officer act so far off the charts?

COSTELLO: Well, let's go back to this young girl in the bikini that the officer had to subdue, I suppose.

[09:10:04] What was going through his mind? Because, I mean, viewers couldn't see or hear what she said to the officer as she was walking away, but he grabbed her arm and pulled her back and slammed her to the ground. Was that proper?

DAVIS: No, it clearly wasn't proper. You know, most police officers in the situation like that, the last thing they want to do is make an arrest. They want to try to, you know, move people along and end the problem without having to do the paperwork, quite frankly. This officer, for some reason, reacted very badly. You know, she might have said something to him that old adage of contempt of cops sometimes plays a role in these things.

But it's hard to say until you get -- you know, you analyze this video very clearly. Clearly the police chief is doing that. The officer has been suspended from duty and will be dealt with appropriately.

The real challenge here, Carol, is to make sure that this doesn't happen again in this police department. To improve the training and his supervision so that if there is an officer that starts to act out like this, his colleagues will try to pull him under control before it gets to the point where he's pulling a firearm in a situation where it's just totally inappropriate.

COSTELLO: All right. Ed Davis, former police commissioner from Boston, thank you so much for your insight. I appreciate it.

Coming up in the NEWSROOM, world leaders tackling major issues like ISIS and climate change. What will the president have to say about it? We'll be hearing from him next.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[09:15:43] COSTELLO: President Obama and the prime minister of Iraq meeting now against the backdrop of the G7 summit. On their agenda, the fight against ISIS and how U.S. can help Iraq stop the terror group's advance.

In a sign things aren't going so great, a possible snub right before that meeting. You see President Obama here sitting on the bench. He's talking with the Italian prime minister and the IMF director. His back is turned to the Iraqi prime minister. He's sitting there besides his translator, and President Obama never turns around to address the Iraqi prime minister. He just walks off.

So, was it a snub? An oversight? What?

We go to senior White House correspondent Jim Acosta. He's in Austria.

So, Jim, it was awkward, but was it a snub? JIM ACOSTA, CNN SENIOR WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: Yes. I think it's

more #awkward, Carol. You know, they try so hard to carefully craft these photo opportunities for the leaders. And sometimes things go awry. I think that's the case here.

You have to recall earlier in the day the president shook hands with the Iraqi prime minister. He's currently having a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the summit right now with Haider al-Abadi. We have pictures of that as well. You'll also see in the room, the national security adviser Susan Rice, the White House press secretary Josh Earnest and those new photos and the bilateral meeting that's happening right now.

But, you know, Carol, these are things that happen at these summits. There's another great picture that the president's official photographer, Pete Sousa and other photographers captured earlier this morning where Angela Merkel is talking to President Obama and she sort of has her arms like this like what is going on here and having an animated discussion with the president.

And, you know, you can try to read the tea leaves but unless we have a read out or verbatim of what was said during these discussions, we don't really know what's being said. We don't really know if a snub is occurring. But I think the evidence shows that that's probably not a snub just an awkward moment when the president did not even realize that the Iraqi prime minister was behind him.

But keep in mind, these two leaders have a lot to talk about. The Iraqi prime minister is obviously coming here to the Alps looking for military assistance. We're told by administration officials, don't really expect any announcements on that. The president also wants to smooth over some rough feelings that might be felt down in Baghdad after the U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter told our Barbara Star that he questioned the Iraq's will to fight. I assume the president will add some context to those remarks during the discussion.

But, Carol, the other big story out here is Russia and the crisis in Ukraine. The G7 just put out a formal statement condemning Russia's actions in Ukraine continuing to call the annexation of Crimea illegal in saying that those sanctions against Russia are going to remain in place so long as Russia is violating the cease-fire agreements that were supposed to be hammered out months ago. And Russia is clearly in violation of it unless they respect the sovereignty, those sanctions are not going to be relaxed.

So, they got a lot accomplished on this agenda. And they almost got out of here without an awkward optic, but they certainly did get that as well. Despite the beautiful scenery here, sometimes the pictures aren't so -- aren't something you put on a postcard and send home to mom, Carol.

COSTELLO: Sometimes. Jim Acosta, reporting live from Austria this morning.

Checking some other top stories for you at 18 minutes past the hour. Today, the government is expected to start notifying current and former federal workers, telling them if they are among the millions whose information comprised in the massive hack. U.S. investigators believe they can track hackers to China, although the Chinese government denies any involvement. While the White House is now officially laying blame on anyone, it said it is considering options including economic sanctions as punishment.

Fire balls exploded into the sky as crews battled a five-alarm fire at a Pennsylvania chemical plant. It's not clear what caused the blaze which razed for four hours. But officials don't believe the clouds of dark smoke are toxic. There have been no reports of injuries.

If you're planning your retirement, consider Phoenix. A new study out this morning says it is the best place to retire. Also, topping the list Arlington, Virginia, right outside of D.C., Prescott and Tucson, Arizona and Des Moines, Iowa, also make the list. The study looked at factors like the cost of living, the crime rate, and walkability.

And what city should retires avoid? No big surprise New York City ranked dead last.

[09:20:04] Still to come in the NEWSROOM: pork chops, Harleys, and plenty of handshaking. Iowa's caucuses are still eight months away, but already, Republican hopefuls are duking it out for your vote.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: The culture wars are heating up, no surprise. We're heading to 2016 and there's lots and lots of people who want to be president. Perhaps they will found the latest CNN/ORC poll helpful. Support for same-sex marriage continues to grow, 63 percent of Americans say gay couples have a constitutional right to marry.

[09:25:05] As for whether they think the U.S. Supreme Court will rule on this issue fairly, about 49 percent say they have a great deal or moderate amount of trust in the bench.

Senator Lindsey Graham waded into the issue by welcoming Caitlyn Jenner to the party.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SEN. LINDSEY GRAHAM (R-SC), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: I haven't walked in her shoes. I don't have all the answers to the mysteries of life. I can only imagine the torment that Bruce Jenner went through. I hope she has found peace. I'm a pro-life traditional marriage kind of guy, but I'm running to be president of the United States. If Caitlyn Jenner wants to be a Republican, she is welcome in my party.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

COSTELLO: With me now, Ron Christie, former special assistant to President George W. Bush, and Marc Lamont Hill, CNN political commentator and host of "Huff Post Live".

Good morning to you both.

MARC LAMONT HILL, CNN POLITICAL COMMENTATOR: Good morning.

RON CHRISTIE, FORMER SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO PRES. G.W. BUSH: Good morning.

COSTELLO: Good morning.

So, Marc, surprising words from Senator Graham?

HILL: A little surprising but encouraging more importantly right now. Lindsey Graham is trying to find space on that stage, and that Republican primary stage is huge, and only ten people are really going to make the cut. Saying something that opens himself up to a wide range of Republicans, not just the fringes of the party is important, particularly when his brand is being hawkish on war, being pro-life, being same sex marriage banned support of him because of those things. This opens him up.

But it's courageous. I'm proud of him for not misgendering her and for doing the right thing and opening up the party.

COSTELLO: Interesting. So, Scott Walker was not as open. He was looking all macho as he road his Harley into Iowa for that cattle call. He backs the constitutional amendment to ban same sex marriage, if the Supreme Court decides that's unconstitutional -- which is kind of weird, Ron.

CHRISTIE: Yes, good morning, Carol. You know, my take on this is if you want to enter the institution of marriage, if you want to have your wife and husband boss you around and tell you who is in charge and recognize it's not you, I welcome them all to the party.

I mean, let's be real. I just think in the United States today and around the world, if two people find a way to love each other and spend time with each other, I'm all for it. I just don't know that we necessarily -- the Supreme Court and our judicial system weighing in on this.

COSTELLO: Really?

CHRISTIE: Yes. Really. I think, look, I agree with Lindsey Graham. I'm a traditional marriage kind of guy, but I understand I believe the two people committed to each other should have the opportunity to be with each other. It should be end of story. It shouldn't be that big of a deal.

COSTELLO: But the Supreme Court shouldn't rule on such an issue?

CHRISTIE: Well, I think these things are best left to the states, Carol.

HILL: Oh.

CHRISTIE: I think there's a reason why we have the Tenth Amendment, and I think there's a reason why states are given the authority and the areas not seated by the federal government. Let the states decide.

But again, I don't think this is a big huge deal that the Republicans are in this. Look, remember, it was Bill Clinton who signed the Defense of Marriage Act which defined marriage being between a man and woman. Why don't we ask the former president's wife, Hillary Clinton, who has been largely silent what she thinks about it?

COSTELLO: I think Hillary Clinton has spoken about this issue, but go on, Marc.

HILL: Well, she has.

I was going to say, first, I think it is problematic to hold a female candidate accountable for what her husband said or did. But I do think it's reasonable to ask a candidate what they think about it, what a former president did. And Hillary Clinton has been very clear that she thought the Defense of Marriage Act and the act, I'm sorry, I'm blanking now, was wrong.

And they asked very specifically, did you agree with what Bill Clinton did? She said no. They asked Bill Clinton if he thought he was wrong, and he said, hey, I made a mistake and I got this one wrong. So, I don't think that's the reason and I think it is frustrating sometimes to hear people say, hey, I agree with marriage for everybody but let's leave it up to the states. That's de facto way of punting, because we understand that if we leave it to the state it ain't going to happen. That's very troublesome.

CHRISTIE: It might be a punt for you. I just happen to be a lawyer and I happen to be schooled in the Tenth Amendment. That's generally what I believe.

And as far as the common looking at people's spouses, if "The New York Times" find it is going to talk about Senator Rubio's wife's parking tickets and her violations, then I certainly think it's fair game.

HILL: I think it's wrong.

CHRISTIE: I think it is fair game to ask a former secretary of state, a former first lady whose husband signed the Defense of Marriage Act into law what her stance is on the issue and have her elaborate about what she thinks. She largely has been silent, I think.

HILL: There's -- I don't want to get too far on the issue. There's a distinction between saying I'm going to ask her because she's running for president and I'm going to ask her because she's the president's wife, which was the initial comment, and that's what I was disagreeing with you on.

Remember, I agree with you she should be asked the questions. Hillary Clinton should be held to great scrutiny on the question. I'm glad there's a mix here and it's not drawn on partisan lines. There are people like Scott Walker who are saying one thing. There are people like Lindsey Graham who are saying another. I think it is an important conversation to have. Ultimately, it may decide who becomes president. CHRISTIE: I think you're right.

COSTELLO: On the subject of Hillary Clinton, Republican Senator Joni Ernst who hosted this cattle call in Iowa took a shot at Hillary Clinton. Listen.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SEN. JONI ERNST (R), IOWA: I would say, Hillary, it's not enough to be a woman. You have to care about women's issues, and women's issues here in Iowa are that we have a strong economy.