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Trump Says, Israel and Iran Must Immediately Stop Shooting; Six Injured in New York City Stabbing Ahead of Trump Attending NBA Finals; Police Search for Suspects After 12 People Shot at Ohio Festival. Aired 7-7:30a ET

Aired June 08, 2026 - 07:00   ET

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

[07:00:00]

JOHN BERMAN, CNN ANCHOR: Breaking this morning, is the president losing control of the war in the Middle East? Friend and foe, Israel and Iran exchanged strikes after the president said he was going to tell Israel not to. A few minutes ago, he issued a new statement. Will they listen this time?

KATE BOLDUAN, CNN ANCHOR: Six people stabbed at New York's Penn Station just as the city is now preparing to host President Trump at game three of the NBA finals. What we know about the even more heightened security in place for tonight's game.

And a deadly earthquake and the scary video that's coming in. Schoolchildren terrified, buildings collapsing to the ground. New details this morning about the damage left behind.

Sara is out today. I'm Kate Bolduan with John Berman. This is CNN News Central.

BERMAN: The breaking news this morning, President Trump just wrote, Israel and Iran must stop shooting. That's what he wrote. But there are signs they've stopped listening, both Iran and Israel. Iran fired missiles at Israel, and overnight Israel fired back. That's despite a report first in Axios that the president told the Israeli prime minister not to retaliate.

And despite the grandiose claim to the Financial Times that he, Trump, calls all the shots, he did not seem to call this one. Israel says it hit targets in Western and Central Iran, and Iran state media says an aerial attack hit a petrochemical plant, damaging part of the facility. This morning, Iran says the U.S. quote, bears responsibility for Israel's actions.

And as we were coming to air this morning, the president posted again just a few seconds ago that both sides, Israel and Iran, are looking to do an immediate ceasefire. We will see. Of course, the administration also says a ceasefire has been in place since the beginning of April.

Let's get to CNN's Kevin Liptak live at the White House for all the latest on here, what is and isn't happening, who is and isn't listening.

KEVIN LIPTAK, CNN SENIOR WHITE HOUSE REPORTER: Well, at this point, it really does appear as if President Trump has a limited ability to control events in the region. You know, he's posting on social media, but no indication at this point how he plans to head off this escalation ladder, which really seems to be putting the ceasefire that, in theory, remains in effect on a precipice.

And just to read you a little more of what he said just moments ago, he said that final negotiations on peace are proceeding subject to ignorance or stupidity getting in the way. He said that the blockade, referring to the American blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, will remain in effect, in full force and effect until a final deal is reached. Things should move quickly.

Remember, President Trump has been saying for weeks now that the U.S. and Iran are very close to striking this memorandum of understanding to end the war. So far, nothing has materialized. And, of course, the fear I think you heard among American officials is that the longer those negotiations went on, the more likely something would come in and upend them. Whether this is that event, I think, remains to be seen, but clearly undercutting a lot of the president's efforts at diplomacy here.

Now, this morning, I'm told that there are, you know, hurried efforts to try and tamp down on some of the tensions to lower the temperatures, including by the Gulf states who are putting pressure on President Trump to pressure Netanyahu to ease up on the retaliation.

Whether the president has the ability to do that, of course, now remains in question. The president publicly saying yesterday in a phone call with reporters that he would urge Netanyahu not to retaliate after Iran fired ballistic missiles towards Israel. In their private conversation, I'm told that the president did in fact encourage Netanyahu not to retaliate, to allow time for some of this diplomacy to proceed.

But, clearly, overnight, we're seeing that retaliation coming in full force. The Israeli military saying that Iran fired 30 ballistic missiles towards Israel.

[07:05:00]

They say that they, in retaliation, targeted a petrochemical facility, also air defense systems and weapons, Iranian missile launch sites, and other non-energy infrastructure.

I think it's clear at this point that President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu's objectives in this conflict are diverging. Clearly, Netanyahu highly skeptical of these attempts at diplomacy. Netanyahu also facing political pressure in the form of elections in November.

President Trump also facing elections in the fall. Both of these men, I think, now evident that the two sides here are diverging in how exactly they see all of this proceeding. John? BERMAN: Yes. Again, the president told the prime minister not to do it. The prime minister apparently did. We'll see what happens next.

Kevin Liptak at the White House, thank you very much.

BOLDUAN: And by what happens next, I mean, don't leave -- don't go far, because the president is up and talking about it already this morning.

BERMAN: Very good point. What happens now I think is just as much in question.

BOLDUAN: Exactly.

We also learned overnight that six people were injured in a stabbing at Penn Station here in New York. Authorities say that they do have a suspect in custody. But this is getting extra attention now as New York City is now preparing to not only see massive crowds for game three of the NBA Finals tonight, but also because President Trump is now expected to attend a press conference on security preps and what is happening. It is expected next hour. We're going to be keeping a close eye on that.

The arena sits directly on top of Penn Station, where the stabbings happened, which is an important part of context here, point of context here.

CNN's Mark Morales is live outside Madison Square Garden for much more on this. And, Mark, what's the latest that you're hearing?

MARK MORALES, CNN REPORTER: Well, investigators right now are trying to figure out what actually sparked this stabbing. He was taken into custody soon after the incident, so it shouldn't be too long before they figure this out. And it's important to note that all five victims in this situation were taken to local hospitals. He may have been the sixth one injured in this whole incident.

But this is important to note because not only does this happen a few hours before game three starts here at the NBA Finals, but this also happened before this major ramp up that's been happening. I mean, we're standing right now where the game three watch party would've been should the -- if the president was not going to be here.

But because they were going to be here, the Secret Service in conjunction with the NYPD decided that this could not happen. They could not have a plaza full of people who may or may not be rowdy as the night wore on outside of Madison Square Garden with the president inside.

So, what we're seeing here is that there's going to be this major ramp up, and there's going to be some behind the scenes security things that we're not going to see. And then there's going to be other ones that are going to be very visible. I mean, we talk about the intensity inside Madison Square Garden. It's going to be just as intense out here with security. So, you're going to have every camera that's in this area that's going to be zeroed in on Madison Square Garden. And they're partnering with the local real estate companies and everybody who owns the lands nearby to keep watch on this location. That's in addition to detection that they have.

But if you look behind me, you'll also see these barricades. These are anti-climbing fences that they've put up. These have been wrapped around all of Madison Square Garden, and you'll see all the way down just how far it goes. This is going to be in addition to the metal barricades that have already gone up just like this.

And you'll also see a huge flood of police presence here. You'll see NYPD officers. You'll see tactical teams from the federal authorities, counterassault teams. And it's also important to note, if you're going to this game today, get there two hours ahead of tip-off time so you can actually get into the game, and there is a very, very strict no bag policy. Kate?

BOLDUAN: It was already a strict no bag policy. I can't imagine what even more strict no bag policy looks like going into the Garden. But, man, I mean, security's always tight. It is going to be quite something. People trying to get in and get out, and everyone trying to keep it safe tonight.

It's great to have you, Mark, there. Thank you so much. I really appreciate it. John?

BERMAN: Well, a powerful earthquake rocks a city with hundreds of thousands of people, tens of thousands are displaced, and now a frantic search for people feared trapped in the rubble there.

Happening now, a manhunt underway after at least 12 people were shot at a popular festival.

And an SUV goes airborne during a police chase. Four children were inside that car, including a baby.

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[07:10:00]

BOLDUAN: So, right now, there is a urgent manhunt underway in Toledo, Ohio, for the suspects who opened fire near a popular neighborhood festival injuring at least a dozen people.

Goodness, you can hear the gunshots there. Crowds of people obviously then sent running for safety and for their lives. One witness described the scene as pandemonium.

CNN's Gloria Pazmino is tracking this one for us. What are the details coming in? What are you hearing?

GLORIA PAZMINO, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Yes, Kate. You know, listening to the gunshots and knowing that this took place at a summertime festival, unfortunately, it's become a very familiar scene across the United States. This is in fact the 170th mass shooting in the U.S. this year alone, according to the Gun Violence Archive. As you said, at least 12 people injured by gunfire, and police believe that this started when two people were shooting at each other.

[07:15:00]

Now, there's a manhunt that is currently underway. No suspects have been arrested, and police officials in the area are asking witnesses to call in, to comb through their video, to see if they might know or have anything that might help lead to the finding of these suspects.

I want you to take a listen to witnesses describing the moment that gunshots rang out.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Bullets flying everywhere --

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Going crazy, man, whole lot of pandemonium.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Pandemonium, you know what I'm saying? We told them to stay. Everybody get back.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: That's all I heard.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: That's all I heard.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Every once I heard, everybody get back.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

PAZMINO: Now, Kate, this happened at the Old West End Festival. It takes place every year in Toledo, Ohio, in the city's historic district. It had started on Saturday. It was supposed to continue on Sunday, but officials opted to cancel the event on Sunday following the shooting, which took place on Saturday evening.

As I said, this was supposed to be a fun family summertime festival, unfortunately canceled and impacted by this gun violence. Police officials still looking for the suspects and the victims ranging in ages from 14 years old to 61 years old.

BOLDUAN: Yes. Looks like they need some help trying to track these people down now, which is what they're looking for.

Gloria, thank you so much. Much more to come on this, for sure.

Also this for us, a fake boarding pass and hiding out in an airplane bathroom. How and why a man snuck past security and ended up on a United flight.

And a huge focus, of course, today is on security ahead of game three of the NBA finals tonight. But also fans in New York City are just ready for some fun to begin at the Garden. How the Knicks and Spurs are preparing for tonight's critical game.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[07:20:00]

BERMAN: Basketball tonight up the street at Madison Square Garden, if you can afford it and get past security. Big question, can the Knicks continue this truly historic streak?

Let's get to CNN's Coy Wire. Can anything stop them at this point?

COY WIRE, CNN SPORTS ANCHOR: They're like a runaway freight train, John. As Knicks fan fever is in full force, that current get in price hovering around $6,000. They haven't lost since April 23rd, John. The official watch party outside MSG has been canceled with President Donald Trump expected to attend. I've been to such events. It had all sorts of layers to and lots of alters, lots of plans, right? Knicks officials are warning about this TSA-style screening, a strict no bag policy, telling them to arrive at least two hours before tip-off with all the enhanced security measures.

Knicks have won 13 straight playoff games. Two more and they could sweep, clinch at home, and match the NBA record for most consecutive playoff wins.

And Nelly Korda needed one final putt, John, to seal the U.S. Women's Open. She watched her ball catch the edge of the cup, circle around the rim, and somehow tumble home. That putt took the scenic route to the bottom of the cup, and that capped the final round 69, giving Korda a one-shot win over Charlie Hall and Gabby Lopez. It's the fourth major of her career and her second straight win.

For years, Alex Zverev carried a label no athlete wants, one of the best players never to win a Grand Slam. Not anymore. At the French Open yesterday in his fourth major finals, Zverev defeated Flavio Cobolli in five-set thriller to capture his first. With neither Sinner nor Alcaraz standing in his way, the world number three took full advantage. After years of knocking on the door, Zverev finally kicked it in.

All right, in case you missed it this weekend, one of the wildest hockey games you would've ever seen. Stanley Cup Final game three, Vegas had a four-nothing lead behind Mitch Marner's hat trick in just six minutes and 10 seconds span, John, fastest hat trick in Cup Final history.

Game over, right? Not even close. The Hurricanes would score three goals in 39 seconds. Fastest three-goal burst in final history, so it went to double overtime. That's where Shea Theodore rescued Vegas. The Golden Knights now have a 2-1 series lead.

Finally, think Stanley Cup with more tail wags and significantly more teeth. The Stanley Pup is back. 32 puppies, many adoptable, in a competition featuring puppy puck handling, some furry fast breaks, and enough cuteness to melt the heart of even the toughest hockey aficionado. That's tonight, 9:30 Eastern on TruTV and HBO Max.

John, you know, unlike human playoffs, every contestant afterwards gets belly rubs. The Stanley Cup Final has been phenomenal. I don't know if you've been seeing it, but it's been like a rollercoaster ride designed by hockey fans. Incredible stuff, John.

BERMAN: I'll say a few things about this. I'm going to channel Kate Baldwin here. It's truly stunning they're still playing hockey in mid- June. But as long as they are still playing hockey, the quality is off the charts. I mean, these games, every game has given us amazing, amazing highlights.

And finally, as I'm looking at these pictures of these adorable dogs here, CNN New Central is pro-puppy and sports. We are big endorsers of the Puppy Bowl and the Stanley Pup. We regularly have these wonderful creatures here where they urinate on the floor.

Coy Wire --

WIRE: Hell, yes. I remember that. That was so good, and maybe we'll get that again this year. We can only hope.

BERMAN: My shoes are truly hopeful as well.

Coy Wire, great to see you this morning, thank you very much.

WIRE: Yes.

BERMAN: All right, the president storms off the set in the middle of an interview when he was pressed for evidence for some of his baseless election claims.

And the drama around all the dramas and the musicals, the incredible wins and surprising shutouts from this year's Tony Awards.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[07:25:00]

BOLDUAN: So, the breaking news this morning, Israel and Iran trading strikes in the most serious escalation of fighting since the ceasefire began two months ago. And President Trump is up and talking about it already this morning on social media, demanding that they, quote/unquote, stop shooting.

Iran launched a wave of missiles at Israel, while an Israeli assault damaged an Iranian petrochemical plant, all of it throwing into question now the already fragile peace negotiations between the U.S. and Iran. Iran's Foreign Ministry saying that the United States bears responsibility for Israel's actions.

CNN's Fred Pleitgen is in Tehran. We should note CNN operates in Iran only with the permission of the government, but maintains full editorial control of its reports.

[07:30:04]

Here's Fred's report.

FREDERIK PLEITGEN, CNN SENIOR INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: On our rooftop position here overlooking Iran's capital.