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Harrowing Moments Inside NYC Building As Mass Shooting Unfolded; Detainees At "Alligator Alcatraz" On Hunger Strike; Protesters Rally Over Fate Of Hostages In Gaza; Malibu Residents In Quest For Safer Option To Pacific Coast Highway. Aired 4-5p ET

Aired August 03, 2025 - 16:00   ET

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

[16:00:00]

FREDRICKA WHITFIELD, CNN HOST: And we begin this hour with harrowing new details about the movements of the gunman who carried out that mass shooting at a Manhattan office building on Monday. Senior law enforcement officials say that within a minute of entering the lobby, 27-year-old Shane Davon Tamura opened fire on a police officer then shot at three others before disappearing inside the building.

In all, four people were fatally shot and one was injured before Tamura killed himself. It would mark the city's deadliest shooting in 25 years.

CNN chief law enforcement and intelligence analyst John Miller is joining me now with more details.

I mean, you've learned incredible detail on really taking us through all that transpired, everything from the gunman's movements in the hours before the shooting and even throughout. Tell us more.

JOHN MILLER, CNN CHIEF LAW ENFORCEMENT AND INTELLIGENCE ANALYST: Well, what we've been able to piece together is really kind of the macrame of clues that police piece together to really take him from his home, where a license plate reader that's driving by, spots his car in the driveway, you know, on the 23rd. We know he misses work, but we also know from other license plate readers across the country in Loma, Colorado, you know, on July 27th, he's moving in early morning.

Wolcott, Indiana, he's changed time zones but, you know, at 4:42 he's still going east. Columbia, New Jersey, now it's July 28th at 4:24 p.m. He's within an hour of New York City. Then he takes the license plate readers coming into New York City. And then, of course, he's double parked in front of that building.

But what police were able to do by using the network of police agencies and their resources across the country through things like the NYPD's Intelligence Bureau and their sentry program, tracking back to Las Vegas and using their investigators to speed up the process of figuring out who is this guy, what's his issue? How did he get here? Where did this weapon come from? They learned an awful lot in a very short time.

WHITFIELD: And then once he got to the building, we mentioned that he killed a police officer nearly immediately and then made his way in this building. He had an objective. While he didn't necessarily meet the objective in terms of the floor, as you reported to us the last hour, he still, I guess, you know, took the opportunity, right? I mean, he still carried out whatever his part of his goal was. Explain about all that.

MILLER: So, Fred, I'll explain it, and yet it's nearly inexplicable because his target, we believe, was the NFL, right? The note in his back pocket claimed that he had CTE, the brain disease from multiple blows to the head from his high school football career. He believed the NFL was responsible for somehow slowing research on that. That was his target there on the fourth, fifth and sixth floors.

But he goes into an elevator bank after shooting 23 rounds from an assault weapon in the lobby, killing the police officer, a Blackstone executive, a security officer who was ducked down behind the desk, wounding an NFL employee who was passing by. He gets into the elevator and the first floor that it will let him out on is 31. He's in the wrong elevator bank, but when he comes out, he enters the space occupied by Rudin Management, the people who run that building.

He's faced on both sides by glass walls and locked doors. And on the video, people have viewed it, say, you can see him getting visibly frustrated, right? This is not where I wanted to be. This is not where I wanted to end up, you know, locked out. So he opens fire on the glass wall, riddling it with holes. Then he kicks through the glass and spots a cleaning woman who, you know, issued a very detailed statement.

She's yards away, but he raises the gun, opens fire. She runs away, hides in a closet, and then he goes through the offices, shooting at doors and walls. But he's stalking. He's hunting. One person who's there working late, a man, has gone into the men's room, which the Rudin Management Company, they've designed the bathroom as a safe room. They have bolt locking doors, Kevlar lined walls, dedicated phone lines inside so you can communicate with the outside world. Video feeds that have a panoramic view of the hallway. And he's in there.

Now in the ladies' room, there is a Rudin employee who may not have understood what was going on outside because it's possible she was in the ladies' room before the shooting started, but because of the lead doors and other things, it's possible she didn't hear it or decided to open the door to see what was going on. She takes about four steps out of the ladies' room and is shot in the back and that is one of the 24 rounds that they found on the 33rd floor.

[16:05:11]

The male stayed in the men's room, locked in that safe room. The company had drilled the employees through active shooter practice drills prior to this, knowing that this was a threat that we honestly haven't seen really in New York City, but one they had to be prepared for. What happened to her is just a terrible tragedy.

WHITFIELD: Indeed. And then what about the history of these weapons? Do we know anything about how or what investigators are saying about how he obtained the weapons?

MILLER: So what about that long gun that he walks into the building with? It is an M-4, AR-15 type of platform. It is outfitted with a flashlight. It is outfitted with a scope where you can look through the scope and wherever that little green dot is, is where the bullet is going to go. It is really the kind of assault weapon you would see in the hands of, say, U.S. special forces. But here is an individual who purchased this from a colleague that he worked with at the Horseshoe Casino, who sold it as a private sale.

He had bought three lower receivers and built guns from them apparently, selling this one for $1400. There is no indication whatsoever, and we've reached out to this individual a couple of times, that he had any idea what the purpose that this shooter had in mind for this gun. We also know he purchased 500 rounds of ammunition for it back in June. And another handgun, a 357 Magnum.

So what does that tell us, Fred? As we look at the amount of ammunition they found in his car, another 800 rounds, the case for the rifle that he drove across the country with, it tells us that the thing that we believe about these active shooters, that they got frustrated and one day they just snapped, is not how it works. It usually involves weeks, sometimes months of planning where they have decided that for whatever the series of failures in their life have beset them, that it's not their failure, that it's someone else's fault.

In this case, a high school football player decided that if he was having migraines and issues with his head, that it was the NFL's fault, and he literally drove across the country to settle that perceived score with the NFL. And more interestingly and senselessly, when he couldn't get to the target he wanted, he took it out on people that he clearly understood had nothing to do with that. He was just so bent on killing at that point.

It gives us insights into how the thinking that leads to these things that we think come out of nowhere develops over time, and maybe how to spot them earlier.

WHITFIELD: Yes. So sad but extraordinary detail. And like you said, perhaps bring about some answers to prevent something like this from happening again.

All right, John Miller, thank you so much.

MILLER: Thank you, Fred.

WHITFIELD: All right. We're also learning about breaking news out of Montana, where a manhunt for a suspect accused of fatally shooting four people at a bar there is now expanding. The niece of Michael Paul Brown says the Army veteran suffers from mental illness, which she says deteriorated after the death of his parents. Authorities have now locked down parts of a national forest near the crime scene, as search teams combed the area by land and air. State officials are warning the public to stay alert as Brown is considered armed and extremely dangerous. (BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

AUSTIN KNUDSEN, MONTANA ATTORNEY GENERAL: The vehicle he ended up grabbing was loaded full of equipment. It was not his vehicle, it was a stolen vehicle, but there was camping equipment in it. We believe there was some clothing in it. So at this point, we have every reason to believe the suspect is fully clothed. Shoes on his feet. Able to get around. We are acting under the assumption that he is alive, well- armed and extremely dangerous.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

WHITFIELD: Officials have identified the victims as 59-year-old Daniel Edwin Bailey, 64-year-old Nancy Loretta Kelly, 70-year-old David Allen Leech, and 74-year-old Tony Wayne Palm.

And then in Tennessee, authorities have arrested two men accused of helping a suspect who is wanted in the deaths of four people there. Tanaka Brown and Giovante Thomas, each 29 years old, are charged with accessory after the fact to first degree murder. Brown is also accused of tampering with evidence. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation did not identify the evidence that led to these charges.

The arrests come as the manhunt for Austin Drummond continues. Drummond is wanted in connection with the deaths of four people. Their bodies were found on Tuesday, just hours after a 7-month-old girl was found alive and abandoned in a car seat in a random front yard.

[16:10:02]

Her parents were among the victims. Officials warn residents not to engage with the suspect, who they call extremely violent.

At least a dozen detainees at the Florida immigration facility, dubbed "Alligator Alcatraz," have reportedly been on a hunger strike for the last 12 days now. An immigrant rights advocate tells CNN the detainees are protesting what they describe as deplorable conditions inside the tent facility that opened just last month, as well as alleged mistreatment by guards.

Rafael Romo is following the latest.

Rafael, you spoke with that official from the Florida Immigrant Coalition, and what did you learn?

RAFAEL ROMO, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, let's remember a month ago today, that's when this site opened and it has been controversial from the beginning.

And, Fred, access to the migrant detention center is heavily restricted. Even attorneys for those detained at the tent facility are complaining it has been nearly impossible to meet with their clients. But an immigrant rights advocate who has been monitoring conditions at the migrant detention center, dubbed "Alligator Alcatraz" by Florida and federal officials, says at least a dozen detainees have been on a hunger strike for the last 12 days to protest conditions at the facility that opened last month in the everglades.

Why did the detainees decide to go on a hunger strike? This is what Thomas Kennedy, a spokesman with the Florida Immigrant Coalition, had to say about their decision.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

THOMAS KENNEDY, FLORIDA IMMIGRATION COALITION: A number of individuals detained there have refused to eat to protest against the deplorable conditions that they find themselves in, including lack of adequate food, having to clean up fecal matter from the toilets due to lack of water pressure, lack of water in general, mistreatment by the guards, water intrusion when it rains due to flooding.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

ROMO: Immigrant advocates like Kennedy said they know what's happening because detainees have told them when they have access to a phone, which usually happens once a day.

We reached out to both the Florida Division of Emergency Management, which manages the facility, and the Department of Homeland Security, for comment in a statement. A senior DHS official called the information false, calling reports of the hunger strike unsubstantiated, inaccurate allegations.

The statement also says that, "For the record, during hunger strikes, ICE continues to provide three meals a day delivered to the detained aliens room and an adequate supply of drinking water or other beverages, ensuring the safety, security and well-being of individuals in our custody is a top priority at ICE."

In addition to what has been described by activists and Florida Democratic leaders as deplorable conditions at "Alligator Alcatraz," attorneys for those detained are still facing obstacles when it comes to getting access to their clients held at the migrant detention center.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

KENNEDY: I'm actually very concerned not just for the aggravating conditions that the detainees are subjected to, but also the constitutional and due process that's being denied to these detainees and their families.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

ROMO: And, Fred, I have to mention that we specifically asked officials at both the state and federal level for reaction about this particular allegation and the statement we received from a senior DHS official but it was not specifically addressed.

WHITFIELD: All right. Let us know when you do hear more.

Rafael Romo, thank you so much. All right. Coming up, a massive demonstration over the fate of the

hostages in Gaza. We'll tell you what happened to spark tens of thousands to protest.

And later, dramatic images of an eruption 600 years in the making. What triggered the activity from this long, quiet volcano.

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[16:18:27]

WHITFIELD: All right, new this hour, Hamas says it will deal positively to any Red Cross request to deliver food and medicine to hostages still held in Gaza, but added it would only do so if Israel opens humanitarian borders. Last week, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asked the Red Cross to help provide food and medical care to the hostages.

We're also seeing new protests erupt over the crisis in Gaza.

CNN's Barbie Latza Nadeau has that story.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

BARBIE LATZA NADEAU, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Anger continues to build around the world over the dire situation in Gaza. In Tel Aviv thousands of people protested Saturday after Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad released propaganda videos showing emaciated hostages in clearly fragile condition causing outrage domestically and internationally.

The brother of Israeli hostage Evyatar David, shown in the video digging a hole he says is his own grave, made this plea to U.S. President Donald Trump to do whatever he could to free them.

ITAY DAVID, BROTHER OF HOSTAGE EVYATAR DAVID: Hamas is using Evyatar in one of the most horrific and calculated campaigns of cruelty imaginable. A live hunger experiment. We are begging the government of Israel, the people of Israel, every nation of this world, and especially President Trump, the president of the United States.

You have the power. You must do everything in your power by any means necessary to save Evyatar and Guy and the rest of the captives.

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LATZA NADEAU: Elsewhere, people gathered to protest the growing humanitarian catastrophe and seemingly endless military attacks on civilian Palestinians inside the strip, calling for a ceasefire.

In Sydney, Australia, tens of thousands of people marched for peace and aid in Gaza on Sunday amid reports of continuing starvation and the difficulty getting aid. As aid trickles in the Palestinian Red Crescent said Israeli strikes hit their headquarters in Gaza on Sunday, killing at least one staff member, underscoring the risk to those desperately needing help and those who are risking their lives to provide it.

Barbie Latza Nadeau, CNN, Rome.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

WHITFIELD: Thank you so much, Barbie.

All right, straight ahead with a crush of tourism traffic expected over the next few years in Southern California, a solution may take drivers out to sea. A look at the "blue highway" coming up.

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WHITFIELD: All right. Welcome back.

A stretch of the Pacific Coast Highway, a vital part of California's transportation system, has seen an uptick in deadly crashes. And last year's deadly wildfires have made the PCH even more dangerous because of the higher risk of mudslides and falling rocks. Not to mention the increased traffic congestion from road repairs.

CNN's Stephanie Elam reports from Malibu, where residents are hoping to use the ocean to provide people with an alternative transportation route.

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STEPHANIE ELAM, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): With its stunning rural beauty on the California coast, Malibu is a constant draw. But the Los Angeles wildfires also devastated the enclave, destroying hundreds of homes and businesses along its scenic Pacific Coast Highway.

MICHEL SHANE, FILM PRODUCER AND MALIBU RESIDENT: We're going to be inundated with tourists.

ELAM (voice-over): Malibu resident, Michel Shane, a film producer known for "Catch Me If You Can," expects with the World Cup, Super Bowl and Olympics all coming to L.A. scores of tourists will pack Malibu as it rebuilds along the compact PCH.

SHANE: There's no space to move. It becomes a situation that's untenable.

ELAM (voice-over): Shane is among those looking to the ocean for a solution in the form of a blue highway, ferries that can run visitors and locals alike in and out of Malibu, easing the strain on the community, reachable mostly by a single road.

SHANE: And we look out in the ocean and there's no one on the ocean. Why aren't we using the blue highway?

ELAM (voice-over): It's an idea that's getting some traction, with a ferry service expected to start later this year. Joined by a pod of dolphins, we set sail with Harbor Breeze Cruises.

PATRICIA KEENEY MAISCHOSS, CHAIR, PIER TO PEIR: We should be spending more time on the ocean and less time in our cars.

ELAM (voice-over): A group called Pier to Pier is organizing the service between Santa Monica and Malibu.

MAISCHOSS: We've got 700 homes to build on that highway. It cuts us off not only from tourism but affects our residents.

ELAM: That is a stretch of coastline that people love to drive in the convertible.

MAISCHOSS: Don't you think you'd rather take this ride? I mean, I said -- I said bumper to bumper and that congestion, I've done it for 20 years, you'd much rather be on this side of it.

ELAM: The hope is that the ferries would also be able to jump into action in case of another catastrophic emergency like the L.A. firestorm. So many of these people that live up in these hills can only get out by getting to the PCH and that is what makes it so dangerous.

(Voice-over): During the raging Palisades fire, dozens of cars were abandoned on the roads as residents were forced to flee on foot. Boat operators say they could have helped.

DAN SALAS, CEO, HARBOR BREEZE CRUISES: Get there to the pier, get them -- get tied up along the pier and then get the people safely during emergency. It's incredibly doable.

ELAM: On 9/11, I evacuated from Manhattan on a ferry. That's how I was able to get away because everything was shut down.

SALAS: It's a must. We are going to have an earthquake someday as well. We have -- can't leave that out.

SHANE: The whole world is going to have their eyes on us.

ELAM (voice-over): Michel Shane has another reason he wants a safer Pacific Coast highway. His daughter, Emily, is among 61 people killed on the high speed razor thin PCH since 2010. He welcomes visitors. He just wants everyone to leave this paradise alive.

SHANE: If somebody doesn't do something, the time it takes to do stuff will be forever and the time it takes to kill someone will be instant.

ELAM: Stephanie Elam, CNN, Malibu, California.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

WHITFIELD: And straight ahead, President Trump orders two nuclear submarines into position closer to Russia. Does this signal a change in the relationship between the president and Vladimir Putin?

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