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Connect the World
Barcelona Star Booed For Supporting Independence; People Line Up For Hours To Donate Blood; Survivors Describe Chaos And Confusion; Trump Arrives in Puerto Rico. Aired at 11-12p ET
Aired October 03, 2017 - 11:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
[11:00:45] BECKY ANDERSON, CONNECT THE WORLD, CNN: Hello and welcome this is "Connect the World." I am Becky Anderson in Abu Dhabi it's 7:00 in the
evening here. We are covering two big stories that are having a major and painful impact on U.S. citizens this hour. A massacre in Las Vegas, and
the slow, burning human tragedies in Puerto Rico. We are, of course, monitoring the reaction from the President of the United States and the
federal government to these domestic crises. President Donald Trump is expected to arrive in San Juan this hour, before he heads to Nevada on
Wednesday. And that is where we start this hour. With an update on the worst mas shooting in modern U.S. History. 59 people now confirmed dead.
More than 500 wounded. Let m, repeat that. More than 500 wounded, gunned down by rapid-fire bullets during an outdoor music festival on Sunday
night. Now, police are trying to make sense of the senseless and figure out why a retired accountant would turn a high-rise hotel room into a
sniper's nest and fire on a crowd below well, today President Trump declined to label it domestic terrorism. And he said, we'll be talking
about gun laws as time goes by. Well, some Americans and many of you, our international viewers, might say that the time to talk about that is now,
or actually long overdue. We've got lots more on that attack ahead. First, I want to get you to Puerto Rico where the U.S. President is going to touch
down, in around 45 minutes' time to address what is the humanitarian crisis there. It is the first time that Donald Trump is visiting the American
territory, almost two weeks after it was paralyze by hurricane Maria.
And while Mr. Trump says the federal response has been as good as in Texas or Florida, in the past couple of hours he again insisted that more help is
need from Puerto Ricans themselves. The islands is without running water and more than 90 percent, nine out of ten people, still have no
electricity. Leyla Santiago is in Puerto Rico in the north, joining us now. The U.S. President due to touch down this hour, Leyla. He will be
there to survey the damage and what is still a scene of devastation in many parts. Walk us through where you are and how the aid is getting to the
people that need it most.
(BEGIN VIDEO)
LEYLA SANTIAGO, CNN CORRESPONDENT: That is the big question. Is this getting to the people who need it most. This is FEMA aid. Right here.
This entire row is -- are supplies coming in from the federal government. I have to tell you, I am in the distribution center right now. This is
significant more from what I have seen in the last few days. Two days ago when I was here I wasn't seeing this amount of aid coming in from FEMA. To
your question, we wanted to find out is this getting to the people.
Now, on the move, help. Two weeks after hurricane Maria. These are meals that are now being handed over from the federal government, FEMA, into the
hands of the Puerto Rican national guard. They are now on their way to the remote areas on the western part the island3 to get to the people that need
it most. After an hour and a half following the convoy, one truck peels off to (inaudible), still bearing the scars of Maria in southwest Puerto
Rico. Badly needed water, food. It is the first the National Guard has delivered aid straight from FEMA here. According to town officials. But
it's not all for here. The rest goes down the road to another community in need. The vice mayor in this town of than 20,000 admits the lines are
getting longer.
I am asking you if this is enough. Frustration is growing.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
[11:05:02] UNIDENTIFIED MALE: There are people here who need other people. Please do something.
SANTIAGO: Is the government doing enough?
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Not enough. Let's be real. This would have been United States, none of this would have been happening. A lot of people
have died.
SANTIAGO: This is United States,.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: No. Lot of people don't know this United States and they don't treat it like the United States.
SANTIAGO: The food sent by the government barely makes a meal.
There are 20 of these in each box. They are an emergency meal. Crackers, granola and Vienna sausage. Less than an hour later. The announcement
comes. There is no more food. She says is sad that there is no food left but at least there is water that she can get now for later. Federal help
is arriving, but here, the wait continues now for more water, more food, more help from FEMA.
(END VIDEO)
ANDERSON: Well the U.S. President reaction to the crisis in Puerto Rico has been mired in controversy, if you have been watching television or
reading your social media, you will know this. Mr. Trump facing backlash for attacking the mayor of San Juan after she was critical of the White
House's response to hurricane Maria. Have a listen to this plea by Mayo Carmen Yulin Cruz at a news conference last Friday.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
CARMEN YULIN CRUZ, SAN JUAN MAYOR: We are dying here. And I cannot fathom the thought that the greatest nation in the world cannot figure out
logistics for a small island of 100 mile by 35 miles long.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Well Mr. Trump fire back on his favorite social media channel last Saturday tweeting, To the mayor of San Juan, who was very
complimentary only a few days ago, has now been told by the Democrats that you must be nasty to Trump. Such poor leadership ability by the mayor of
San Juan and others in Puerto Rico who are not able to get their workers to help. They want everything to be done for them when it should be a
community effort. This is what the mayor has said just in the past hour. I have been invited to attend briefing with President Trump today while he
visit Puerto Rico. I have accepted the invitation on behalf of the people of San Juan and out of respect for the American people represented by the
office of the president of the United States. I will use this opportunity to reiterate the primary message. This is about saving lives, she said,
not about politics. This is also about giving the people of Puerto Rico the respect we deserve, and recognizing the moral imperative to do both.
Later it does seem as if President Trumps landing into or wading into a political morass here, as he arrives in Puerto Rico. Excuse me. You spoke
to the mayor last night. What did she tell you?
SANTIAGO: She echoed much of what she said in that statement, saying that she planned to accept. She felt it was a moral obligation to do so, but
something else interesting that she mentioned. She said, for me it's important to get that message to him. She was hoping that he would change
his mind, that is what he said. I hope the President changes his mind and his views on what Puerto Ricans are doing to help themselves, that they are
strong enough and that they are doing everything possible to help themselves. But at the end of the day, they need help. And I tell you
what, Becky, I had spoken to two mayors and a vice mayor and they are saying the exact same thing. We need more help. Mayor here in Toa Baja.
He was holding back tears. In a powerful exchange he told me as he is going house to house on the ground and talking to people, it is
devastating. I had a doctor was with him the conversation and that doctor told me that he has a patient, a patient that he found eating dog food.
It's not just the mayor of San Juan where saying we need help. There are several mayors echoing that same sentiment. But she seems to be the target
on social media, which is why she told me last night she wants to go meet face to face and me sure he understands that the people of Puerto Rico
needs help, lives to be saved, and she wants him hopefully in this trip to change his views a bit on what people are doing to destabilize themselves
here.
[11:10:09] ANDERSON: Leyla Santiago has been in the region now for what, nearly a month and on the story every step of the way. Appreciate your
reporting. Thank you very much indeed for that. Remember, viewer that President Trump will be on the ground within about 35 to 40 minutes time,
in Puerto Rico, and on to Vegas, of course, on Wednesday.
And I want to return to that massacre now in Vegas. Survivors describe an absolutely horrific scene as people all around them fell to the ground,
struck by bullets raining down from above. I am going to warn you. The video you are about to see is very disturbing.
ANDERSON: At least 59 people were killed at a country music festival, more than 500 others were wounded. The gunman fired from a balcony of a nearby
hotel room after smashing the windows. He killed himself as the police moved in. President Donald Trump spoke about it before leaving for Puerto
Rico. Have a listen.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
DONALD TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: He was a sick man, a demented man. A lot of problems, I guess. We're looking into him
seriously, but we're dealing with a very, very sick individual.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: More we know about the shooter, the more questions there are about why he did it. Investigators trying to piece together a motive.
Jean Casarez lays out what we know at this point.
(BEGIN VIDEO)
JEAN CASAREZ, CNN PRIMETIME JUSTICE SHOW GUEST HOST: Authorities are learning more about the gunman responsible for the Las Vegas massacre, 64-
year-obd Stephen Paddock. The retired accountant firing dozens of rounds on to thousands concert goer about 500 yards away from two hotel windows he
smashed on the 32nd floor at the Mandalay bay. Police searching floor by floor until they found Paddocks room. This video shot by a NBC journalist
staying at the hotel. Paddock exchange, fire with police through his hotel room door, shooting one security guard in the leg.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Everyone in the hallway needs to move back. All units move back.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Breach, breach, breach.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
CASAREZ: Police say Paddock took his life before a SWAT team storm the room using explosives police recovering an arsenal of 23 weapons from
Paddock's hotel room including multiple rifles, some with scopes. Police say he had been staying at the hotel since last Thursday in a large suite.
Investigators also finding another 19 weapons at his home in nearby Mesquite.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SHERRIFF JOE LOMBARDO, LAS VEGAS POLICE: Additional firearms, some explosives and several thousand rounds of ammo along with some electronic
devices that we are evaluating at this point.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
CASAREZ: Investigator believe that guns were purchase legally but reports suggest at least one rifle was altered to function as an automatic weapon.
A gun shop owner in Utah is certain he sold a weapon to earlier this year.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: He didn't set off any of my alarms. He was a normal, everyday guy that walks into my door 50,000 times a day?
(END VIDEO CLIP)
CASAREZ: Police say Paddock wasn't on their radar, with no criminal past and believe he acted alone. His brother, Eric Paddock, left stunned by the
carnage. Telling CNN he never exhibited any violent tendencies and had no affiliations with any terror or hate groups.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
ERIC PADDOCK, BROTHER OF LAS VEGAS SHOOTER: He bought the machine gun and he did this. He has never even drawn his gun. You know what I mean? It
makes no sense. He did not own machine guns that I knew of. This is something -- just incredibly wrong happened to my brother.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
CASAREZ: His brother says Paddock was successful real estate investor who owned and rented several properties across multiple states. He also had an
affinity for gambling according to this couple who live next-door to Paddock for two years in Florida.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: He was a gambler and a speculator. And he told us that right up front. Since he was from Vegas. And he did little online
gambling and he also did it in Vegas.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
CASAREZ: But the family has a troubled past. Paddock's father, Benjamin, was a convicted bank robber who escaped from prison in the late '60s and
was on the FBI's most wanted list. Neighbors, shocked by the news, some even describing him as a gentle giant.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
[11:15:03] UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: You wouldn't recognize him as being anything out of the norm.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
(END VIDEO)
ANDERSON: Right. Well, the United States has seen mass shooting after mass shooting after mass shooting, leaving some Americans wondering what
will it take to change the countries gun laws. Guns supporters, though, say the weapons themselves are not the problem. Let's bring in our senior
Washington correspondent Joe Johns. Seem like Deja vu, doesn't it? This has reawakened the fears and long running debate about guns in the U.S.,
Nevada having some of the relax most in the country. Gun owners not required to have a license. Not required to register their weapons and
there are no limits to the number of weapons one can own. Automatic assault weapons legal in the state as long as they are registered and
comply with federal and gun owners can open carry their weapons legally without a permit. They must have a permit to carry a concealed weapons. I
want our viewers to just get a sense of these gun laws in Nevada because, there is this one very simple question being asked, isn't there. Did what
are some of the most relaxed gun laws in the U.S. help this mass murder?
JOE JOHNS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: And we certainly ask that question today. Even the President himself, on departure to Puerto Rico, was asked that
question. And he side-stepped it. In fact, he did not answer it. He was also asked whether this ought to be the time to discuss more gun control.
And side-stepped that. Listen to what he said.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
TRUMP: Look, we have a tragedy. We're going to do -- and what ways a miracle the police department has done such an incredible job, and we'll be
talking about gun laws as time goes by.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
JOHNS: There has been talk of some legislation coming up this year that would take it easier for gun owner to get silencers for their weapons, but
we're told on capitol hill that is not on the schedule, certainly not to bring it up. Quite frankly, the political situation here in Washington is
that we have a Republican president, a Republican House, a Republican senate, and that makes it unlikely that there legislation this year unless
there is some dramatic sea change in politics.
ANDERSON: Joe, for the benefit of our viewers and who may not be as familiar with the strength and scope of the national rifle association and
its power over politicians in this states, I want to bring up (inaudible) Nevada governor, Brian Sandoval. The reason I am bringing him up is that
he is "a" rated by the NRA, the National Rifle Association, the gun lobby, that endorsed Sandoval when he ran for reelection in 2014. This governor
vetoed a bill which would have tightened background checks, for example, an all gun sales in a state. For our benefit, and for those who are watching
internationally and find the whole gun laws and the regulation or lack of so baffling, just how strong a lobby is the NRA? How powerful are they?
And how much to they have on gun policy?
JOHNS: I think it is very important to say that, while we talk again and again about the gun lobby, the National Rifle Association, there is
something more important at play. That is that, for decades now, the issue of gun rights in the United States has been for many owners a one vote
issue. What that means is, whatever the other issues may be on the ballot, whoever the other candidates may be on the ballot, for gun owners, if that
candidate, if that issue is good for gun rights, they're for it. If not, they are against it. It makes the NRA very potent. Also important to say,
I think Becky, that very generally speaking, gun rights and gun stronger in the west and stronger in the northwest of the United States. Las Vegas is
in the west. In the south, some of the gun owners have softened on thinking there might be a need for more gun control. But until it stops
being a one-vote issue, the national rifle association will continue to hold a lot of sway, Becky.
[11:20:05] ANDERSON: Well explain sir. Thank you.
Still to come tonight, doctors and citizens are doing what they can to help shooting victims in Vegas, Las Vegas. We will get the very latest from the
main hospital just ahead.
First up, though, Barcelona. That is a boiling point. We will tell you why after this.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
ANDERSON: Have a look at these incredible scenes in Barcelona earlier. Where a thousands and thousands of people took to the streets to protesting
police violence during Sundays controversial Independence in the main Cataluna. These are some of the scenes that have made them hit the
streets. Spanish police launch a widespread crack down over the controversial independence vote leaving over 800 people -- where a majority
of voters favored breaking away from the rest of the country. That has prompted major constitutional crisis and no one really knows what happens
next. CNN Isa Soares has more. (BEGIN VIDEO)
ISA SOARES, CNN CORRESPONDENT: For the Catalan separatists. They are the aggressors. The national police who disrupted and cracked down on their
dream of independence. They chant "out with the Spanish police" but they don't budge. The differences between Catalonia and the central government
could not be any clearer. You have the scene playing out of the pro- referendum, pro-independence movement who are protesting. If you look far back, the national police, they are the ones that were brought in to stop
this referendum in the first place, and they are the ones who have been accused of almost 900 injuries.
Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy says they were enforcing the law to prevent a referendum that he says is illegal and unconstitutional. But their
presence here to fuel tensions further and embolden the separatist cause. On the streets of Barcelona, the heavy-handedness convinced some to vote
for independence. I was going to vote no rather than yes, but given the repression we saw from the police and the innocent people with hands
raised, ordered to drop. While some screamed from the top of their voices to make their point, some don't speak at all. Symbolism, singing.
[11:25:00] 90 percent of those who voted, voted for independence. They account for less than half of Catalonia. Still, for them, there is now no
concession the group to make to change their minds.
I think the Catalan people had matured enough to be independent, he says. While they wait, they celebrate what may come. For now, some hopeful this
won't be it at all. You have to negotiate it, you have to understand this. This is like a marriage when one person decides they want a divorce. You
have to be in agreement and if the other side wants to remain in the relationship they need to convince you. Here, that hasn't happened. The
fear is the dialogue ay never happen. At least if either side is prepared to compromise.
(END VIDEO)
ANDERSON: Joining us now from Barcelona, she is outside the national police headquarters, you laid out very succinctly in that report just the
action and thoughts about what has been going on over this weekend and this referendum vote. What does happen next is the big question?
SOARES: Well, this is what everyone is wondering, Becky, because at the moment neither side is prepared to compromise. They have said they've got
the door open for dialog but neither has been prepared to come to the negotiating table. And they have been talking about, having - wanting the
need for European officials here to act as an intermediator. Let me give you the scene playing out today. Outside the Spanish headquarters of the
national police. So you can see the Spanish flag, and you can also see a hundred or so firefighters well as the Barcelona, Catalan police behind
them. It's a festive mood here in Barcelona. Very different from what we saw yesterday. Having said that, you can feel the tension. It's very much
palpable. They're here to protect the Catalan many people protesting to violence that almost of 800 or 900 people hurt. If you look back Becky,
that is the Spanish police sent down from Madrid to stop this referendum in the first place. So what we have is, you know, it's moment of tension,
because Catalans here are so defiant in their desire for independence. In the meantime, in the political arena there haven't been any developments.
We haven't heard from the president of Catalonia, he is expected to convene with parliament and prime Minister Mariano Rajoy says the door is open for
dialogue but none of them have been talking, Becky. That has to change in terms of finding a solution to what's becoming a crisis.
ANDERSON: That is really important, isn't it. Because as the character, the chap that you spoke to in your reported out, this is -- this is like
sort of the end of marriage. You want somebody to still be in, you have to work with them right, you got to compromise. Otherwise the divorce gets
very, very messy. This point when you see the that sort of atmosphere which is, as you rightly point out, a lot more festive than it was
yesterday, is there a chance that those who voted to secede will be prepared to listen to voices of compromise at this point,
SOARES: No, those who I have been speaking to, no, Becky. I have spoken to many people on the street. What would make Mariano Rajoy convince you a
concessions, if you do not have independence. And so many people said to me, Becky, at this point, absolutely to nothing. I said, ok, that about
fiscal autonomy like the Basques, no, we don't want that. We want our independence. I spoke to the mayor of Barcelona about two hours ago and
she said perhaps if -- she is against independence and pro having a vote, she said the government of Spain and Mariano Rajoy need to offer some
option Becky.
ANDERSON: Got it. All right good stuff and stick at it, difficult time there. As you are rightly pointing out, good to see that the atmosphere is
a lot less fierce than it was yesterday.
Before we leave Barcelona, have a look at this.
The booing that you are hearing is aimed at one man. A Spanish national star defender who was getting abuse because of his strong support for the
independence referendum that we have been talking about. The Spanish national even has abandoned his training sessions.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Football and politics, two very passionate subjects in a country like Spain. No surprise then for them to collide. You are watching
Connect the World.
Still to come, Airforce One sets touchdown in hurricane ravaged Puerto Rico. More on the American president's visit to the island, it's just
ahead.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
ANDERSON: You are watching CNN. This is Connect the World. I'm Becky Anderson, a half past 7:00 just after in the UAE. Before we get back to
our top story this hour, out of the United States, I want to get you up to speed on some of the other stories that on our radar right now.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: News just coming in to CNN, U.S. Secretary of Defense James Mattis has told a group of U.S. senators, he believes it's in American
interest to remain in the Iran nuclear agreement.
Later this month, the U.S. President Trump have to decide if he satisfies Iranian compliance with the agreement or he wants to set in motion, steps
the police country out of the deal.
Well, Iraq's former president, Jalal Talabani has died, so veteran advocate for Kurdish autonomy, Talabani's death comes just days after Kurds voted
yes in a widely opposed referendum for independence from Iraq.
Well, the major move towards reconciliation between the Palestinian authority and Islamist group Hamas, the Palestinian cabinet is convening
guards out for the first time in three years. This after Hamas disbanded shadow government there last month.
Hospitals in Las Vegas are overwhelmed by the hundreds of people wounded in Sunday's mass shooting but in a sign of how much the community there is
turning out to help, blood banks overwhelms, too, by the huge number of people lining up to donate.
CNN's Stephanie Elam is outside a hospital in Vegas and she joins us now. Stephanie, there was so many wounded that fear is that the toll could rise.
Tell us about the race by doctors and medical staff to save lives at this point.
STEPHANIE ELAM, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Becky, actually we are just able to walk inside of this trauma center here behind me -- the University Medical
Center of Southern Nevada.
[11:35:00] And what's noteworthy about this facility here is that it's the only Level I Trauma Center in the entire state of Nevada. And they do
drills -- they do drills twice a year to prepare for a mass casualty event.
And while they said that this was the largest event that they had handled here, they it said that they were prepared for it but there were so many
people that they were actually triaging people outside in the ambulance phase before taking the inside to had gurney lined up inside the walls with
patients.
Dealing with the most critical patients first and then moving onto the next ones. I spoke with Dr. John Fildes. He is the chairman of the surgery
department here.
He gave me a bit of a tour of what it's like inside of the Trauma Center. And explain to me what exactly a Level I Trauma Center is. Take a listen.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
DR. JOHN FILDES, CHAIRMAN, SURGERY DEPARTMENT: Level I Center is different from an emergency department. A Trauma Center treats patients with
injuries that are immediately life threatening. While an emergency department treat people with heart attacks and asthma and other kinds of
illnesses that are also mean to be life threatening.
I mean Trauma Center involve to injuries. And there is Level I, II, and III Trauma Centers. A Level I Trauma Center provides the highest level of
medical surgery care but we also trains residents and trains new specialists for the field.
And it's a research that creates new knowledge to treat patients in the field and is responsible to its community for outreach and promotion
programs.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ELAM: So put into perspective what they're able to do in a Level I Trauma Center and also what's noteworthy about this facility as well they say that
they had a success rate of keeping people alive of 96 percent if they arrived at the hospital alive.
They have a likelihood that of 96 percent of being able to keep them alive because they have so many resources here at the disposal.
And one other thing that is really interesting, Becky, talking to my Dr. Fildes, he says that the way the county operates and in many cities do this
here, they were getting calls saying that they needed to get here to the hospital while bullets were still flying, while the shots were still
ringing out.
They were being alerted to get here, so within 15 to 20 minutes, you had the entire staff, everyone all hands on deck from the ER doctors, the
surgeon's, anesthesiologist -- anesthesiologist down through nurses and the support staff all here ready to help before the event was even done, just
absolutely phenomenal.
ANDERSON: That's amazing. Well I guess the preparations work out, right? Look, we've seen the lines of people in Vegas waiting to donate blood. How
have -- you see ordinary people come together to help after what was this horrific attack/
ELAM: Yes when people are starting to question their faith in humanity after event like this, you here so many people saying that yet on the
flipside, you see what we've seen since we've been here.
And I drove here overnight when it happened from Los Angeles and I can tell you, Becky, people started lining up at these blood banks in the dark.
Before it's even daylight after this happened.
It happens just after 10 p.m. local time and overnight people were lining up to donate blood. They had so many people lining up, that they actually
had to sat down sign-ups yesterday at the blood bank here by the hospital where I am.
But they're asking people to not forget while this great turnout was awesome in the beginning, they don't want to forget the fact that in the
next couple of weeks, there will still be a need for more blood for these patients.
And so, they're asking people to check back in a line and still come and donate blood but at the same time, while people are out donating blood and
waiting hours to do so I might add, you had a lot of people who are coming out, bring bottles of water. Like, do you need water, how can we help, do
you need food. People were just bringing food.
I heard one man, he was a delivery man from the sandwich shop and he said this woman just came in and ordered a bunch of sandwiches and she just
wanted them delivered to the nurses' station inside of the hospital. So a lot of moments that we seen here that restore your faith in humanity after
such a tragedy like this.
ANDERSON: Sure. I understand. Stephanie, thank you. And we are hearing more from people who survived this attack -- this horrific attack.
Earlier, my colleague Chris Cuomo spoke with two people he made out alive. Lisa Fine was in the VIP section with her friends and hid under one of
those eight on that one in the bleachers when she heard the gun shots.
Brian Claypool was also in the VIP section but says he wasn't even suppose to be there. Chris asked them what was going through their minds that
night.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
LISA FINE, SURVIVOR, LAS VEGAS MASSACRE: It was like -- I don't even know how I remain still calm quite frankly. It was definitely an out of body
experience just like this, that's really happening, this can't be happening.
It sounded like a war zone and the screaming, and death was happening around me because the vantage point that I was at, I could see people just
going down as the bullets were spraying, and they were just running for their lives. And they were falling. And I just couldn't believe what was
happening in front of my face, all those precious people.
[11:40:00] And we thought we were going to die. And my friends and I -- my instincts just kicked in, and I just get down. The only chance we really
have is just to take cover any way we can. And we were lucky we were at that particular spot that horrible night, and I just said get down, get
down.
What was frightening to me was that people were panicking and running, and I thought they are human targets right now. And it just -- it just took my
breath away. There are really no words to describe that moment because you think you are going to die.
You imagine the pain of what that would be like to be shot.
CHRIS CUOMO, CNN ANCHOR: Thank God it just stayed as an idea for you because for so many it wound up becoming a reality, you and Brian. Brian,
you are here. It is good to be able to shake your warm hand this morning. I see.
BRIAN CLAYPOOL, SURVIVED LAW VEGAS MASSACRE: I am having trouble watching that video.
CUOMO: I know.
CLAYPOOL: I haven't really seen that video.
CUOMO: I know. Look, I know it's hard. It's so helpful for people to understand what was survived. When you watch it, you know you made it
through. But this stays with you, doesn't it?
CLAYPOOL: I am actually feeling a little guilty now. I have avoided seeing the victims and seeing pictures of the people that were killed, and I was
there.
And they're a lot younger than me, and they don't get to go home. I get to go home today, back to L.A. to see my daughter. And they don't. I am
having trouble understanding that, comprehending that, and feeling a little guilty. I have heard heroic acts.
And I'm now processing, did I do enough? I am going through some guilt now. Did I help enough people? Because everybody was -- everybody was
screaming and yelling, I didn't know what to do.
We didn't know where the shooter was. We thought he was going to jump over the fence. We thought there could have been one, two, three shooters.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
ANDERSON: That's all emotion, doesn't it? As we have earlier, gun control have controversial topic right across America and especially it thought,
wherever there is a mass shooting onto familiar of course.
Let's obvious better on the years, gun culture and look, there's a special website and/or special page on the website, CNN.com do check it out.
All right, we are awaiting, the imminent arrival of Donald Trump who is in the air over for the weekend, he will land in the next couple of minutes
and we will cover that as and when he arrives his visits to see how millions of U.S. citizens are doing in the face immense deprivation and
hardship.
Already much criticized, we're going to take you to Puerto Rico as soon as that happens, we're taking a short break, back after this.
[11:45:00] (COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: All right, let's get you to Puerto Rico where the U.S. president and first lady have just arrived. That's by an Airforce One, their first
visit since the island was almost decimated by hurricane Maria last month.
Donald Trump also flying into what is a political dispute with the mayor of the island's capital over relief efforts and before leaving, Mr. Trump
again more help is needed from Puerto Ricans themselves.
Well, CNN has been covering the aftermath of the hurricanes of course. It wasn't just Maria, it was Irma before that wasn't it? From across the
region, Boris Sanchez still in Puerto Rico, in the Puerto Rican capital of San Juan, Ivan Watson is on St. Croix, which is the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Let's get to, Boris, first and Boris, as we see that the arrival of the plane delivering the U.S. president and the first lady, what will be
reception in Puerto Rico be?
BORIS SANCHEZ, CNN CORRESPONDENT (via phone): You know, the president somehow landed in Puerto Rico. The president is set to be playing at a
moment right now and you know, the full schedule ahead here in Puerto Rico.
After he be playing, he will like be asked many questions press. We're not sure how much answers we will have to the president but he will heading to
an inner by a (Inaudible) where people took for a briefing on a recovery effort here in Puerto Rico.
We've expected here from FEMA officials, local elected officials. He did invite Carmen Yulin Cruz, the mayor of San Juan and in fact, a bit of a
contentious relationship with since hurricane Maria swept through the island and the mayor of San Juan that was critical of the federal response
to hurricane Maria here in Puerto Rico.
The president shot back on Twitter this weekend questioning her leadership ability but upon his arrival here, he did extend her an invitation. And as
far as we understand, the two are set to meet at that briefing.
After that, president will meet with survivors of hurricane Maria. He will be spending some time at a nearby chapel as well. He will take part in a
meeting with some Marines and Navy officials, then he will meet the governor -- meet with the governor of Puerto Rico who is actually here with
us.
He is walking towards the plane now being shouted greetings by some of the folks here in the crowd. The president is at in Puerto Rico almost two
weeks after category four storm hit the island and decimated Puerto Rico.
There were troubles in infrastructure here to begin with and that hurricane decimate the island even now, almost two weeks out, only about 6.8 percent
of the electrical grid here in Puerto Rico is functioning and there are still many obstacle to head, residents here helping the president with a
helping hand and provide aids for a lot of areas that yet receive it, Becky.
ANDERSON: Boris Sanchez is at the airport which is looking at now live pictures of course, awaiting the president -- the U.S. present and the
first lady to move down the steps and be delivered on to Puerto Rican soil.
This is the first time that Donald Trump is visiting the American territory. Almost two weeks after it was paralyzed by hurricane Maria and
while Mr. Trump says the federal response has been as good as in Texas or Florida.
Of course we're talking aftermath of hurricane Irma that read in the past couple of hours, he again insisted that more help is needed from Puerto
Ricans themselves.
Well, reminder that the majority of the island is without running water and more than 90 percent of people still have no electricity.
Well the U.S. president's reaction to the crisis in Puerto Rico is the minding controversy hasn't it, Mr. Trump face a backlash for attacking the
mayor of San Juan after she was critical of the White House's response to hurricane Maria.
Have a listen to the plea by the mayor Carmen Yulin Cruz at a news conference last Friday. We're going to have that from the time being.
We'll, film these pictures for you, Mr. Trump fired back on his favorite social media channel on Saturday.
[11:50:00] He tweeted quote, the mayor of San Juan, who was very complimentary only a few days ago is now being told by Democrats that you
must be nasty to Trump, such poor leadership he said. Ability by the mayor of San Juan and others in Puerto Rico are not able to get their worries --
their work is to help.
They want everything to be done from then when it should be a community effort, he says. Well look, I mean he's being shut down across social
media for these sort of comments in the face of what is being such devastation in San Juan.
So when he says he is walking to sort of controversy, this has really become quite political. And the mayor herself said today, I've been
invited to attend a briefing with President Trump today while he visits Puerto Rico.
And you see the president and the first lady now walking down the steps. The mayor says the invitation on behalf of the people of San Juan and out
of respect the American people represented by the office of the U.S. president, I will use this opportunity to reiterate her primary message.
And the message from the San Juan mayor to the U.S. presidents and the first lady who have now come downstairs from Airforce One are now being
spoken to by the governor, the message from the mayor is this.
She said this is about saving lives and now about politics, this is about giving the people of Puerto Rico, the respect we deserve and recognizing
the moral imperative to do both. So that's the message from the mayor, the U.S. president has arrived.
He promised about a week ago that he would visit Puerto Rico. He said he didn't want to get in the way of this and we should weigh even the
logistics, and so he left at the period of time before he got on the ground.
He is meeting representatives of the island and the U.S. military there now and then he will get -- get a tour of the devastation. Take a look at the
distribution centers. I want to see, now that the aide is beginning to get free.
But as I pointed out to you, some 90 percent of people on this island still lacking a lot of the basic resources towards that comes and to
telecommunications, to electricity, you know, things are getting better than they were when the storm hits and things aren't good.
The presidency has landed, on his way now to get a sense of what's going on in the island, of course we now know that this will be a trip which is
about six hours in total.
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ANDERSON: And after that, the president will return to Washington vowing to go to a Nevada Las Vegas and Nevada because of course that was at the
scene of such carnage, such devastation last night.
And Boris Sanchez is in Puerto Rico and the U.S. president has arrived, greeted as you would expect by the people and U.S. military on the island
but this is really been an event minding the controversy the fact, Boris, that the president has got into with the mayor.
And at least the sort of narrative that they have had war of words on Twitter, I would assume, he doesn't go down with many islands. But there
are many islands as that haven't got electricity and telecommunication. Probably, I have no idea that that's being going on, do they?
I was hoping to speak to, Boris, but -- and I think we've got him. All right, well that's Donald Trump arriving on the island of Puerto Rico. We
will stay with this of course, CNN will cover this trip.
There will be various opportunities to speak to Donald Trump. He will be making a number of opportunities available to reporters on this trip. We
will of course be there for you, viewers. All right, I want to take a very short break, back after this.
[11:55:00] (COMMERCIAL BREAK)
ANDERSON: (TECHNICAL DIFFICULTY) ... territory. This is almost two weeks after it was paralyzed by hurricane Maria and while Mr. Trump says a
federal response has been as good as in Texas or Florida, in the past couple of hours once again insisting more help is needed from Puerto Ricans
themselves.
So that's the message that he will have as he gets to survey the damage, let's see -- well, we'll see how Puerto Ricans respond to him. That's it
from us. We'll be back same time same place tomorrow.
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