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Connect the World
Saudi Crown Prince, Iran's Actions May Be Act Of War; Ballistic Missile Intercepted Near Saudi Capital; The Middle East After ISIS; Corruption Crackdown Triggers Investors Uncertainty; North Korea Is A Worldwide Threat; North Korea Watches Trump Trip Very Closely; Manafort And Gates Remain Under House Arrest; Eight Members From One Family Killed In Attack; Remembering The Victims; Dozens Detained In Saudi Anti-Corruption Sweep; Disney Blocks Newspaper From Movie Screenings; Woman Fired For Flipping Off Trump Motorcade. Aired at 10-11a ET
Aired November 07, 2017 - 10:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
[10:00:10] UNIDENTIFIED MALE: No one involved in a corruption case No one is spare no matter if he is a prince or a minister.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The 17 princes, official, and businessmen were arrested.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I announce my resignation from heading the Lebanese government.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The Saudis interfering in the internal affairs of Lebanon.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
This CNN breaking news.
LYNDA KINKADE, CONNECT THE WORLD, CNN: All right we have some breaking news we want to share with you. Launched a ballistic missile at Riyadh.
Becky is out on assignment. I'm Lynda Kinkade. Welcome to "Connect the World" from CNN's world headquarters in Atlanta. At this hour, welcome to
our show. We begin in the Middle East where there is a war of words over the act of war itself.
This is the face of what could be a new frontier in relations between two of the region's most powerful and most polarized nations. It is the war in
Yemen. And it's the reason why tensions between Saudi Arabia and Iran are ramping up. The Saudi crown prince is accusing Tehran of, quote, direct
military aggression by supplying missiles to rebels there. That is something Iran denies, but given that a ballistic missile was intercepted
near the Saudi capital over the weekend, the timing and the nature of this statement speaks volumes. Our correspondents are here to explain all sides
of this story. We have our Ben Wedeman live for us in Beirut. Our friend Fred Pleitgen has just comeback from Tehran and joins us from Moscow. Good
to have you both with us. I want to start with Ben. We've seen this sharp escalation in rhetoric between these two rival nations. Take a listen to
what the Saudi foreign minister told Becky Anderson a short time ago.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
ADEL AL-JUBEIR, SAUDI ARABIAN FOREIGN MINISTER: With regards to the missile that landed, that was launched on Saudi territory, it was an
Iranian missile launched by Hezbollah from territory occupied by the Houthis in Yemen the missile is very similar to a missile that was launched
in July in the town of (inaudible). It was manufactured in Iran it was disassembled and smuggled into parts into Yemen, and it was assembled in
Yemen by the revolutionary guards from Hezbollah. And then it was launched against Saudi Arabia. This is what happened we see this as an act of war.
Iran cannot lobby missiles at Saudi cities and towns and expect us not to take steps vis-a-vis Iran.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
KINKADE: Saudi Arabia, they are saying not only is this an act of war, but they will take appropriate measures when the time is right. How serious is
this?
BEN WEDEMAN, CNN SENIOR INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Well, certainly serious and obviously this is the first time that a missile, a ballistic
missile, has been fired all the way to Riyadh from the Yemeni border, which is hundreds of kilometers away. Now, it's important to stress that the war
in Yemen began back in March of 2015 via proxy perhaps, between the pro- government forces and the Houthi rebels, who are supported by Iran, as opposed to the government, which is supported by Saudi Arabia and other
gulf countries. These hostilities have been going on for a while.
Obviously the use of a ballistic missile at this sort definitely ratchets up the tensions quite a lot. Now, we don't know about the precise details
of where the Houthis got this missile and who assembled it, who smuggled it in to the country, but this definitely does represent serious change in the
level of hostilities in the war in Yemen that is been going on, as I said, for quite some time.
KINKADE: Ben, the Lebanese Prime Minister fled Lebanon, heading to Saudi Arabia where he announced his resignation. He blamed Iran and also said he
feared for his life. What's the status on his situation now? He has left Riyadh.
WEDEMAN: We understand he left Riyadh and went to Abu Dhabi and the United Arab Emirates where he is meeting with leaders there. And of course the
UAE and Saudi Arabia are both quite hostile to Iran and to Hezbollah. We don't know his specific status at the moment. Now speaking to people in
Lebanon, many of them do believe he is under some sort of Saudi control, if not detention, even though he is traveling around. We did see yesterday
that he did meet with King Salman of Saudi Arabia.
[10:05:04] But here is a Beirut newspaper, this is Al Akbar which is a paper that leans in the direction of Hezbollah. It says "Hariri under
detention." And certainly if you would listen to the speech by the secretary general of Hezbollah, their beliefs that in some way, that Hariri
is not free to act. They said he was basically reading a statement when he declared his resignation that was dictate to him by Saudi officials. And
the government of Lebanon seems to be taking the attitude that until Hariri returns to Beirut, and there's no indications at this point when that will
be, they will not consider his resignation as official.
KINKADE: All right. Ben Wedeman for us. I want to go to Fred. Tensions, of course, clearly intensifying between Iran and Saudi Arabia. Just after
Becky's exclusive interview, Iran responded, calling the Saudi allegations, quote, and stupid baseless, and fully false. Iran and Saudi Arabia have
always been pitted against each other, but do these strong statements indicate strong clouds brewing? Could this war of words turn into an
actual war?
FREDERIK PLEITGEN, SENIOR INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT, CNN: Well, I think that we're still pretty far away from a direct confrontation militarily, at
least, between these two countries. That certainly would involve a lot more. Quite frankly, if it did come to a real war between Iran and Saudi
Arabia, you would almost certainly see other major players in that region get involved almost immediately, including countries like Iraq, like
Lebanon also where Ben is right now. Then also, of course, the United States as well. So I think we're still pretty far from a scenario like
that, but you are right. The situation is really heating up and what's also in danger of heating up very much is the wars by proxy like the one
we're seeing in Yemen.
For instance, also some of the things we're seeing in Syria as well. Then of course also the war of words. You have seen certainly the Saudis
ratchet up the rhetoric towards the Iranians. The Iranians themselves are following suit. They not only said that these allegations are baseless
that are being made against them regarding this ballistic missile, but they're also saying they don't even have the means to smuggle ballistic
missiles into Yemen. That is not something that they say they even can do because, of course, it does involve bringing these things over there by
boat over a waterway. There is a naval blockade in place. They also say they believe a lot of the things they accuse the Saudis of doing in the
Middle East region. They are failing. They say they accuse the Saudis of stoking terrorism in the Middle East. They say they're the ones fighting
terrorism.
You really have these two countries levying these allegations against one another. I think one of the most important things that has happened, and
it is actually a great op-ed by Ben that people should read on our website, is the one thing that is gone away is the common enemy, which is ISIS,
which is on the verge of being defeated in the Middle East. With that, you have these two countries that have distrusted one another, for a very, very
long period of time all of the sudden going out it head to head, Lynda.
KINKADE: Fred Pleitgen, great to get, your perspective, having traveled and reported from Iran quite a few times. And of course Ben, thank you
very much. As Fred mentioned, you wrote a great article on CNN.com where we want to send our viewers there. He explores what the regime's future
might look like, especially now that the war against ISIS seems to be winding down. Again just head to our website, CNN.com, for that.
As ever, when there's turmoil in the kingdom, there's money to be made in crude oil. Black gold as it's named. The price has been hitting a two-
year high. Brent crude, of course, jumping up to $64 a barrel. Up a touch over 3 percent there. But that relatively if small percentage can
translate into billions of extra dollars. It's not just that crude that is seeing its fortunes turn. Let us bring in CNN John Defterios from Abu
Dhabi to explain a little, John just explain it all why the region is so on edge right now?
JOHN DEFTERIOS, CNN EMERGING MARKETS EDITOR: Well, in fact, Lynda, I think with t oil price rise, and this is $8 now in the last month of trading
alone, this is a risk back on scenario. I think we have to put the crown prince's aggressive nature, domestically to crack down on corruption or in
the bigger picture what he is doing regionally into context. He believes that Saudi Arabia for the last five or six years has been rather dormant,
particularly since his father took the throne, King Salman, in 2015. He moved from deputy crown, prince to crown prince. He has taken a very
aggressive stance as defense minister before that. As Ben suggested, 2 1/2 year war in Yemen that is going on much longer than they anticipated. But
there are no signs of him backing down. I was sitting in an off-the-record briefing with him No tone of backing down. They think it is the Arab
line in the sand. They don't like the influence of Iran in that space.
[10:10:10] Look at the Qatar economic embargo, it is Saudi Lebanon issue the UEA's well into it. They see Qatar today as a tiny dot into the gulf
right now that proves no threat to Saudi Arabia, even though that has gotten much closer to Tehran. This dove tails right into his vision 2030
plan here to reform the Saudi economy. It's the largest economy in the region, but it has been overly dependent on crude prices and with this
correction, he wants to help them diversify. He wants to modernize society, have a modern Islam, let women drive in June 2018. Part of that
promise, he says, if you're going to have Saudis paying higher taxes and tighten their belts and diversify, we can't have the royal family or
prominent businessmen or ministers or former ministers stealing from the states. That is his view. He sees it almost as a key performance
indicator on his own here to deliver on the promise, although many think he is trying to ratchet down and control power.
KINKADE: And John, just tell us about the financial scope of the arrests and detentions of these princes and government ministers and business
leaders.
DEFTERIOS: Well, Lynda, I think it's extraordinary. The Ritz Carlton hotel in Riyadh, a palatial hotel that I was attending at this future
investment issue in less than a month ago, housing billionaires from Wall Street and London and other European capitals, is now the home to a number
of different Saudi billionaires who are under arrest. What we're talking about in terms of assets here some $33 billion. Now, the most prolific of
the investors from Saudi Arabia around the world is Prince Al Waleed. Of the 33 billion, about 17 billion rests with him. That fortunate is
starting to drop and dramatically over the last three days. Here's an interesting number. His stock for kingdom holdings is down better than 21
percent in the last three days alone. This has eroded his fortune by $2.1 billion.
Now, international and the view is this is a purge of the powerful to make it easier for the crown prince to push forward his vision 2030.
Internally, and advisers to the crown prince suggest he has support of the youth, 70 percent of the population is under the age of 30. They think
it's time to actually try to clean things up. Can he find a balance or not? And when does this end, is a huge question. Yesterday the Attorney
General suggested this is phase one of the investigations. That is coming to a close. For the international community, how many different phases do
we have to go through before this rampant rush against corruption is finally over.
KINKADE: Yeah, it will be interesting to see how this plays out. They are certainly staying in the fanciest prison we've ever, seen John Defterios,
good to have you with us.
DEFTERIOS: That is for sure.
KINKADE: Well still to come, we are live, on the U.S. President's trip to Asia. He got a red carpet welcome in Seoul and then tough talk on North
Korea. We'll have details in just a moment.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
[10:15:49] KINKADE: As you can see here, it is a tale of two cities in Seoul. U.S. President Donald Trump getting a mixed reception from South
Koreans. Some are worried, of course, that he'll escalate tensions with the north during his 12-day tour. So far Mr. Trump has toned down his
usual tough talk on Pyongyang and its leader Kim Jong-un, who he typically calls the rocket man. Jeff Zeleny reports.
(BEGIN VIDEO)
JEFF ZELENY, CNN SENIOR WASHINGTON CORRESPONDENT: To President Trump called military force a last resort in confronting North Korea but said it
could still be a necessary one if Kim Jong-un won't back away from his nuclear ambition
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
DONALD TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: We have a nuclear submarine also positioned. We have many things happening that we hope, we hope, in
fact, I'll go a step further. We hope to god we never have to use.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ZELENY: The President visiting the Korean peninsula for the first time today, standing in Seoul only 35 miles from the North Korean border. He
said sanctions appeared to be starting to work, he would not say whether he supported direct diplomatic talks, which he blasted only weeks ago as a
waste of time.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
TRUMP: We like to play our cards a little bit close to the east. Yes, I think we're making a lot of ogress.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ZELENY: But he called on leaders around the world, signaling out Russia and China, to stand up to Kim Jong-un.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
TRUMP: He is indeed threatening millions and millions of lives so needlessly. North Korea is a worldwide threat that requires worldwide
action.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ZELENY: Standing side by side with South Korean President Moon, Mr. Trump took a far more measured tone, stopping well short again today of
belittling Kim Jong-un as he is repeatedly done in recent weeks back in the U.S.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
TRUMP: Rocket man is on a suicide mission for himself. They will be met with fire and fury like the world has never seen.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ZELENY: Instead, the President made show of force as he visited Camp Humphreys, where thousands of American troops are base. At a briefing with
U.S. and South Korean military commanders, the President expressing optimism, the nuclear standoff could be peacefully resolved.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
TRUMP: Ultimately, it will all work out. It always works out. It has to work out.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ZELENY: Mr. Trump has been critical of President Moon, once, saying South Korea's at peace with North Korea would not work. But this is it with all
about diplomacy amid escalating tensions with the north.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
TRUMP: I want to thank you so much for that beautiful ceremony. It doesn't get more beautiful than that.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ZELENY: President Trump once again facing questions about the church massacre in Texas. The President was asked if increased vetting for gun
purchases in the U.S. would not have stopped the carnage.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
TRUMP: You're bringing up a situation that probably shouldn't be discussed too much right now. If you did what you're suggesting, there would have
been no difference three days ago. And you might not have had that very brave person who happened to have a gun or a rifle in his truck, go out and
shoot him and hit him and neutralize him. If he didn't have a gun, instead of having 26 dead, you would have had hundreds more dead.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
(END VIDEO)
KINKADE: The President can't seem to escape from the domestic problems while he is on that trip. While he was asked about the massacre, his focus
was North Korea. Let's get to Ivan Watson for more on that in Seoul. Ivan, just a few months ago, the Trump administration was saying the time
for talk is over. Now Mr. Trump is saying that he wants to make a deal with North Korea. Does that suggest a change in strategy?
IVAN WATSON, SENIOR INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT, CNN: Perhaps. You know, in his words, he was keeping his cards close to his chest. When he was
pressed today at this press conference about whether he would be willing to talk, he avoided answering that question. His counterpart, the South
Korean President Moon Jae-in, he was somebody who campaigned on a platform for his election back in May of dialogue with North Korea.
[10:20:00] It shows how kind of both leaders have had to shift somewhat their approach to North Korea. The South Korean president instead today
was standing side by side with President Trump and talking about needing sanctions and more pressure, more rotations of U.S. Military assets through
the region. The acquisition of weapons from the U.S., he was talking about that instead and saying that he would hope that combined effort would bring
North Korea to the negotiating table. Take a listen to what more the South Korean President had to say.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
MOON JAE-IN, PRESIDENT OF SOUTH KOREA (TRANSLATOR): We are trying to bring a solution to the nuclear problem, the nuclear problem, and to bring
permanent peace on the Korean peninsula. Moreover, we would like to promote peace, stability, and prosperity of the northeast Asian region. So
we would like to expand our diplomatic efforts in this regard, and that should include our efforts for China as well as Asian and Russia and the
E.U.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
WATSON: So President Trump also mentioned the fact that there are three U.S. Aircraft carriers coming into the region as well as a U.S. Nuclear
sub, but added to that instead of using bellicose statements like he has made in the past that this should all be the use of force, of course
something of last resort. But here's part of the problem. North Korea stands by its position that its nuclear weapons are non-negotiable. It
portrays the nuclear weapons as an existential form of defense. Another example that comes from the North Korea state media in the last 24 hours
describes that nuclear treasured source of justice. So whether or not Pyongyang could ever be brought to the table to negotiate about possibly
dismantling its nuclear weapons, Pyongyang still makes it clear that, that is a nonstarter. So it makes you wonder how you could possibly ever get to
that point with the neighbor to the North of South Korea holding such an intransigent position, about its nuclear arsenal. Lynda.
KINKADE: You make a good point there. Ivan Watson for us in Seoul. Thank you very much.
We are covering President Trump's tour of Asia from across the region, even from places he won't be visiting. CNN is the only U.S. network in
Pyongyang right now, and as our Will Ripley reports, North Korea is watching the president trip to Seoul extremely closely.
(BEGIN VIDEO)
WILL RIPLEY, INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT, CNN: The coming hours really are critical here on the Korean peninsula. The North Koreans say they'll be
watching very closed what President Trump says when he give that major speech in South Korea before heading off to China. The Trump
administration has been hinting in recent days that they may announce a decision about whether to put North Korea back on the list of state
sponsors of terrorism, a list that North Korea was taken off of almost ten years ago during discussions at that time, negotiations over North Korea's
nuclear program. We know how that turned out. North Korea has a larger nuclear arsenal than they ever have and more advanced missile capabilities,
but North Korean officials here are doubling down on a promise made just in the last month by North Korea's leader Kim Jong-un that they're going to
round off their nuclear program, to finalize and perfect their capability of having a long-range intercontinental ballistic missile that could hit
the mainland United States.
In order to do that the North Koreans say they'll need to conduct more nuclear tests and more missile launches at a time and place of their
choosing. In recent weeks, North Korea has threatened everything from an above-ground nuclear detonation to launching missiles toward the, U.S.
territory of Guam. Either of those two things have happened, but its noteworthy North Korea hasn't ruled that out. The big question, could a
test, any sort of live fire event, happen while President Trump is here in the region and how would the Trump administration respond.
We have heard a more conciliatory tone from President Trump speaking in South Korea, even talking about sitting down and making a deal with the
North Koreans. What the U.S. wants is denuclearization. The North Koreans say their nukes are here to stay and any talks about them giving up those
weapons are really a nonstarter, for them. They also say that the United States actions don't necessarily match their words with major naval drills
due to, kick off in the coming days involving three U.S. aircraft carrier strike groups, something that North Korea says is intolerant, and will
justify in their words a very strong response and a strong messages to President Trump. Will Ripley, CNN Pyongyang, North Korea.
(END VIDEO)
KINKADE: Well, the drum beat at of the Russia investigation continues while the president is in Asia. We're learning more about the Trump
campaign's links to Russia from the testimony of former aide Carter Page. He told lawmakers he was invited to speak in Russia after joining the
campaign, and he says he made the trip as a private citizen and campaign staff were aware of it. But he did suggest that Donald Trump go in his
place. Just another link between the campaign and Russia as CNN's Jessica Schneider reports.
(BEGIN VIDEO)
[10:25:05]JESSICA SCHNEIDER, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Paul Manafort and Rick Gates remained under house arrest with GPS monitoring. The Judge
determined today their financial disclosures weren't clear and asked for more information before deciding whether to ease the conditions of their
release next month.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: The Judge suggested they could modify the bail for Manafort and Gates. That they would possibly still wear ankle monitors.
They would have to stay near their homes. They would to do things like not go near airports and railroads and had even curfew.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
SCHNEIDER: Paul Manafort claims to have a net worth of $28 million according to court filing and offered up three of the properties as
collateral for his $10 million bond. The prosecutors said the value of his property and net worth have yet to be substantiated. Manafort and Gates
pleaded not guilty to 12 counts, including money laundering and false statements which stem from their work as lobbyists for a pro-Russian
Ukrainian political party. The charges do not exclusively relate to their work during the campaign. The court appearance comes as new allegations
emerge about that Trump tower meeting attended by Paul Manafort, Jared Kushner, and Donald Trump Jr. in June 2016.
Russian lawyer (inaudible) led that meeting and now tells Bloomberg news Trump Jr. indicated the law she was lobbying against might be re-examined
if Trump became President. The 2012 MagNitsky act imposed sanctions on Russian officials accused of human rights abuses. Looking ahead if we come
to power, we can return to this issue and think what to do about it, she describes Trump junior, saying. She said Trump junior also asked for
documents backing her claim that a donor to Hillary Clinton's campaign evaded U.S. taxes. The number of Trump associates with ties to Russia now
stands at 11, according to CNN's reporting. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross is under scrutiny for his investments in a shipping firm with significant
ties to a Russian company linked to President Putin's inner circle. In an interview with the BBC in London, Ross slammed the suggestion his business
ties constitute anything improper.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
WILBUR ROSS, U.S. COMMERCE SECRETARY: If our government decided to sanction them that would be a different story. Our government has not thus
far made the determination to sanction them. So there's nothing wrong with it. The fact that it happens to be called a Russian company does not mean
that there's any evil in it. Where there is evil is the misstatement that I did not disclose those holdings in my original form.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
SCHNEIDER: While Ross met his disclosure requirement, some, lawmakers feel they were misled. They're now demanding an investigation and possible
resignation.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
RICHARD BLUMENTHAL, U.S. SENATOR FROM CONNECTICUT: He apparently deliberately concealed these ownership interests. There ought to be
hearings. And if he fails to provide a convincing and compelling explanation, he ought to resign.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
SCHNEIDER: In the Paul Manafort, Rick Gates case, the next court, appearance will be on December 11th. That is when a Judge could determine
a trial start date. Right now it looks like May 7, 2018 could be when the trial gets under way, meaning the Russia investigation will stay in the
headlines as the midterm congressional races start to heat up. Jessica Schneider, CNN, Washington.
(END VIDEO)
KINKADE: Well, still to come on "Connect the World," shocking new details in the Texas gunman's violent past that should have had him banned from
buying a gun. So how was he legally able to purchase this assault rifle used to kill dozens of church goers? We would have that story next.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
[10:30:00] LYNDA KINKADE, CNN ANCHOR: A small town in Texas completely shattered after an attack we're now learning could have been prevented.
Twenty-six lives lost in a shooting at a church full of worshippers.
Among them, eight members from a single family, spanning three generations, including a pregnant mother and her three children, the youngest victim, 17
months old.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
KINKADE: Well, we're learning new details about the gunman behind that massacre. Twenty-six year old Devin Kelley had a history of violence and
in obsession over a family grudge.
While in the Air Force, he spent year in military jail for assaulting his wife and son -- stepson, that should have excluded him from being able to
purchase a firearm. Well, for the latest on the investigation and how the shooter was legally able to obtain not just one gun but at least four guns.
Dianne Gallagher joins us from Sutherland Springs. Dianne, no doubt a lot of anger right now over why the U.S. Air force failed to report this
killer's violent past.
DIANNE GALLAGHER, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Yes, and Lynda, to be honest, we don't have an answer to that. All we know is that the Air Force did not
convey that information about those domestic violence charges, that conviction there, to the FBI database.
So once he received that bad conduct discharge to let the civilian world know about his previous conviction there underneath the military court
system. They have asked for the Air Force inspector general to investigate, to figure out whether the disconnect was there. Was it
clerical error?
Did somebody just not do their job? So they're still trying to figure that out. But as you point out, Lynda, he was able to get not one but four guns
since he left the Air Force. And so this is something that he walked into stores and purchased them.
It doesn't appear at least the one that he got -- that he used in the shooting at the church behind me that's Ruger AR-556. He purchased that at
a store, passed the background check, they found no sort of disqualifying information and that is because the Air Force neglected to pass on that
information.
KINKADE: Yes, absolutely crazy. And President Trump, of course was asked about whether extreme vetting would help given and he's spoken so much
about extreme vetting for foreigners coming into the U.S. But he said that wouldn't have changed it at all.
GALLAGHER: Yes, so Lynda, the president has sort of said at this point he doesn't think it's a gun issue. He doesn't think it's a gun thing. He
thinks it's a mental health thing.
Now I want to indicate that we have no sort of information right now on this shooter's mental health background. So this president is the one who
stated that there. But he also is employing some of the ideas that the only thing that can stop a bad guy with a gun is good guy with a gun.
And there are a lot of people here in Texas who are pointing to a resident here, a passer by who did pull out his own weapon, Lynda, as that shooter
exited the church.
[10:35:00] And began shooting at him. According to authorities, that man actually did hit the shooter once in the arm area and once in the torso.
Eventually, the shooter ended up killing himself. He shot himself in the head, we are told.
But a lot of them are using that as the example. And the president says in his opinion, in his feelings that if perhaps they had strengthened any sort
of vetting process, maybe that in his words, good guy with a gun wouldn't have been able to get his gun either.
Now there are a lot of people who obviously disagree with that sentiment. Here in Sutherland Springs, Lynda, for the most part people are just kind
of trying to wrap their minds around the fact that at least four percent of their population was wiped up in the shooting on a Sunday morning in the
middle of church services.
So at this point, we're not seeing a whole lot of gun debate in Sutherland Springs. Eventually, Lynda, it is going to come to this town because of so
many people talking about it.
KINKADE: And interesting to note while you might not be hearing about the gun debate there, across Texas, a lot of people explaining that they share
the president's sentiment, that more people should be armed.
GALLAGHER: Very much so, in fact, even lawmakers here in Texas initially afterward -- just a few hours after the shooting sort of said this is just
a call for more people to make sure they arm themselves personally so we can prevent something like this from happening.
As we start to look back to what led up to the shooting, we put together those retrospective pieces, in addition to his violent task, we're also
hearing from neighbors, Lynda, who noted that you hear a lot of gunshots, people doing target practice Texas.
But they said that it was a bit disturbing that they had noticed this guy, Devin Kelley, doing even more target practice. That he was increasingly
out in his yard shooting in the days and weeks leading up to this, so much so that they took note of it.
And they mentioned, yes, it happens in Texas lot, but it was so increased that we paid attention to it. It was a bit troublesome, even to us. So
it's something that is ubiquitous here in this state and in much of the Unite States, but it's not something that people here haven't noticed at
least.
KINKADE: Dianne Gallagher, good to have you there for us on this story. Thank you very much. Sutherland Springs, where Dianne is, is home to
hundreds of people, all mourning to 26 victims, all killed while attending church.
Now the victims are always the most important people after an attack like this, of course, never the murderer. Our Randi Kaye has a look at the
lives lost that Sunday morning.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
RANDI KAYE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: In an instant, about four percent of the residents of Sutherland Springs, Texas, were taken. The youngest victim,
about a year and a half old, the oldest killed, 77.
Among the dead, Annebelle Pomeroy -- the 14-year-old was the daughter of the church's pastor, who often spoke about her at church. One, sharing
this story about them riding his motorcycle together.
PASTOR FRANK POMEROY, FATHER OF CHURCH SHOOTING VICTIM: Annebelle's been wanting to ride with me and go with me here and there. And the bike was
still in 34 degrees this morning, and she was a trooper. She did not complain. She just sat back there behind me and rode.
KAYE: The pastor and his wife were out of town Sunday, but Annabelle went to church anyway without them.
SHERRI POMEROY, MOTHER OF CHURCH SHOOTING VICTIM: One thing that gives me a sliver of encouragement is the fact that Belle was surrounded yesterday
by her church family that she loved fiercely.
KAYE: At just 16, Haley Krueger had big plans for her life before it was cut short. Her mother told CNN, Haley was a vibrant 16-year-old that loved
life, adding, she was also looking forward to her future as a nurse in the NICU. She loved babies and always wanted to help.
CHARLENE MARIE UHL, HALEY KRUEGER'S MOTHER: She was amazing. And we're going to miss her.
KAYE: The church's visiting pastor, Bryan Holcombe, was also killed. So was his wife, Karla Holcombe. In all, they lost eight members of their
family. Three generations wiped out that terrible morning.
The Holcombes lived on a nearby farm in Floresville, Texas, with several of their children. Their son, Danny, died Sunday, and so did his daughter,
Noah. She was the youngest victim at just 17-months-old.
The couple's son John was also shot and remains in the hospital. His wife, Crystal Holcombe, was killed. She was two months pregnant. Three of her
five children were also killed. The other two were shot and are at the hospital with John, their stepfather.
Also among the victims, Tara McNulty, a close family friend of the Holcombes, and the gunman's own grandmother-in-law, Lula White. She was
his wife's grandmother and friends say she volunteered frequently at the church.
Her niece, Amy Backus, wrote this on her Facebook page shortly after White's death. I have no doubt where she is right now. She is in heaven
laying her crowns and jewels at the feet of Jesus and celebrating. I love and will miss you.
[10:40:00] So many lives taken by a man who likely knew most everyone in the church community where he opened fire. Randi Kaye, CNN, New York.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
KINKADE: Well, just before we move on, we want to highlight a man who is being called a hero. Stephen Willeford chased down and shot the gunman,
wounding him after he fled the church, possibly saving more lives. Stephen spoke with CNN affiliate KHBS. Take a listen.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
STEPHEN WILLEFORD, CONFRONTED TEXAS SHOOTER: He saw me and I saw him. And I was standing behind the pickup truck for cover and we exchanged -- I'm
like, it was surreal to me. It couldn't -- couldn't be happening. I could not believe it.
And we exchanged gunfire and I know I hit him. I don't know where I hit him. But I know I hit him. And he got into his vehicle and he fired
another couple rounds through his side window, and I fired when the window dropped.
I fired another round at him again and one as he was pulling away. And he turned down 5:39 -- from the market road at 5:39 and stead away.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
KINKADE: Horrific tragedy. Let's just take a breather. We're going to take a quick break. We'll be right back.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
KINKADE: Well, let's circle back to Saudi Arabia now where the crown prince's anti-corruption drive has hit the very core of the country's elite
as the kingdom detains its own princes, officials and businessmen, we got reaction from Saudi citizens on the dramatic shake-up and crackdown.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
SARAH SULTAN, BANK EMPLOYEE, SAUDI ARABIA (through a translator): I'm Sarah Sultan, 27-years-old, bank employee. We are very proud of the
decisions. This makes us proud as Saudis. It's evidence that there are no differences between a regular citizen, a minister or a prince.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: My name is (Inaudible). I'm 42 years old --just a historical moment that we are liberal transparent.
[10:45:00] And proved to the whole world there's no one above the law. I'm so proud to be Saudi. But for some, we face the corruption as political
revolution. It's historical revolution, we are telling the world we are coming. Fasten your seat belts.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I'm (Inaudible). I'm a pharmacist working at a hospital. Regarding what's happened these last days, I was actually
surprised, of course, regarding everything. The names -- actually the action was taken by our government. It revealed that we have a strong and
a good action from our government.
ABDUL RAHMAN OTHMAN, SAUDI ARABIA RESIDENT: My name is Abdul Rahman Othman. I'm 39. (Speaking Foreign Language)
(END VIDEOTAPE)
KINKADE: Well, it can sometimes feel like everyone is pointing their finger at each other in American politics, but when one woman did it, it
cost her job. We'll explain after this.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
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KINKADE: Who doesn't love that movie? Scenes like that are what come to mind when you mention Disney, known for its fun animated features and
magical theme parks. With all the mouse ears and pixie dust, it can be easy to forget that it's also a multibillion-dollar corporation.
And that corporation now finds itself in a growing feud with journalists. After it blocked the L.A. Times from screening its movies over coverage it
didn't like. This as it emerges that Disney has reportedly been in talks to buy large chunks of another media empire.
Well, to break it all down for us, CNN's entertainment and media reporter Frank Pallotta joins me from New York. Frank, good to have you with us.
This is a whole new world for Disney. The kingdom about to grow even bigger with talks they're set to buy 21st century Fox.
FRANK PALLOTTA, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Yes, so there were proposed talks. It was reported talks between the two major media conglomerates yesterday.
[10:50:00] And those talks have been kind of ongoing, but right now they're kind of being still, so there's not really a lot of talks ongoing. So
people are just kind of speculating what this could mean.
Basically, what would happen if this deal went through as reported, Disney would kind of take over 20th century Fox's studio and all their
intellectual property. So what is that? That is things like the X-Men. That is things like The Fantastic Four, Marvel and Avatar.
Now those things work really good in synergy with Disney because Disney owns all of Marvell studios, that's your Captain America, your Iron Man,
your Thor, all of that. And they have their just opened in may an Avatar themed theme park at Animal Kingdom in Orlando, Florida.
This really could kind could help Disney kind of expand their vault of I.P., and allow them to be a big, big hit when it comes to streaming when
they do their own streaming service in 2019.
KINKADE: And of course, Frank, Disney has been racking up the big bucks, but the question is, have they been paying their fair share of tax? And of
course, they haven't taken very kindly to an investigation by the L.A. Times.
PALLOTTA: No, they haven't. So in September, the L.A. Times did a report called, is Disney paying its fair share? It was two-part investigation
basically breaking down the business ties between Disney's California flagship, theme park Disneyland and the City of Anaheim.
Disney did not think that story was fair and ultimately they blocked the L.A. Times, put them into a boycott, until like a freeze, from them -- from
allowing their critics to go see early screenings of their films.
This has caused many other journalists from A.V. Club, which is an entertainment site, Flavorwire, and even a writer at The Washington Post
who covers pop culture, to stand in solidarity with The L.A. Times, saying we are not going to cover Disney as long as the L.A. Times are not allow to
do so, the same way.
KINKADE: How unusual is that, Frank, this sort of media blackout?
PALLOTTA: It's unusual, but then again, it's sadly not unusual. These have happened over the course of decades where studios not onto this scale
necessarily have frozen out either publications or they've usually froze out reporters for coverage that they felt unfair.
It's usually just temporary and then they come back but it is though -- it's a great example of the semblance between the two to see how this all
kind of works out. And it's really interesting to see if Disney will kind of back pedal out of this and ultimately lift the ban at the L.A. Times.
KINKADE: All right, we'll see how it place out. Frank Pallotta, good to have you on the story for us in New York. Thank you.
PALLOTTA: Thank you.
KINKADE: Well, in a central role for cyclists on the road is to always use hand signals around other vehicles. Well, for one woman using a very
particular signal around a very particular more car, driving very particular man left her jobless. CNN's Jeannie Moos has the story.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
JEANNIE MOOS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: She gave President Trump's motorcade the middle finger salute and her employer gave her the boot. You don't seem
like the bird-flipping type to me.
JULI BRISKMAN, MARKETING ANALYST: I'm really not.
MOOS: Marketing analyst Juli Briskman wasn't laughing back in October when the president's motorcade passed her on its way back to the White House
from a golf outing.
BRISKMAN: I'm just angry. I've lost my patience. I have -- my blood boils. My finger said what I was feeling.
JIMMY FALLON, AMERICAN COMEDIAN: And then the motorcade slowed down and she caught up, and did it again.
MOOS: The photo went viral. Juli posted it on her social media accounts, and she decided, she better tell her employer about it, a government
contractor (Inaudible). The next day she was fired. Her employer also used a finger to point to section 4.3 of the company's social media policy.
BRISKMAN: They highlighted the whole section but verbally, they highlighted the word obscene. I said, this didn't happen on company time.
MOOS: The company said...
BRISKMAN: We're government contractors. We can't have somebody flipping off the president.
MOOS: Now Juli supporters are flipping off her former employer, bombarding the company's Facebook with a finger displayed by a gorilla, Homer Simpson,
wind-up hands, even an umbrella. (Inaudible) didn't respond to CNN's request for comment. Juli cites another company employee who was
reprimanded but not fired after fighting on Facebook with liberals.
BRISKMAN: He said, you're a (BLEEP).
MOOS: Juli is talking to lawyers. She's out of a job, but sympathizers online are saying, we'll hire her. Do you regret flipping the bird at the
president?
BRISKMAN: No. He doesn't respect the office, so I don't respect him.
MOOS: At least she's not claiming it's a case of mistaken identity.
FALLON: We actually got her hands on a photo of that woman from a different angle. Take a look at this.
(LAUGHTER)
[10:55:00] MOOS: Jeannie Moos, CNN, New York. $ >
(END VIDEOTAPE)
KINKADE: So remember kids, it's not what you do, it's what you get photographed doing in front of the entire world that gets you in trouble.
Well, speaking of stuff, the whole world is looking at, go to our Facebook page, that's facebook.com/cnnconnect.
I'm Lynda Kinkade and that was Connect the World. You've been great. I'll be back tomorrow. See you then. Also, we couldn't leave you without
giving you a little more grooviness.
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