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One World with Zain Asher
Trump Ramps Up Pressure on Venezuela with Oil Blockade; Trump & Cabinet Show Unified Support for Chief of Staff; Former Special Counsel Jack Smith Testifying on Capitol Hill; Australia Mourns as First Funerals Held for Victims; European Leaders Prepare for Key Brussels Summit; FIFA Introduces $60 Tickets After Backlash Over Prices. Aired 11a-12p ET
Aired December 17, 2025 - 11:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
[11:00:00]
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
LYNDA KINKADE, CNN HOST, ONE WORLD: Donald Trump orders new actions against Venezuela. "One World" starts right now. The U.S. President orders a
complete blockade of sanctioned oil tankers entering and leaving the South American Nation, escalating the pressure campaign against Venezuelan
Leader, Nicolas Maduro.
Mourners in Australia gather to say final goodbyes to some of the victims of the Bondi Beach attack. The new details emerge on the brutal murder of
Rob Reiner and his wife, what we're learning about their son's Nick's behavior at a Christmas party just hours before the killings.
Live from Atlanta. I'm Lynda Kinkade. Good to be with you and welcome to "One World". Venezuela is denouncing a barrage of threats unleashed by the
U.S. President on social media in which he vowed to target Venezuela's main source of income.
Donald Trump's Truth Social post on Tuesday promised a total and complete blockade of sanctioned oil tankers entering and leaving the country,
suggesting an economic motive to the recent U.S. military build-up in the region. Trump said the blockade would be backed by what he called a martyr
of American ships.
He incorrectly accused Venezuela of stealing oil, land and assets from the U.S., and said the Maduro regime had been designated a foreign terrorist
organization. Caracas responded by accusing the U.S. of trying to plunder its wealth and slammed Trump's latest outburst as a reckless and serious
threat.
Well, CNN's Zach Cohen is following the story and joins us now live from Washington. Good to see you, Zach. So, what officially is the U.S.
objective for this blockade, which is specifically aimed at a regime change riot, or is it about reducing drug trafficking?
ZACHARY COHEN, CNN SENIOR INTERNATIONAL SECURITY REPORTER: Yeah, Lynda, I think this is the clearest indication yet that this military campaign in
and around Latin America is not just about stopping the flow of drugs, as the Trump Administration has previously insisted.
But rather suggesting that there is also an economic motive here, and paired with Donald Trump's recent and increasing threats of conducting land
strikes against targets inside Venezuela itself. It does increasingly raise that question of whether or not this entire military build-up is intended
to ramp up that pressure on Venezuelan Leader Nicolas Maduro, with the intention of pushing him out of power.
And look, that is something we reported back in September that Donald Trump was considering as allies around him have been pushing him to get on board
with effectively, a regime change operation. It's something that Trump himself has been reluctant to acknowledge as the end game here, right?
But look, this is a move that clearly shifts the parameters of this campaign. And the intention of ousting Maduro is something that White House
Chief of Staff Susie Wiles has effectively admitted on the record in that recent Vanity Fair Interview, where she said the drug boat strikes that
we've been seeing over the last several months were intended to pressure Nicolas Maduro to the extent in which he would leave office voluntarily.
This economic lever that Donald Trump is now pulling seems to be yet another escalation in that push.
KINKADE: And Zach, have you heard any response from the White House to the claims from Venezuela and other nations that this sort of move, this
blockade in particular, violates international law?
COHEN: We haven't. We're really just busy right now off of Donald Trump's Truth Social post last night, that's really the only thing we've heard.
We've reached out to the Pentagon, to the Office of the Secretary of Defense, who has referred us back to the White House.
So right now, really Donald Trump's post standing alone as really the U.S. posture on this. And look international -- he's faced internet -- he's
faced claims of breaking international laws in conducting these boat strikes against alleged drug traffickers in international waters. Those
have raised very serious legal concerns as it pertains to international law, which the administration has seemingly ignored or not cared about.
So, this again, while raising fresh questions about whether the Trump Administration is adhering to international law, I think the proof in the
past would show that they have, up to this point, largely dismissed those concerns.
KINKADE: All right. Zach Cohen, for us in DC, good to have you with us. Thank you. And we want to stay on this story. I want to dig a little
deeper. Elizabeth Dickinson is a Senior Analyst at Andes Region at the International Crisis Group. She joins me now from Bogota, Colombia. Good to
have you with us.
[11:05:00]
ELIZABETH DICKINSON, SENIOR ANALYST, ANDES REGION, INTERNATIONAL CRISIS GROUP: Thanks so much for the invitation.
KINKADE: So, Elizabeth, from your perspective, how effective is this current U.S., so called gun boat diplomacy, in achieving regime change in
Venezuela?
DICKINSON: Well, I think what we've seen from this experience, and frankly, past pressure on the Maduro government is that it's -- it has not cracked
in the past, and there's no reason to indicate at the moment that it will do so at this time.
You know when the boat attacks first started, one of the ways that we heard them described in the region by regional security forces was essentially
shots fired in the air, sort of warning shots. I think you know, what we see with this escalation against oil tankers is that perhaps that level of
pressure wasn't having the effect that the White House was looking for. And this is certainly an escalation.
But again, I really want to emphasize here that this is a government that knows how to stay in place, and also believes that they are safer in
Venezuela than outside. So, I think we have to really be very straightforward and realistic about the possibility that this could spark
anything more than simply a humanitarian crisis in Venezuela, which will be deeply affected by probably this blockade.
KINKADE: And Elizabeth, given the oil blockade and the threat to tankers, what immediate economic or energy impacts should we expect, both regionally
and globally?
DICKINSON: Well, the buyers of Venezuelan oil at the moment are fairly limited, but I think what the real impact that we have to think about is
internally within Venezuela. And here, the key thing to understand is that there is, of course, crude oil that leaves Venezuela a country that has
about 17 percent of all the world's oil resources known resources at the moment.
So, crude does leave Venezuela, but because processing capabilities are so limited in the country, oil also enters the country. And so, the fuel that
regular Venezuelans are using for generators for transportation, requires those tankers to come into the country.
So, in a sort of immediate term, what we could be looking at are things like hospitals and basic infrastructure running out of fuel. And of course,
this could have a broader impact on the economy as well. And here I really want to describe to you what we've heard from our contacts in Caracas in
recent weeks about the desperation of many families to access basic resources.
Prices in the country are very high, salaries are very low, and so we hear things like families starting to eat fewer meals a day, rationing, eating
less more rice and less protein. These are coping mechanisms that I think are really a warning sign about the conditions of everyday life in
Venezuela.
KINKADE: And I want to ask you further about other humanitarian concerns, especially if this situation does indeed escalate into conflict or perhaps
a power vacuum.
DICKINSON: Well, we're very concerned about the threat of violence and a broader conflict. Should there be a destabilization of the government? We
have to understand that this is a very fragile environment at the moment. Within Venezuela, we have, of course, the presence of a number of armed and
criminal groups.
Some of them are close to the government. Some of them aren't. And what I think we could expect is a bit of a scramble for control in the event that
there could be a destabilization of the government. I think also we have to think about in terms of the humanitarian conflict, what this could -- what
this could produce?
And one of the potential impacts, I think, of destabilizing the government and an economic crisis, frankly, are new waves of migration. Most likely
into the region initially but of course, you know Venezuelan's seeking better conditions, but also fleeing direct conflict, could then spread
across, northward into even the United States.
KINKADE: And I'm wondering whether the U.S. policy could backfire. Could U.S. sanctions combine with naval enforcement inadvertently strengthen
Maduro's political leverage domestically?
DICKINSON: I think this is a really important point. And I think one of our concerns thinking about this current situation is that Maduro could very
easily come out strengthened. At the moment because of this blockade and because of the reduction that we'll see in terms of income coming in and
out of the country, I think the general population will be increasingly dependent on the government for basic survival.
And that will essentially consolidate the regime's ability to dole out resources to those who are loyal and not to support those who don't -- who
are not in favor of the regime. So, there's that risk immediately.
Then more broadly, you know, I think if Maduro outlasts U.S. pressure, then the concern, of course, is that his narrative inside the country is that he
sort of survived this pressure from his greatest geopolitical enemy, facilitating the prolonging of this regime that has caused so much impact
for the civilian population.
KINKADE: Elizabeth Dickinson, great to get your analysis. Thanks so much for your time.
DICKINSON: Thank you.
KINKADE: Reaction from across the White House has been unexpectedly supportive after Susie Wiles gave an unflattering assessment of her
colleagues in an interview with Vanity Fair.
[11:10:00]
Wiles is the first woman to serve as Chief of Staff, and until now, she's been known for keeping a low profile. But in the course of 11 interviews
with Author Chris Whipple, she spoke with an unusual frankness about President Donald Trump, who she described as having an alcoholics
personality.
Wiles now calls the article a quote disingenuously framed hit piece. But in the hours following its release, she received an outpouring of support from
Trump's top aides and cabinet officials. In less than 12 hours, President Trump is expected to give a live address to the nation from the White
House.
U.S. Presidents often sum up their efforts around the holiday season. Well, tonight's speech comes as polls show that ever fewer Americans say they
strongly approve of President Trump's performance. Around one in five, according to multiple surveys, we'll be waiting to hear if President Trump
shares his thoughts on the U.S. economy, as well as rising prices.
His government's drive to arrest and deport thousands of immigrants and, of course, an explanation on his apparent bid to topple the president of
Venezuela. Jeff Zeleny has been keeping a close eye on all the political drama in Washington, certainly a lot to cover. Just take us through what
you expect to hear from President Trump tonight.
JEFF ZELENY, CNN CHIEF U.S. NATIONAL AFFAIRS CORRESPONDENT: Well, President Trump clearly wants to talk about the year that was and look ahead to the
year that will be. The economy, we are told is a central focus of his message, or at least that's the hope of White House Advisers.
The reality is President Trump is at a rare place during his public life here. A rare low among how Americans and Republicans indeed are viewing his
handling of the economy. The economy has long been a strong suit for him, at least politically speaking. He was elected on a pledge to lower prices,
to tame inflation, but now he's getting some of his lowest marks that he has received in terms of how the public believes he is handling them.
So, with yesterday's jobs report showing an uptick in inflation of unemployment, excuse me, this certainly is one of the challenges. But the
president also will talk about the successes he believes he has had on immigration and other matters.
But again, the economy and affordability seem to be the center, the centerpiece of this speech tonight. But as you mentioned earlier, there's a
good bit of drama in the halls of the West Wing as they prepare the president for the speech.
KINKADE: A lot of drama. I mean, there are certainly, we're hearing and seeing a lot of interviews that have -- that shows a sense of backlash
against the president. We also heard from Republican Marjorie Taylor Greene, who, of course, was once a staunch Trump ally. She recently said
the dam is breaking regarding his influence in the GOP. So just take us through the descent in the ranks.
ZELENY: Look, it's been very interesting of that Vanity Fair story and photograph that you just showed has really created something of a dust up
that we've not seen before. Susie Wiles is someone who we see in the Oval Office. We see sort of at the side of the president, but she rarely speaks
publicly.
But boy, did she ever? She delivered 11 separate interviews over the last year working with this reporter who studies White House Chiefs of Staff,
Chris Whipple, that's what he does. He looks at the sort of history making move White House Chiefs of Staff. And he clearly gained her trust, and they
talked about the president's actions this year, really in real time throughout the year.
And she, of course, is largely supportive of President Trump, but she described his personality as an alcoholic, like personality, which, of
course, is quite interesting, because he famously does not drink. His brother died of alcoholism, but he famously does not drink. But it's that
personality that she used to describe him, which was sort of interesting.
But also, just talking about how she disagrees with specifically on the deportation agenda that the president has done in American cities. The ICE
removal actions. She talked about the president's tariff policy, how she tried to get him to hold off until they could reach some agreement
internally.
He went ahead and announced those tariffs, and of course, that set off a whole a legal challenge. Some have remained. Many have not. So, really just
an insider look at how she has tried to control things in this White House.
So, it's been just a bit of a reminder of the drama that existed in Trump's first term in office, which largely has not played out this term at all.
But this story and set of interviews show that there is still some dissension, and there are still some issues with how the president's
leadership style plays out.
[11:15:00]
KINKADE: Yeah, a fascinating article, fascinating interviews. She calls it a hit piece, but you know, clearly, she said those things on the record.
Jeff Zeleny, good to have you with us from DC. Thank you.
ZELENY: My pleasure.
KINKADE: Well, Former Special Counsel to the U.S. Justice Department Jack Smith is privately testifying this hour on Capitol Hill. Ahead, we'll get
perspective from a former federal prosecutor.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
KINKADE: Welcome back. I'm Lynda Kinkade. Former Special Counsel for the U.S. Justice Department, Jack Smith is privately testifying on Capitol Hill
at this hour. The high stakes interview before the House Judiciary Committee regards his prosecutions of President Donald Trump.
Republican Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan subpoenaed Smith, accusing him of running a politically motivated probe against Trump. Smith denies such
claims and says he has willingly -- he is willing to testify publicly. Well, this session comes a day after House lawmakers demanded interviews
with Smith's top deputies.
CNN's Senior Reporter Annie Grayer has been across this story and joins us now from Washington. Good to have you with us, Annie. So, what do we know
about the focus of Jack Smith's closed-door deposition today? And how significant is it in the broader context of GOP oversight of Trump's
prosecutions?
ANNIE GRAYER, CNN SENIOR REPORTER: Well, this is a significant moment for Republicans and President Trump who have made Jack Smith one of their top
opponents. They view his entire criminal investigations as politically motivated and part of a weaponized effort to go after President Trump and
his allies.
Smith entered the deposition just over an hour ago where he didn't answer questions on his way in. He's going to be meeting behind closed doors where
he's going to be grilled by both Republican and Democratic lawmakers. Now, Smith stands by his criminal investigations both into Trump's alleged
mishandling of classified documents and efforts to overturn the 2020, presidential election.
I want to read for you two excerpts that was provided to CNN of Smith's opening statement. They read quote, I made my decisions in the
investigation without regard to President Trump's political association activities, beliefs or candidacy in the 2024, presidential election.
We took actions based on what the facts and the law required.
The very lesson I learned early in my career as a prosecutor. He also goes on to say, quote, if asked whether to prosecute a Former President based on
the same facts today, I would do so regardless of whether the president was a Republican or a Democrat.
[11:20:00]
So, Smith is doubling down here on his investigations. We'll see how lawmakers react to that. Smith wanted to testify publicly. He didn't want
this to be a closed-door deposition, but House Judiciary Chair Jim Jordan made this case that he had to be behind closed doors. There are a lot of
topics that they're going to cover, including Smith's investigation included subpoenaing phone records from at least nine Republican lawmakers.
Now those lawmakers are furious that that was done as part of the investigation. But Smith is, we're told, going to defend those decisions
and explain that that was not anything like a wire topping, but it was merely the getting the phone records to know how -- what phone numbers
called, which, how long those phone calls last, but nothing, but the content of those phone calls.
And Smith is going to want to be forthcoming here, because he doesn't want Republicans or Jim Jordan to accuse him of withholding information. But
he's got to walk a tight rope because there are certain restrictions about what he can and can't talk about.
For example, the second part of Smith's classified documents report is still under seal by a federal judge, so Smith will be limited what he can
talk to about there. But this is not the end for Republicans, as you mentioned at the top there, that Jim Jordan sent out letters to four of
Smith's top deputies yesterday. He wants to interview them by the end of this year.
KINKADE: And it's interesting you note that Annie that he did want to testify publicly. So, what does it suggest about Republican strategy and
transparency on Capitol Hill that they wanted this deposition in private?
GRAYER: Well, a public hearing and a deposition are two totally different things. A deposition is usually led by committee staff that can be asked
much more rapid questions. It's less of a production. The way that a public hearing is where each member gets five minutes of time, and there's often
long delays, things like that.
But you're right that a public hearing would have been able to lay all of this out there. But also, when Smith had his opportunity to talk to
reporters going into his deposition, he didn't answer my questions or questions from anyone else.
So, the bulls -- we'll definitely get the transcript from this deposition at some point, but we are not getting to see in real time how Smith is
responding to questions from both Democrats and Republicans.
KINKADE: All right. Annie Grayer, good to have you with us on this story from Washington. Thank you very much. And we are going to stay on this. I
want to welcome Former State and Federal Prosecutor David Weinstein, who joins us from Miami. David, good to have you with us.
So, from your perspective as a former federal prosecutor, what is the significance of Jack Smith testifying privately before the House Judiciary
Committee.
DAVID WEINSTEIN, FORMER STATE AND FORMER PROSECUTOR: Well, as Annie pointed out, it's more of a structured setting. They'll be asking him questions,
but in the way that any deposition would take place, they'll be led by one individual. There won't be time constraints.
We won't have to hear about, I need a couple of minutes back based on that answer or things like that, this is very much more of a structured type of
hearing. You know, however, the answers are going to still be the same. He's going to be able to talk about what he did? How he did it? And to the
extent he has any information about what the results were?
He's going to be limited by what he cannot say about matters that occurred before a grand jury that are covered by the Grand Jury secrecy rules,
unless a judge orders him to be allowed to disclose that. And as Annie pointed out, the second part of his report is still tied up in court down
here in South Florida. He can't talk about that either. So, they may be asking a lot of questions, but I'm not sure they're going to get a lot of
answers.
KINKADE: Yeah, interesting. And I do want to understand, like, how common is it for a Former Special Counsel to be subpoenaed for a private
deposition? And what the legal procedures and implications might be?
WEINSTEIN: Not very common at all. Again, every time we seem to be talking about what's going on now, we talk about things that are uncommon. This
doesn't happen very often because there are rules governing appointments of special prosecutors. Their cases are then analyzed and matters are filed or
not filed, and that's generally been the end of it.
We've seen a lot of hearings lately, though, where people are being called into Congress or the Senate to be giving these exact types of testimony
that we're seeing here Today.
KINKADE: Sir, I'm wondering, in terms of, you know, trust, do these types of, you know, Congressional depositions pose risks of politicizing, you
know, a special counsel's investigation, and how might that affect the broader justice system?
WEINSTEIN: Well, I think if you look at the statements that Jack Smith released before he went in, let's key on a couple of things, and I will
answer your question. He talked about how he analyzed this, not with a view towards whether the person was a Democrat or a Republican or an
Independent. And he simply was doing the job that he's been trained to do, as all prosecutors are trained to do.
[11:25:00]
Let someone gather the facts, look at the facts, compare those to the law, and then determine whether or not there's sufficient facts to support
charges under the law. And so, in his mind, or at least in the statements he's made. This was not political at all, but it's being politicized now by
the hearings and accusations that are being made.
Remember, one of the other things he said at the end of his prepared statement was, if put in the same position today, I still wouldn't look at
whether or not the person I was investigating was a Republican or a Democrat. I would just look at the facts that were given to me. So, he's
not politicizing this. It's the people who are asking the questions who are politicizing this.
KINKADE: Yeah, exactly. You make a really good point. So, from a former prosecutor's viewpoint, what is the best way for Smith to protect himself
legally while complying with a congressional subpoena?
WEINSTEIN: To do exactly what he's done. He has shown up so he is not avoiding coming in and sitting down in front of them. Next listen to the
questions he's being asked, and to the extent that he can relate to them answers that are based on and would allow him to testify about public
information answer those questions.
As to any questions that he cannot answer because of either Grand Jury secrecy rulings, because of the ruling in the district court down here in
South Florida regarding the second part of his report, or any other classifications, whether it's security classifications, ongoing
investigation classifications, decline to answer those, but state the reason why you cannot answer those.
He simply cannot say, I can't answer that. He can say, I cannot answer that because of reason, A, B, C or D. That's the best way for him to protect
himself. And then, as to any other questions that he can answer, simply answer them in the only way you can or should, by telling the truth.
KINKADE: David Weinstein in Miami, great to have you on the program. Thanks so much for your time.
WEINSTEIN: You're welcome.
KINKADE: All right, still to come, a country in mourning as Australia holds the first funerals for the victims of the Bondi Beach massacre.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
[11:30:00]
KINKADE: Welcome back to "One World". I'm Lynda Kinkade. Here are some of the international headlines we're watching today. Venezuela's government is
slamming what it called a reckless and serious threat after the latest online outburst by the U.S. President.
On Tuesday, Donald Trump posted that he was ordering a total and complete blockade of sanctioned oil tankers going in and out of Venezuela. He said
it would be backed by an armada of U.S. ships. In a few hours from now, President Trump gives a live address to the nation to talk about the first
year of his second term.
He's expected to give his thoughts on the U.S. economy and the cost of living. His government's drive to expel thousands of immigrants, and he
could say more about his apparent bid to topple the President of Venezuela.
Former Special Counsel Jack Smith is testifying this hour in a closed-door session on Capitol Hill. The high stakes interview before the Republican
led House Judiciary Committee regards his prosecutions of President Donald Trump and Republican accusations that they were politically motivated. It
comes a day after the committee demanded interviews with Smith's top deputies.
Our nation is stronger than the cowards who seek to divide us. Those words spoken by the Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese as he led a solemn
gathering of religious and community leaders on Wednesday. Representatives from different faiths lit candles in remembrance of the 15 lives lost in
the Bondi Beach attack. The first funerals for some of the victims were held earlier in Sydney.
Heartbreak unfolded at the funeral of the Late Rabbi Ellie Schlanger, who had organized the Hanukkah by the sea event at Bondi Beach where Sunday's
massacre occurred. A 10-year-old girl and a holocaust survivor were also among the victims who were ruthlessly gunned down. Here's a closer look at
the victims of Sunday's anti-Semitic attack.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE (voice-over): It was meant to be a celebration, but joy quickly turned to panic, pain and then unbearable grief, destroying
families, fracturing communities, young and old now gone, leaving painful holes simply impossible to fill.
Matilda was the youngest of the victims, just 10-years-old. Her aunt describing her as a sweet, happy child with a beautiful smile, rushed to a
nearby hospital she could not be saved. Alexander Kleytma was the oldest of Sunday's victims. The 87-year-old survived the Holocaust, and his wife,
Larissa, pictured next to him, says he died shielding her from the bullets.
Among those killed two rabbis, 39-year-old, Yaakov Levitan, a husband, father and beloved member of Sydney's Jewish Community. And London born,
Eli Schlanger, who organized the gathering on Sunday, his cousin recalled the message he spread in life.
RABBI DOVID LEWIS, COUSIN OF VICTIM RABBI ELI SCHLANGER: The way we hold up in times as difficult as this is by keeping dear the message that Eli Rabbi
Schlanger held so dear to him, which is to spread the light of Judaism, to share it.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE (voice-over): Few encapsulated that spirit, like Tibor Weitzen the 78-year-old, known as The Candy Man, brought joy and smiles,
handing out treats to those in his congregation. His family say their sweet grandpa died trying to shield a friend.
Retired Detective Peter Meagher was also among those killed. Mazo, as he was known, served almost 40 years in the line of duty. He was working as a
freelance photographer covering the Hanukkah Celebration. His rugby club in Randwick called him an absolute legend.
LEWIS: Whilst there is definitely a rise in overt and unfortunately, covert anti-Semitism as well, the reality that we have to live with and the
reality that, if necessary, we have to create is one where we combat all forms of racism, any type of prejudice.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE (voice-over): Schlanger's Cousin Eli, one of several victims, born overseas. 27-year-old, Dan Elkayam hailed from Paris, France.
82-year-old Marika Pogany from Slovakia. 62-Year-old Reuven Morrison moved to Australia fleeing persecution from the Soviet Union.
[11:35:00]
And Russian couple Boris and Sophia Gurman, 61-year-old. Sophia and her husband, 69-year-old Boris were caught on dash cam footage trying to stop
one of the gunmen. They were married for 34 years and were killed together in the confrontation. Their family said they died as they lived bravely
putting others before themselves.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
KINKADE: And Australian authorities have now charged the surviving suspect with 59 offenses, including terrorism and 15 counts of murder. 24-year-old
Naveed Akram faced those charges after waking up from a coma Inner Sydney hospital. He also suffered gunshot wounds as a result of that massacre.
Well, it is day five in the manhunt in Rhode Island, where police have released enhanced video of the person of interest in the Brown University
mass shooting. Investigators say the man they are looking for was captured on video in the Providence area in the hours before the attack.
They're urging the public to focus on his body movement, his posture and his gait as potential identifiers to help crack this case. Two students
were killed, nine others hospitalized in Saturday's attack. Well, CNN's Michael Yoshida is in Providence with the latest on the investigation.
Michael, good to have you with us. So, police have released this enhanced video of the timeline and the person of interest, his movement. What are
investigators emphasizing about those visuals?
MICHAEL YOSHIDA, CNN REPORTER: Good to be with you, Lynda. You mentioned that new enhanced imagery the videos that have been put out, showing this
person of interest, as we are in this fifth day of a manhunt following the deadly mass shooting here at Brown University.
Still see some of the crime scene tape up around the building and area where this all happened on campus. When it comes to those new images and
video, as you talked about investigators calling these enhanced, though it's fair to point out that you really still can't see a good, close
picture of this person of interest's face.
But they are hopeful and wanting people to focus on the appearance, the movement, the posture of that individual as they walked through this area.
Another new eerie detail put out by police is that that person of interest was in these neighborhoods in the area around this part of campus, for
hours before this deadly shooting happened on Saturday.
They believe some five hours prior to that incident. They say it appears he was casing the area, scouting it out in preparation for this shooting.
Investigators also say they've started to receive hundreds of tips from the public as they're looking for any sort of clue to try and track down that
individual.
In terms of the investigation and what we've seen today, we have seen the FBI and some of their evidence teams return even to this area, an area
that's been heavily searched already, but still going through some of the shrubbery, other areas, trying to find, again, anything that can lead them
to this gunman.
Also important to point out, we're right on the edge of Brown University's campus here. And investigators tell us they're actually pushing outward
from the university, now more into the residential areas, again, looking for anyone who might have those home surveillance cameras that may have
caught something that can give them, again, any sort of clue to this suspect.
As, again, still very anxious and nervous community here waiting for the person responsible to be caught.
KINKADE: So, the FBI has put up this $50,000 reward for information. Just how common is it for federal agencies to offer a reward like that? And what
does it say about the urgency of this investigation?
YOSHIDA: When you talk about the urgency and putting that reward out, obviously a good amount of some for the arrest and eventual conviction of
the person responsible. And it really from those we've heard talking about this investigation speaks to the fact that they do. They need information
from the public.
They are seeking any help they can get. As this has been a roller coaster of emotions for those in this community. We had the terror when gunshots
opened up on Saturday here then as this community was processing that they had a little sense of relief when an initial person of interest was taken
into custody, to only then realize hours later that that person was cleared and released.
And that's where we've really seen the search almost pick up a new that reward now out there, with the hopes that that maybe can incentivize
someone, if they do know something, to phone that in, to get that to investigators and again, hopefully start to bring some closure to those
impacted by this incident.
KINKADE: Michael Yoshida, let's hope so. Thanks very much. Nick Reiner, the son of legendary movie director Rob Reiner and his wife Michelle is
awaiting arraignment in Los Angeles on two counts of first-degree murder in the stabbing of his parents.
[11:40:00]
Prosecutors allege Reiner killed his parents in their Brentwood home in the early hours of Sunday morning. The charges carry a possible life sentence
or life in prison or the death penalty, but that has yet to be decided.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
NATHAN HOCHMAN, LOS ANGELES COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY: In these cases, like any of these cases, we will take the thoughts and desires of the family
into consideration in making our decision.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
KINKADE: 32-year-old Reiner is currently being held without bail and is going through a medical clearance, which is standard procedure. Well,
Stephanie Elam is outside the courthouse in Los Angeles and spoke to my colleague Wolf Blitzer just moments ago.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
STEPHANIE ELAM, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Nick Reiner, when he does show up in court, will be facing two charges of first-degree murder for the deaths of
his parents. Law enforcement alleging that he killed his parents in the early morning hours of Sunday morning.
Now keep in mind, this is after that Conan O'Brien Holiday Party Saturday night where people did witness Nick and Rob Reiner getting into an argument
at that party. Also, we have this other person who was at the party who said that Nick Reiner just stuck out a bit because he was disheveled.
He was standing by a fire pit smoking a cigarette and really not making eye contact, and just sort of had a flat expression on his face. So not exactly
clear when after that party, the Reiners were killed? But we do know that their daughter lives across the street.
She went over to check on her parents Sunday at 03:00 p.m. that is when she discovered the bodies and called in the police. So, we're getting a bit of
more of this timeline here. But when you think about what she's been through, think about that she discovered her parents were killed, and then
finding out that the number one suspect is allegedly your brother.
It makes it for a very difficult case, something that the District Attorney Nathan Hochman addressed in his press conference. Take a listen.
HOCHMAN: Now prosecuting these cases involving family members are some of the most challenging and most heart wrenching cases that this office faces
because of the intimate and often brutal nature of the crimes involved.
ELAM: Now the district attorney also saying that they will take into account the thoughts and desires of the family members as they are looking
to prosecute this case. Right now, Nick Reiner is facing lifetime in prison without the chance of parole if this goes against him.
It's also worth noting that he was arrested even though he was living in the guest house on the property. He was arrested downtown by USC. So, they
that's where they detained him after nine o'clock at night.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
KINKADE: We have images just coming into us. Here you can see Alan Jackson, the Attorney for Nick Reiner, just arriving at the courthouse. Now, as I
mentioned, Nick Reiner is facing two counts of first-degree murder in the stabbing deaths of his parents.
Well, still to come, a defiant statement from Vladimir Putin on Ukraine. We look at where peace talks stand as European Leaders head to Brussels.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
[11:45:00]
KINKADE: Welcome back. I'm Lynda Kinkade. Russian President Vladimir Putin has given his latest signal that a peace deal with Ukraine is not a
priority. He reiterated his threat that Russia would, in his words, liberate its historical lands within Ukraine, whether through diplomacy or
by force.
Now the issue is one of a major obstacle in the peace agreement discussions. Ukraine's President insists that Kyiv will not recognize the
temporarily occupied part of the Eastern Donbas region as Russia. Zaporizhzhia is another region where Russia has staked a claim. The
survivor of this attack at an apartment block said she wants future generations of Ukrainians to enjoy peace.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
VALENTYNA SUMACHOVA, ZAPORIZHZHIA RESIDENT: I don't want my children to die. I want them to live. I want my grandchildren to see the future. This
is what I want if the war continues, I doubt that my grandchildren will see anything.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
KINKADE: European Leaders are preparing for a meeting in Brussels to look at funding Ukraine's war effort, and that's where we find our Clare
Sebastian. Good to have you there first, Clare. So, the diplomatic action shifts to Brussels in the coming days, a potentially game changing decision
on funding for Ukraine. Just take us through it.
CLARE SEBASTIAN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Yeah, Lynda. Look well, on the one hand, we have the U.S. leading the charge when it comes to mediating peace
efforts, it's Europe that will need to stump up the cash, or at least most of the cash, to keep Ukraine in the fight and to keep its government funded
if, as you know, Putin's comments suggest a good peace deal, a lasting peace is not imminent.
So, the big question on the table here in Europe is whether or not they are ready to use those immobilized Russian Central Bank assets that have been
frozen in various locations? But especially the bulk of them here in Belgium, really, since the early months of the war, the debate has been
raging in particular over the last two a couple of weeks, and Belgium still remains a hold out.
It, of course, has custody of most of those assets, and it is concerned that there aren't enough safeguards, that it faces disproportionate risk if
Russia seeks some kind of retaliation on this issue. So that is what debate is going to focus on over the coming days, the next 24 possibly longer.
Their European Council President has said they will not be leaving here without a deal on this, whether it's the frozen assets or something else.
But look, this is clearly a critical moment for Europe, a decision that I think goes even beyond those frozen assets.
Because you have Europe that has been largely sidelined from this latest uptick in peace negotiations is now seen written in black and white
American disdain for its policies and directions in the national security strategy, and I think that's why this decision carries so much weight here.
Take a listen to the European Commission President Ursula Von Der Leyen speaking a little earlier.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
URSULA VON DER LEYEN, EUROPEAN COMMISSION PRESIDENT: This week's European Council is about facing the reality of the moment. The reality of a world
that has become dangerous and transactional. A world of wars, a world of predators. The reality of this world means we Europeans must defend
ourselves, and we must depend on ourselves.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
SEBASTIAN: So, she went on to say, Lynda, this is Europe's independence moment. In fact, we counted she worked -- she used the word independence
about 10 times in that speech, which I think suggests after the past 10 months or so of working so hard to salvage and safeguard this Transatlantic
alliance with the U.S.
Europe is contemplating a future that looks really a bit different from that. And this decision on how to fund Ukraine will be a critical part of
Europe taking charge, not only of Ukraine security, but of its own security.
KINKADE: All right, Clare Sebastian, for us, good to have you there in Brussels. Thanks very much. Well, still to come, leveling the playing field
FIFA, slashing the price of some World Cup tickets after a global backlash.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
[11:50:00]
KINKADE: Welcome back. I'm Lynda Kinkade. Sport is often seen as the world's great equalizer, but the price of some tickets to next year's World
Cup in North America have left some fans outraged. Well, now FIFA is making changes, saying some fans will be able to get tickets to the final for $60
each, instead of more than $4,000.
Cheaper, tickets will also be made available for every game at the tournament, going to the national federations of the country's playing.
Patrick Snell is here from World Sports, so just explain the new ticketing prices for us, Patrick.
PATRICK SNELL, CNN WORLD SPORT: Yeah, that's the big question, Lynda. Are the fans going to be happy with this? And there's no question. Look, $60
for the final instead of 4000 what was it, 4185? That is a step in the right direction. But it's still a far cry. I don't know if people remember.
But eight years ago, when all the co-hosts were bidding for the tournament, the pledge then was hundreds of thousands of tickets will be made available
at $21. But what's important here is the fact that there are only going to be hundreds, hundreds of $60 tickets for each match, not thousands.
So that is a small percentage of, say you got a stadium of 60, 70,000 a small percentage of people inside that arena. And of course, as you just
said, each country's federation will be in charge now of deciding how to distribute those tickets that go to the loyal fans, those who travel home
and abroad, following their national team every step of the way.
I will say demand is very high for tickets overall. FIFA saying they've been 20 million ticket requests for what they call the random selection
draw. So why this change in stance from FIFA then? Well, the association hasn't said why it's so dramatically changed strategy. But it is saying the
lower prices are designed to further support traveling fans following their national teams across the tournament.
For context, this is going to be a massive World Cup, the biggest, the biggest World Cup in history. Matches are played across three different
countries, the U.S., Canada, Mexico. 48 teams taking part. That's up from 32 that we had in 2022 in Qatar. It's expected that next year's World Cup
will earn FIFA billions in revenue as well.
So, let's get reaction then to this latest development on ticket prices. Let's hear now and just see this statement in fact from the Football
Supporters Association, which reads in part. This is a step in the right direction, as it shows, changes for good can be made, but it still leaves
90 percent of loyal, hardcore supporters paying ridiculous prices.
Rather than playing PR games FIFA needs to do the right thing and set prices at a reasonable price for all supporters. And the FAS needs to apply
pressure on them to do just that. Fans need to apply pressure on them to do just that.
[11:55:00]
So, we'll stay across that latest development. But look, as I mentioned earlier, it's already going to be a very, very expensive World Cup. You got
the ticket costs, Lynda. You've got the fact that fans have to pay for their travel expenses as well. And keep in mind accommodation costs at the
height of the North American Summer.
Just for context here, if you're planning, for example, on watching the USA's Open against Paraguay that's in California in LA June the 12th. The
cheapest ticket for that one currently $1,300 and you and I both know Lynda excitement here in Atlanta, which is going to be a real hub for the
tournament is mounting.
Eight matches are going to be played over here, including a semifinal. But it's the cost of tickets that are front and center for the fans right now,
back to you.
KINKADE: Well, I'll be coming to you, Patrick, to find out how I get some of those tickets for $60?
SNELL: Yeah, that's -- those are the ones that we all want to get hold of. No question. Certainly, fans will be eyeing up those $60 tickets. But as I
said, there's only a certain amount going around at that price.
KINKADE: Exactly. Patrick Snell good to see you. Thanks so much. We'll stay with CNN. Bianna Golodryga will have more of "One World" in just a moment.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
[12:00:00]
END
