Whats hes been doing all these years. Announcer this is abc world news tonight with david muir, reporting tonight from washington. Good evening, from washington tonight. Where we met with the president today. What he says about that special counsel now brought into investigate russia. But were also following those horrific pictures out of new york city today, the deadly crash, the driver plowing into pedestrians, right in the middle of times square. A barrier is the only thing that stopped the car. The driver right there on the left, trying to get away. Witnesses in panic. Nearly two dozen hit or injured. Many lying on the street. This is video of the car in the air. And moments ago we learned the one person killed was an 18yearold tourist from michigan. The driver in custody tonight. There were initial worries, could this be terror in new york . Tonight, what authorities now believe. And abcs gio benitez is in times square. Reporter tonight, unimaginable horror. A car plowing into a packed times square. Watch again the car airborne, careening into a thick crowd of people. And in this gruesome surveillance video, you again see that maroon honda accord from moments before barreling into pedestrians, mowing them down. Authorities say this is the man who brought times square one of the most heavily watched, guarded, and surveilled places in the world to a total and horrific halt. Hands out at his sides. The expression on his face snarling. Jumping in the air, the car he turned into a weapon. And the carnage behind him. Police telling abc news the man, 26yearold richard rojas, a u. S. Citizen and former navy vet from the bronx, told them he had, quote, smoked something before plowing into a packed times square. Rojas also told police he thought the world was coming to an end. In the immediate aftermath, pedestrians help Police Apprehend rojas and force him to the ground. Squirming and struggling in this cell phone video, Police Escort him into a waiting squad car. While all around, unimaginable carnage. Step back, step back. Reporter firefighters dousing that car, trying to put out the flames. We did get a very Quick Response from Police Officers on the scene, from fire units, people were treated and transported as quickly as possible. Reporter First Responders scrambling to help the nearly two dozen injured. Ambulances taking them to nearby hospitals. 18yearold alyssa ellsman visiting from michigan was hit. She did not survive. Right there, you can see the destroyed bumper. The cars just a block away here on times square, one of the busiest spots in the country now completely shut down. In all directions, this usually jampacked area evacuated, leaving only police. Pandemonium in the streets. Pedestrians in shock. Annie donahey had just crossed the street when the car came down sidewalk. Her purse was like a foot away from her, and she was dead. Reporter and that was the woman you were walking right next to . And then i just started to cross the street. And 30 seconds later she was dead. Reporter tonight, rojas in custody. Initial drug tests have come back negative for alcohol and positive for drugs. Gio joins us tonight from times square. Gio, there has been a steppedup Police Presence in times square. Amid worries about terrorists using cars as weapons. That was the first fear today. But tonight theyre convinced this was something else. Reporter thats right, david, they say this is not terrorism. They believe he was on drugs and he did have a history with violence in the past. So, right now, theyre still investigating, david. Gio, thank you. And were in washington tonight, because some of the Network Anchors were invited to the white house today to meet with President Trump on the eve of his first foreign trip. I asked the president how hell answer overseas when asked if he supports this new special counsel overseeing the russian investigation. The president telling me that i believes it hurts the country terribly. He didnt stopped there. The president was also pressed about the fbi director he fired. When asked did he pressure comey to end the investigation into Michael Flynn, how he answered. Heres Jonathan Karl tonight. Reporter tonight, asked for the first time about the appointment of a special counsel to investigate russian meddling in the campaign, President Trump insisted the whole investigation is a witch hunt. Mr. President , lets get your reaction to Deputy Attorney general Rod Rosensteins decision to appoint a special counsel to investigate the russia russian interference in the campaign. Was this the right move or is this part of a witch hunt . Well, i respect the move, but the entire thing has been a witch hunt, and there is no collusion between certainly myself and my campaign, but i can always speak for myself, and the russians, zero. I think it divides the country. I think we have a very divided country because of that, and many other things. So i can tell you that we want to bring this great country of ours together, jon. Reporter behind closed doors, in a meeting with Network Anchors, the president went even further. David muir asked him about his upcoming foreign trip, saying that World Leaders would undoubtedly ask him if he supports the idea of a special counsel. The president s response i believe it hurts our country terribly, because it shows were a divided, mixedup, notunified country. It also happens to be a pure excuse for the democrats, having lost an election that they should have easily won, and i think its a very, very negative thing. And hopefully, this can go quickly. In his news conference, the president was also asked whether he tried to get james comey to back off his investigation of fired National Security adviser Michael Flynn. Did you at any time urge former fbi director james comey in any way, shape, or form to close or back down the investigation into Michael Flynn . And also as you look back no. No. Next question. Reporter that answer now sets up a showdown with comey, who reportedly took detailed notes of his conversations with the president. And jon karl with us live tonight from the white house. This does set up a showdown of sort between the president and james comey, only two people in that room and one memo reportedly written by james comey, saying the president did pressure him to drop the flynn investigation. But the president made it very clear today in that room that that simply did not happen. It was a categorical denial. In the memo comey reportedly said, the president said, i hope you can see your way of letting this go, flynn go. Jon karl live with us from the white house. As jon reported right here on this broadcast, the white house was given just 30 minutes notice before the Justice Department revealed a special counsel. Would now be taking over the investigation into russian meddling and any possible collusion with the russians. With the trump campaign. The Deputy Attorney general who decided the special counsel was in fact needed, Rod Rosenstein was on capitol hill today, making his case as to why. The president as you heard calling this the biggest witch hunt in american history. But a key republican, tonight, with advice for the president on how he should be handling this. Abcs mary bruce on the hill. Reporter tonight, the man who appointed the special counsel to lead the russia investigation smiling for cameras as he arrived on capitol hill. Mr. Rosenstein, the president says this is a witch hunt. Is that what this is . Reporter behind closed doors, Deputy Attorney general Rod Rosenstein briefing all 100 senators on why he decided a special counsel was necessary. He said to make sure that the integrity of the department of justice was protected, and to make certain the American People felt that this was going to be handled firmly and justly. Senator, trump just said a special counsel hurts our country terribly. Well, hes entitled to his opinion. I would suggest to the president that one has been appointed. Honor that decision, cooperate where its appropriate. Reporter today it was hard to find a single republican who backs the president s assessment. No, i think this is a serious investigation. Is this a witch hunt . I dont think ill characterize what it is. Reporter rosenstein was initially invited to the hill to discuss the firing of former fbi director james comey. The white house at first claimed the president acted on rosensteins recommendation, which he outlined in a memo. But trump later admitted that, recommendation or not, he was going to fire the director. I was going to fire comey. My decision. Reporter in his press conference today, the president vented about comeys recent testimony before congress. It makes me mildly nauseous to think that we might have had some impact on the election. That was a poor, poor performance. So poor, in fact, that i believe and you would have to ask him because i dont like to speak for other people but i believe thats why the Deputy Attorney general went out and wrote his very, very strong letter. And mary bruce with us from capitol hill tonight. We just saw there, again, the president referring to that memo from the Deputy Attorney general Rod Rosenstein. But rosenstein himself made it clear on capitol hill to those senators that he was not the driving force behind the decision to fire comey . David, rosenstein has been eager to set the record straight. Senators tonight tell us that rosenstein told them that he knew the president was going to fire comey even before he wrote that memo, david. Mary, thank you. And while were at the white house today, the president did reveal to us something else, he says hes very close to naming his pick to run the fbi. Abcs senior justice correspondent Pierre Thomas at the fbi tonight. Reporter tonight, the president is saying he is close to naming a new director of the fbi, acknowledging former senator and Vice President ial candidate Joe Lieberman is a leading contender. Were very close to an fbi director. When are you going to name one . Soon. Is mr. Lieberman is senator lieberman one of your top picks, sir . He is. Reporter and tonight, sources tell abc news the new special counsel is already at work on the investigation. Robert muller was the longest serving fbi director since j. Edgar hoover. In his new role hell have broad powers the power to seek subpoenas, to convene a grand jury, and add as many fbi agents as needed as he digs for evidence of any crimes, ranging from collusion with the russians to obstruction of justice. Mueller has worked under democratic and republican president s and he worked closely with james comey for years, his successor at the fbi. I want to commend the president for the choice of jim comey as the next director of the fbi. And Pierre Thomas with us live at the fbi tonight. Pierre, this fbi investigation has already been under way now for about ten months, long before election day. This new special counsel, does he start all over or does he pour through the evidence that they have already gathered there at the fbi . David, im told that mueller will assess the investigation and the evidence so far and determine how best to proceed. Its totally his call. But those who know him describe him as fair but relentless, david. Pierre thomas with us tonight, our thanks to you again. Were following other news tonight, and to the dangerous storms in the heartland. Stretching all the way up to the northeast tonight. 25 million americans in the path this evening. Tornado watches in several states. This twister already touching down in western oklahoma today. An anxious night ahead. Meteorologist rob marciano is in the storm zone tonight. Another funnel coming down reporter storms fire up in the heartland. Look at the storm, its titanic. This is a serious situation. Reporter a rare, highrisk forecast this morning, and now a major, Severe Weather outbreak under way. Look at the dirt that storm, that tornado is kicking up right now. Reporter strong, damaging longtrack tornadoes and monster hail possible. Already a tornado doing damage here in oklahoma. It was produced by this thunderstorm, the leading edge is now over top of us. You see those clouds, it tells you just how turbulent this atmosphere is. Public schools in Oklahoma City let out early, ahead of the storms. Its the latest in a deadly multiday outbreak. Over three dozen reported tornadoes since tuesday. The most powerful, this ef3 twister northwest of wichita. Winds gusting to 165 miles per hour. With a 27mile path. David, behind me is that same cell we have been tracking and you can see the rotation of that wall cloud, just spectacular but very, very dangerous. Its not the only one. Look at the watches that are up. For the next several hours. As you watch the storms in motion, theyll progress off towards the east and become linear. Some wind damage possible and certainly some hail. Through dallas tomorrow morning. Then, another batch of Severe Weather, day two, slightly east of here tomorrow. Getting windy. David. Rob, our thanks to you. You and the Team Stay Safe out there tonight. In the meantime, we learned today that roger ailes has died. The former fox news ceo had just recently resigned amid among mounting allegations of Sexual Misconduct. He leaves behind a complicated legacy, his impact on politics and tv news. But also a culture now under the microscope at fox. Abcs chief National Correspondent tom llamas tonight. Reporter tonight, new details in the sudden death of media titan roger ailes. This Police Report from may 10th states ailes fell and hit his head in his palm beach mansion. Then while in the hospital ailes slipped into a coma and died from internal bleeding. The news of ailes death even r. 20 minutes before the top of the hour, the drudge report has a story right now, and this is a fox news alert that roger ailes, one of the founders of the Fox News Channel, has died. Reporter the architect of fox news, he was as bombastic as he was controversial. We came up with we report, you decide. Fair and balanced. Reporter but last year, ailes was the headline, forced to resign after accusations of Sexual Misconduct and Racial Discrimination at the network. He was a powerful force, shaping american politics. And the media. His former colleagues paying tribute on air. He was a presence. Hell be missed on this channel. Hell be missed. Reporter david, roger ailes wife said he died this morning surrounded by his family, she called him a patriot. He was 77. David. Tom llamas outside Fox News Channel headquarters in new york. Theres still much more ahead on world news tonight death in Police Custody. Video of the takedown. The officer accused of using a stun gun seven times during an arrest, and then an unapproved chokehold. Suspect was trying to do. Theres also an alert for parents tonight. We want to share with you the xray that has a mother warning families about a wildly popular toy on the market. And tonight, the kings secret revealed. What hes been doing all these years and how no one noticed. 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No justice, no peace reporter tonight, the jurys acquittal of a Tulsa Police Officer is proving almost as controversial as the shooting itself. Shots fired reporter officer betty shelby told 60 minutes she opened fire on 40yearold terence crutcher, fearing he was reaching for weapon. I never want to kill anyone. Reporter but crutcher was unarmed, and the killing of a black man by a white officer made tulsa the latest flashpoint in a nationwide debate over police use of force. Terence didnt have a gun. Terence had his hands up, and she still got away with murder. Reporter but officer shelby denies racism, and tonight her Attorney Says she wants her job back. She thinks that she can help people understand and educate in what happened, why it happened and try to help heal. Reporter but tonight her Employment Status and her future as a cop is up to tulsa city officials. They say a decision is coming soon. David. Clayton, thank you. When we come back the new medical headline involving women and a form of cancer. And the childs xray that has one mother trying to alert parents all over this country about one popular toy. Were back in a moment. I will never wash my hair again. I will never never wash my hair again now, i fuel it new pantene. The first shampoo with active prov nutrient blends that puts in what others just strip out. Fueling 100 stronger hair. Dont just wash your hair fuel it because strong is beautiful. Will you be ready when the moment turns romantic . Cialis for daily use treats ed and the urinary symptoms of bph. Tell your doctor about your medicines, and ask if your heart is healthy enough for sex. Do not take cialis if you take nitrates for chest pain, or adempas® for pulmonary hypertension, as this may cause an unsafe drop in blood pressure. Do not drink alcohol in excess. To avoid longterm injury, get medical help right away for an erection lasting more than four hours. 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Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, and if youre pregnant or planning to be. Ask your dermatologist about otezla today. Otezla. Show more of you. To the index of other news tonight, a death in Police Custody now under investigation in las vegas. Police officer Kenneth Lopera accused of using a stun gun seven times to subdue tashii farmer. Authorities say the officers mistakenly thought farmer was trying to carjack a vehicle. Hes been placed on leave. Police say farmer didnt commit a crime. The amtrak engineer blamed for a deadly train crash behind bars tonight in philadelphia. Brian postian turning himself in today, charged in the death of eight people in a highspeed crash in 2015. A judge ordering a private criminal complaint. Bostians attorney said his client is a scapegoat. Theres news tonight about women living with breast cancer. Researchers revealing that women with metastatic cancer are living longer. Now 155,000 women in the u. S. Now living with the disease. Researchers saying better treatments are helping to extend these womens lives. The National Cancer institute is leading that research. We have more on our website. And an alert for parents tonight, a mother in houston posting an xray of her 10yearold daughter, after she swallowed a piece of the popular Fidget Spinner toy and almost choked on one of its parts. The little girl undergoing surgery to have it removed. The toy does have a choking hazard warning for children under 3 years old. When we come back here tonight the king revealing his secret life, 21 years and no one knew. How do you become americas bestselling brand . You make it detect what they dont. Stop, stop, stop sorry. You make it sense whats coming. Watch, watch, watch mom. Relax im relaxed. You make it for 16year olds. Whoawhoawhoa and the parents who worry about them. You saw him, right . Going further to help make drivers, better drivers. Dont freak out on me. Thats ford. And thats how you become americas bestselling brand. Previously treated withd platinumbased chemotherapy, including those with an abnormal alk or egfr gene whove tried an fdaapproved targeted therapy. This is big. A chance to live longer with Opdivo Nivolumab . Opdivo demonstrated longer life and is the most prescribed immunotherapy for these patients. Opdivo significantly increased the chance of living longer versus chemotherapy. Opdivo works with your immune system. Opdivo can cause your immune system to attack normal organs and tissues in your body and affect how they work. This may happen any time during or after treatment has ended, and may become serious and lead to death. See your doctor right away if you experience new or worsening cough; chest pain; shortness of breath; diarrhea; severe stomach pain or tenderness; severe nausea or vomiting; extreme fatigue; constipation; excessive thirst or urine; swollen ankles; loss of appetite; rash; itching; headache; confusion; hallucinations; muscle or joint pain; flushing; fever; or weakness. As this may keep these problems from becoming more serious. These are not all the possible side effects of opdivo. Tell your doctor about all your medical conditions, including immune system problems, or if youve had an organ transplant, or lung, breathing, or liver problems. A chance to live longer. Ask your doctor about opdivo. See opdivotv. Com for this and other indications. Bristolmyers squibb thanks the patients, nurses, and physicians involved in opdivo clinical trials. Finally tonight, the king leading a secret life away from throne. Holding another job for more than two decades. Heres david wright. Reporter klm royal dutch airlines. The crown, right there on the tail of the plane. And in the cockpit . The copilot has a crown of his own, too. This is the uniform of his day job. Officially, his majesty willemalexander, by the grace of god, king of the netherlands, prince of orangenassau, et cetera, et cetera, et cetera. One of those etceteras, presumably, for the job hes done quietly, twice a month for 21 years copilot for Klms Cityhopper service. Like his distant cousins over in england, the king started flying during his time in the military. Now, klm gives him a Welcome Break from his royal duties. And he says theres another plus. The passengers dont even recognize him, when hes not wearing that other uniform. David wright, abc news, new york. And thank you for watching here on a thursday night. Time to fly back to new york. Hope to see you right back here tomorrow from new york. Until then, good night. Breaking news in Mountain View tonight where three people are being treated at a hospital at a fire. Good evening. Thank you for joining us. One of those injuries is believed to be critical. A live look over shoreline am pa theater was where this happened. During the Google Developers conference. Lets go live to david louie. What are you learning . Reporter this happened at a food concession stand called the stage right cafe, located right next to the amphi30 for a Conference Held tonight. This facility is being leased for the google annual Developers Conference and thousands of people have been here on site all day and on site when the explosion happened. Five injured and one believed to be critical with burns to the face and two went to the hospital for treatment and two others declined medical traemt and or transferred to the hospital. The facility is not yesterday open to the public set up for guest food services. I just turned around. There was a loud explosion and i immediately saw smoke and people running out. I knew there was something wrong and got