Moment they pulled the plug. Nightly news begins now. Good evening. Im lester holt in for brian. What we have learned in the 24 hours or so after a heavily armed man barged into an Atlanta Area School is beyond frightening and comes as a jarring reminder of what happened just eight months ago in newtown, connecticut, and what could have happened yesterday. Police in georgia say the alleged gunman had nearly 500 bullets and was apparently prepared for a violent showdown with police when he entered the mcnair discovery learning academy. Also new tonight details of his criminal record and what his lawyer said today about his mental state. Our National Correspondent kate snow is in dekalb county, georgia weath georgia, with the latest for us. Kate . Reporter good morning, lester. A lot of security here, a double front door, you have to be buzzed in, but the gunman was able to closely follow someone in the school. 800 children were inside the classrooms and yet not one was hurt. A shootout. Reporter a selfportrait of michael hill, who took an ak47 Assault Rifle and close to 500 rounds of ammunition into an elementary school. Do not let anybody in the building including no police. Reporter and today another portrait emerged of the fastspeaking school book keeper in the front office who dialed 911. He said he dont care, he have nothing to live for. Reporter shr relayed messages from the shooter to the operator. He went inside and started shooting. Reporter three sheriffs investigators who specialize in highrisk situations were just feet away from the front door. I can handle anything in my profession, but i cant handle something happening to an innocent child. Just, you know, you dig deep. Reporter as teachers texted each towe stay calm, tuft calmly talked to the gunman, sharing personal stories, convincing him to surrender. Thats a good thing that you just giving up and dont worry about it. We all go through something in life. I peeked around the corner. I saw him on the floor. Its him. We got him. We got him. Reporter today hills public defender said the 20yearold suspect has a long history of Mental Health issues. Last december, michael hill threatened on facebook to shoot his brother in the head and not think twice about it. That led to felony charges and a sentence of three years probation. How does someone on probation get a hold of an ak47 and walk into a school . Currently going over that. Reporter police say hill obtained the weapon from the home of an acquaintance. Teachers today said practicing Intruder Alert drills every few months have really helped. Im with fifth grade so theyve been practicing it for years. So they knew exactly what to do, and they just went into that mode. Reporter students were sent to the local high school today with counselors on hand. We want you to share with us your fears and your thoughts. Reporter the entire community so thankful yesterday ended the way it did. All the kids went home to their parents last night, just the happiest ending that you could ask for. Reporter the school made some changes after newtown and the principal tells me that those changes included what miss tuft and other people did. It all went just as they had rehearsed. Theyre already getting calls from other School Districts around the country, lester, asking them for some solutions, asking for policies that work. Lester . All right, kate. There have been at least five incidents of School Violence since the shootings at sandy hook elementary in newtown, and like so many of us yesterday, when people there heard what happened in georgia, the reaction was, please, not again. Today, ann curry spent the day in newtown with some of the parents, determined to make sure children are safe at school. Reporter today, an emotional ricochet for two parents in newtown, connecticut, where last december 20 children and six adults were gunned down at sandy hook elementary. Their deaths shocked america and forced their parents into action. Marquez greene, who lost her 6yearold, anna, and mark barden, who lost his 7yearold, daniel, were stunned by yesterdays shooting. Here we are the day after an individual stormed into a school with an Assault Rifle, into an elementary school. And theres silence. We are a nation in denial. And one day were going to look back at this moment in history and say we should have acted earlier, because no parent should ever have to worry about getting their child off a bus when we send them to school. Reporter in the eight months since they last saw their children, newtown parents have campaigned for gun reform. It passed in two states, connecticut and colorado, but failed at the federal level. What was your reaction when the federal legislation failed for gun reform . It was frustrating, butt was also round one. And i feel like we are in mile one of a marathon. Reporter how many rounds . Or how many miles . As many as it takes. Until we get it done. Reporter these newtown parents also cautioned against neglecting troubled young people. That actually might be interpreted as being empathy for the illness of the man who pulled the trigger that killed your son. My son, daniel, was known by his teachers as an unusually empathetic little boy who would notice somebody sitting alone and ask to go comfort that person. The individual that killed our children was also that little boy that sat alone. Reporter a mother and father still in grief and after yesterdays shooting still fighting. I didnt feel i was reliving my own stuff. I felt more determined, even more determined than i was before, and convicted to help protect other mothers from going through what i have to live every day. Reporter since sandy hook, the National EducationAssociation Says there is a trend towards beefing up School Security nationwide. But according to a gallup poll released just today, parents by a margin of 21 favor increased Mental Health spending over hiring armed guards, lester. The e emotions still raw. I dont think any of us will forget that day. Ann, thank you. Our next story is frankly going to be difficult to watch, but the images youre about to see are so important because theyre being held up tonight by Syrian Rebels as evidence of what may be the worst chemical weapons attack anywhere since Saddam Hussein gassed iraqi kurds in 1988. If these claims are true, it could mean a new level of horror in an already bloody war now in its third year. Joining was the latest is our chief foreign correspondent, richard engle. Richard . Reporter good evening, lester. Syrian rebels say hundreds, perhaps well over 1,000 civilians were killed, and again, these images are disturbing. The dead covered the floors of improvised clinics. No fizzable injuries, no blood. They appear to be sleeping. Survivors were doused with water to wash off the chemicals rebels say kill sod many. Their symptoms, shortness of breath, dilated pupils, and panic. This girl shouts, im alive, im still alive. As a man tries to calm her. Her parents and sister did not survive. About a third of the dead are children, rebels say, their bodies laid out in rows, killed as they slept in their homes. We spoke by skype to an opposition activist near the attacks. We still having this on earth where we can see how assad is killing those innocent children just because we said that we want freedom, we want our dignity back . Reporter these are some of the least graphic images from dozens of videos released by the Syrian Opposition and unverified by nbc news. Many too disturbing to broadcast. That is disturbing and horrible. Reporter we showed the footage to an independent chemical weapons expert. These pictures are obviously compatible with the wellknown symptoms of nerve gas attack. Reporter not one attack, rebels say, but a barrage of surfacetosurface rockets filled with poison gas and fired at at least ten villages outside damascus early this morning. The Syrian Government denies using chemical weapons, something president obama has warned against. Thats a red line for us, and there would be enormous consequences. Reporter but washington never backed up that threat, even after u. S. Intelligence said in june that syria had used chemical weapons. Inaction, rebels say, that embolden the Syrian Regime but now go much further. What was never supposed to happen again seems to be happening again and again. Todays alleged atrocities took place just a few miles away from u. N. Inspectors. They were denied access to the affected areas by the Syrian Government. The white house is demanding a full investigation. All right, richard. Thank you. Bradley manning, the army private at the center of the wikileaks scandal, has been sentenced to 35 years behind bars, the harshest punishment ever in the u. S. For leaking to the media. Manning, a former Intelligence Analyst analyst, was found guilty last month of leaking hundreds of thousands of secret documents to wikileaks. Hell serve his time at the ft. Leavenworth prison in kansas. With credit for good time served and good behavior, he could be out in seven years. Were learning more tonight about the Health Challenge for bo biden, the son of the Vice President , who is also the attorney general of delaware. We learned today that emts were called to the house two weeks ago to help someone in distress, and we know he went in for a procedure last night at a Top Cancer Center in houston. Chief medical editor dr. Nancy snyderman is here. What do we know about this tonight . We know how he was admitted to m. D. Anderson Cancer Center and underwent a procedure last night, what is being described as a complicated biopsy. You can read from that that its likely that there was a tumor or some type of tissue left behind from this mass that was biopsied. We do know e that he had a restful night. There have not been any complications, which means hes expected to go home tomorrow. But these can be frustrating times for families because families want answers, and sometimes if theres a complicated biopsy, it means you just dont have enough tissue to really make a definitive diagnosis, so now it will be days or weeks until that diagnosis is made and i can guarantee you the doctors between m. D. Anderson and his doctors in philadelphia will be talking and sharing information daily to try to figure out exactly what this is. Perhaps this procedure he had will take away the risk of stroke that hes had and then form late a really strong plan going forward. All right. Dr. Nancy, thanks for the update. Tonight were hearing from the first time from hannah anderson. Shes the 16yearold who was held hostage in the idaho wilderness for six days before being rescued. She decided to speak with nbc news to thank people for their support during her ordeal and address some of the inaccurate reports surrounding her capture. In a conversation to air tomorrow morning on today, she credits the amber alert system for saving her life and calls herself a survivor. In the beginning i was a victim, but now, knowing everyone out there is helping me, i consider myself a survivor instead. My mom raised me to be strong. Hannah anderson, brave and grateful tonight. You can hear what she has to say tomorrow morning on today. Still ahead tonight, rare access. A wild view of the most dangerous wildfire in america. With the elite teams inside the burn zone and a huge part of the country on fire. Later, the fix is in and its catching on all across america. How folks are getting handy like the good old day, saving a lot of money in the process. Its hard to describe, because you have a numbness, but yet you have the pain like thousands of needles sticking in your foot. It was progressively getting worse, and at that point i knew i had to do something. Once i started taking the lyrica the pain started subsiding. [ male announcer ] its known that diabetes damages nerves. Lyrica is fda approved to treat diabetic nerve pain. Lyrica is not for everyone. It may cause serious allergic reactions or suicidal thoughts or actions. Tell your doctor right away if you have these, new or worsening depression, or unusual changes in mood or behavior. Or swelling, trouble breathing, rash, hives, blisters, changes in eyesight including blurry vision, muscle pain with fever, tired feeling, or skin sores from diabetes. Common side effects are dizziness, sleepiness, weight gain and swelling of hands, legs and feet. Dont drink alcohol while taking lyrica. Dont drive or use machinery until you know how lyrica affects you. Those who have had a drug or alcohol problem may be more likely to misuse lyrica. Ask your doctor about lyrica today. Its specific treatment for diabetic nerve pain. Plays a key role throughout our lives. One a day womens 50 is a complete multivitamin designed for Womens Health concerns as we age. With 7 antioxidants to support cell health. One a day womens 50 . Yeah. Try new alka seltzer fruit chews. They work fast on heartburn and taste awesome. These are good. Told ya im feeling better already. [ male announcer ] new alka seltzer fruits chews. Enjoy the relief tonight, there are more than 50 massive fires burning out of control across the country, including this new fire getting dangerously close to Yosemite National park, closing roads and forcing evacuations. Tonight nbc news has been granted rare access to the fight against the worst fire of them all, the one burning in idaho. Nbcs Miguel Almaguer has our report. Reporter all right. Here we go. After a safety briefing, we were airborne. Nbc news given a rare look over the burn zone, 106,000 acres, an area the size of denver. Our pilot, michael leary, a veteran flying this cascade range. The pilots are well trained, but they have to contend with blinding smoke and shifting winds. Even at 8,000 feet above the beaver creek fire, you can feel the heat, smell the smoke, but its the size of this fire. Its endless. Thats the toughest part for pilots. The toughest part is just the visible, seeing where youre going and avoiding other aircraft. Reporter the firefight from above is an aerial ballet of helicopters and bigswing plane, crisscrossing the skies, shoveling loads of water and retardant. Theyre making progress. The chief of operations. The aircraft is really excellent to slow down fire bands, but the ultimate goal is we have to get boots on the ground, firefighters there to secure the fire line. Reporter nearly 2,000 firefighters are battling this blaze. Our nbc news team embedded with the pike hot shot crew from m colorado. The e elite unit of 22 will sleep, eat, and breathe fire for two weeks as they carve containment lines around the blaze in concert with helicopters dropping 2,000 gallons of water. Going to keep dropping water on us so we get it knocked down. Once he gets it knocked down, well get down there and start to anchor the flight attendant. Reporter from above you can see the blaze still making runs. Theres plenty of dry fuel to feed it. Reporter but progress is being made every day. A firefight like we rarely have seen it before. Miguel almaguer, nbc news, over the beaver creek fire. Were back in a moment with what was a rough night for president nixon, caught on tape anpublic for the very first time. [ male announcer ] this is claira. To prove to you that aleve is the better choice for her, shes agreed to give it up. Thats today . 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Showed it was low t. Thats it. It was a number. [ male announcer ] today, men with low t have androgel 1. 62 testosterone gel. The 1 prescribed topical testosterone replacement therapy increases testosterone when used daily. Women and children should avoid contact with application sites. Discontinue androgel and call your doctor if you see unexpected signs of early puberty in a child, or signs in a woman, which may include changes in body hair or a large increase in acne, possibly due to accidental exposure. Men with Breast Cancer or who have or might have prostate cancer, and women who are or may become pregnant or are breastfeeding, should not use androgel. Serious side effects include worsening of an enlarged prostate, possible increased risk of prostate cancer, lower sperm count, swelling of ankles, feet, or body, enlarged or painful breasts, problems breathing during sleep, and blood clots in the legs. Tell your doctor about your medical conditions and medications, especially insulin, corticosteroids, or medicines to decrease blood clotting. In a clinical study, over 80 of treated men had their t levels restored to normal. Talk to your doctor about all your symptoms. Get the blood tests. Change your number. Turn it up. Androgel 1. 62 . More of Richard Nixons secrets are being revealed tonight. Youre about to hear what he said in the oval office in a very troubled state of mind during some of the darkest days of watergate, part of a new trove of tapes released today. And ill just tell you straight up, some of the language is a bit coarse. Nbcs Pete Williams has more on the newly released nixon tapes, including a phone call from a supporter who would one day himself become president. Reporter in the spring of 1973, Richard Nixon is a president under siege facing daily revelations about his administrations role in the watergate scandal. This office is a sacred trust. Reporter after the speech and apparently after a few drinks, nixon talked with his friend haldeman by phone, expletives undeleted. Reporter kras governor Ronald Reagan phones in to offer support. Were still behind you out here and i wanted you to know that youre in our prayers. Each of us has a different religion, you know. Yeah. But goddamnit, ron, we have got to build peace in the world. Howd you ever marry such a pretty girl. My god. Well, just im lucky. Youre lucky . Thats right. As i was lucky. Reporter a few days earlier nixon tells his spokesman ron ziegler that he had no role in the scandal. Let me say we can have confidence that the president was not involved. You know that. Yes, i do. I absolutely do. Reporter in midmay, the pressure builds as a Senate Committee begins watergate hearings. In the oval office, the president mocks the accents of committee southerners. Now, what does this mean, mr. Haldeman . Whats this mean . Screw it nixon is caught in the web he created, and half of him knows that he broke the law, abused his power, and the other half of him is the defense lawyer trying to deny it. Reporter but the tapes also capture the Richard Nixon who built the bridge to china. Weve got to get along with them. Or its no problem for the next five years or the next 20 year, but its the critical problem for our age. Reporter the tapes end july 12th, when the system is publicly revealed. Richard nixon hangs on 13 months more. Pete williams, nbc news, washington. When we come back here tonight, the fix is in. A do it yourself movement to save money. On my shoulder. Ke up to a blistg the blisters were oozing, and painful to touch. I spent 23 years as a Deputy United States marshal and ive been pretty well banged up but the worst pain ive experienced was when i had shingles. When i went to the clinic, the nurse told me that it was a result of having had chickenpox. I wouldnt wish it on my worst enemy. 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And the same cialis is the only daily ed tablet approved to treat ed and symptoms of bph, like needing to go frequently or urgently. Tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and medications, and ask if your heart is healthy enough for sexual activity. Do not take cialis if you take nitrates for chest pain, as this may cause an unsafe drop in blood pressure. Do not drink alcohol in excess with cialis. Side effects may include headache, upset stomach, delayed backache or muscle ache. To avoid longterm injury, seek immediate medical help for an erection lasting more than 4 hours. If you have any sudden decrease or loss in hearing or vision, or if you have any allergic reactions such as rash, hives, swelling of the lips, tongue or throat, or difficulty breathing or swallowing, stop taking cialis and get medical help right away. Ask your doctor about cialis for daily use and a 30tablet free trial. Finally tonight, a story for anyone whos ever had a broken toaster or a busted lamp. Tossing those items in the trash or paying someone else a lot of money to fix them arent the only options. Turns out fixing them yourself may be easier you think. In fact, the idea has sparked an entire movement. As we hear now from nbcs Kevin Tibbles in chicago. Reporter when it comes to fixing things, it seems were just not that handy anymore. Thats why a new Grassroots Movement is catching on at places like chicagos kitchen sink cafe. You dont need to replace everything thats broken, no matter what that is. If the this thing can be fixed reporter a once a month pilgrimage, everything from broken toasters and bikes to childrens chairs and toys are all give an new lease on life by volunteer mr. And mrs. Fixit. Many things that break are very easy to fix. Just open it up and see how it works and what isnt working. Reporter they call themselves community glue, inspired by similar gatherings around the country. My parents used everything and had it repaired and reused it, and we didnt throw away anything. Reporter marie and 8yearold son tristan have come bearing his broken robot. I get really disturbed when i think about plastic things that go into landfills. Reporter our insatiable desire for the newest and fast es means we dont fix things, we junk them. Every second in america four mobile devices are tossed. Thats more than 150 million every year. Wow. But this man is making good money off consumers bad habits. People just toss it. Almost new computer, just throw it. They dont care. Reporter marks company, ava Electronics Recycling collects 150,000 pounds of ewaste a month, repairing and reselling it or stripping it and melting it down. Theres physical gold inside of here. Reporter indeed, one mans trash is another mans or boys treasure. Its like you need a special school or something. Reporter a new part for tristans robot is fashioned on a 3d printer and a patch is sewn to fit where one eye was missing. Everybody who comes here especially to have a small fixed, its like a small miracle has been performed. Reporter every once in a while, everything old can be new again. Kevin tibbles, nbc news, chicago. Thats our broadcast for this wednesday night. Thank you for being with us. Im lester holt in for brian. We hope to see you right back here tomorrow evening. Good night