Transcripts For WRC NBC Nightly News 20140815

From nbc news World Headquarters in new york, this is nbc nightly news with brian williams. Good evening. Im lester holt sitting in tonight for brian. Today as cooler heads thankfully prevailed in ferguson, missouri, police finally revealed something the community has been demanding all week along with some new information about what Michael Brown may have been doing in the minutes before his fatal encounter with the Police Officer. That officer was publicly identified today, but police also released Video Evidence pointing to Michael Brown as a suspect in a store robbery that had occurred shortly before. But even Police Acknowledge that doesnt explain what happened next on the street nor why that officer shot and killed an unarmed teenager. And tonight the release of those pictures is only increasing the demand for those questions to be answered. Again this evening ron allen leads our coverage from ferguson. Ron, good evening. Reporter good evening to you, lester. Yes, Ferguson Police released the name of that officer, Darren Wilson, a sixyear veteran, hoping to satisfy one of the key demands of the protesters. But at the same time they released video of Michael Brown allegedly carrying out a store robbery minutes before he was shot and killed. And that has sparked new outrage. Police say these are pictures of Michael Brown minutes before he was killed. Security video from a convenience store, images showing brown allegedly stealing cigars, pushing a clerk. Police reports list brown as a suspect in a strong armed robbery. Police documents show officer Darren Wilson was handling a sick call with an ambulance not far away between 11 48 and 12 00 noon. 11 51 a. M. Police got 911 calls reporting the store robbery and radioed out a description of the suspect a minute later. The documents reveal wilson left his call and encountered brown at 12 01 p. M. A second officer arrived at 12 04 p. M. Michael brown was dead. Fergusons police chief said officer wilson stopped brown because he and a companion were in the street blocking traffic. This robby does not relate to the initial contact between the officer and Michael Brown. Reporter police say officer wilson was assaulted, but the man with brown claims the officer shot him while he was trying to surrender. It was horrible to be front center to the whole situation. I think that in his eyes, it looked like it hurt him a lot. Reporter the police focused on the alleged robbery sparked outrage. They want to justify them killing that boy. Homicide is homicide. Reporter browns parents through their lawyers called the character assassination. We believe that he is strategically being adept to assassinate the character of Michael Brown. These are our kids. These are our sons. Reporter emotions running high after a peaceful night with state police now in charge. We saw protesters policing themselves, cops putting down their weapons and joining in. No sign of a heavy police presence. Hundreds of people still out here and the authorities seem inclined to let it just continue. Many including the security chief joined in the march. But now with the release of these new images of Michael Brown, theres once again tension between the authorities and the community. Now, to clarify, we just spoke to chief jackson who says at some point in the encounter the officer saw cigars in Michael Browns hands and thought he might be a suspect in the robbery. He released the videotape because there were so many media requests for it. But at the same time they refuse to release more information about the moment when the teenager was shot and killed. Lester. Ron, thank you. One of the officials you just saw in rons report, captain ron johnson of the Missouri State Highway Patrol is the new man in charge of keeping order in ferguson. A native of that town, a 27year veteran of the Highway Patrol and immediately said were in this together as he brought a strikingly different tone and style from the st. Louis county police he and his officers replaced. Our task here is to ensure the safety of the citizens of ferguson, the health of the businesses in ferguson, but also to ensure that the people of ferguson have their voice, their right to speak, their right to gather and maintain. And thats what we will continue to do. Yesterday you saw me out there talking, communicating, understanding and respecting. And thats our task. Thats what this uniform stands for. In our anger we have to make sure we dont burn down our own house. We dont go down and burn our own buildings. I agree this is not a black and whitish shoe, we all have sons and daughters. The governor talked about old wounds. This is an old wound. But its time to stop saying its an old wound and close it for good. I see today a lot of hope. A little bit more trust than we had a few days ago. And i see if we all stick together, i think were going to be better. And were going to be something the nation can look at and say, you know what, we can do it. Captain ron johnson of the Missouri State Highway Patrol. And as we watch these events unfold this week, many couldnt help but think it was a military force, not a police force, that was on the ground in ferguson. Attorney general eric holder said he was deeply concerned about the deployment of military equipment and vehicles and the Senate Armed Services Committee Says it will look at how local Police Departments are using this equipment. We get more on this tonight from nbcs tom costello. Reporter its not just ferguson, missouri, where police have deployed Armored Vehicles and assault weapons. Across the country Law Enforcement has dramatically beefed up their arsenals. Much of it handmedown surplus equipment from the military. Police in ft. Myers, florida, are among many departments that have a mine resistant Armored Vehicle or mrap. It can sustain handgun, rifle, all the way up to rocket propelled grenades. Reporter most cities pay very little if anything for the equipment and mo than 600 mraps are in use nationwide. Humvees, machine guns, camouflage and helicopters and planes. Thats feeding concern that Americas Police forces are thinking of themselves not as cops but as soldiers. The police being trained, for example, to think of the communities that theyre serving as battlegrounds, to think of the people that theyre supposed to be protecting and serving as wartime enemies. Reporter youtube is full of Police Recruiting videos showing practice s. W. A. T. Raids, but while Violent Crime is down 53 since 1990, police insist they face wellarmed criminals from the boston bombing suspects to Mass Shootings at schools, shopping malls and movie theaters. This is the type of equipment we feel like we need at times in situations to make sure were going home to our families at night. Reporter to combat drug gangs 23 years ago congress ordered the military to send its surplus gear to police. The program then accelerated through 9 11 and two wars. But the pentagon insists it has no say in how the equipment is used. It is up to Law Enforcement agencies to speak to how and what they gain through this system. Reporter the question tonight, how do military equipment and tactics affect the Police Mission to serve and protect . Tom costello, nbc news, washington. Elsewhere tonight, the governor of New Hampshire has declared a state of emergency. And the issue there is a health crisis. Dozens of drug overdoses this week from a synthetic form of marijuana legally sold in some forms. Nbcs rehema ellis has that story for us tonight. Reporter its sold in colorful packages as an incense with names like mr. Nice guy, k2. And typically labeled not for consumption. But New Hampshire Officials Say in fact its all synthetic marijuana, also known as spice. And the cause of 47 overdoses just this week. The officers themselves have walked into the park and have seen people on the ground having a seizure. In one instance there were several people actually unconscious when the Police Officer got there. Reporter theyre made of dry plant material which can be sprayed with a chemical touted as similar to thc, the ingredient in marijuana. That can be smoked or brewed into a tea causing a dangerous high that can also be deadly. We want people to know how dangerous this is. This is not a game. It is totally real. Reporter on Facebook Veronica and devin ekhart raise awareness by posting this picture of their only son, 19yearold connor, who died in california after taking one hit of synthetic pot. You would think would be safe, would be okay, its an alternative to marijuana, and its anything but that. Its a deadly poison. Reporter studies show its a nationwide problem. Nearly 8 of High School Seniors have tried it. It was the fourth most abused substance by High School Students last year, behind alcohol, marijuana and amphetamines. What is it about synthetic marijuana that makes it so dangerous . Well, you never know what youre getting. And when some of the product can contain chemicals that cause things like Blood Pressure problems, seizures, cardiac arrhythmias and can even cause death. Reporter in manchester, New Hampshire, police confiscated more than 40 bags this week alone. And across the country officials and parents try to spread the word these products are dangerous. 40 other states and the federal government have permanently banned the sale of synthetic marijuana, but manufacturers can evade the law by modifying the formula making it very difficult for authorities to police this product. Lester. All right. Rehema ellis tonight. Overseas, concern that the Ebola Outbreak has been vastly underestimated. The Aid Group Doctors Without Borders say the epidemic could last another six months. The death toll is now over 1,100 in four african countries. And in atlanta dr. Kent brantly, one of two americans being treated for ebola, said in a Statement Today he was recovering in every way and remained hopeful of returning to his family in the near future. I want to turn to the escalating crisis in ukraine now which claimed today that a Russian Armored column entered its territory during the night. Nato made a similar claim. Ukraines president said his forces destroyed most of the russian vehicles. For its part russia denied that any incursion had taken place. As the humanitarian crisis plays out in Northern Iraq, claims tonight of another massacre by isis militants. Reports that 80 members of a minority Yazidi Community were killed in a village in that region. It was fears of such attacks that drove thousands of yazidis onto a mountain in Northern Iraq and prompted this weeks u. S. Bombing campaign. And all of this has people here in this countrys biggest Yazidi Community on edge. Our report tonight from nbcs chris jansing. Reporter at a park in lincoln, nebraska, the stories and the tears pour out. It just breaks my heart to think whats happening to them. Reporter everyone here is an americanyazidi. How many of you have family back there . Everybody. Reporter and everyone has had family members murdered by isis terrorists or are still missing. They dont know if theyre still alive or they killed them. Reporter he came to the u. S. Eight months ago with his family when he called his brother in iraq, a member of isis answered. They tell you who they are. Know if somebodys not coming to convert to muslims, were going to kill them. Reporter isis decapitated his brother. Julie escaped a refugee camp during the first gulf war and is now a fourth grade teacher in lincoln. Her uncle sent video of the school where he lives with 700 others who escaped off mt. Sinjar. Ater are still scarce. He tells her horrifying stories about a market run by isis. Theyre selling yazidi womans in the market right now. For about a couple dollars. Reporter until now most americans have never heard of yazidis, a small ancient religion that draws from christianity, islam and persian traditions. We believe in god. We are not devil worshippers like isis claim that we are. Reporter about 700 yazidis now live in nebraska, the largest population in the u. S. I got two boys, they born here. Reporter but family and faith tie them to the tragedy still unfolding more than 6,000 miles away. I talked to him last night. Theyre just crying. Reporter they are profoundly grateful the u. S. Has intervened, but for these americans in the heartland, a distant narrative hits painfully close to home. Chris jansing, nbc news, lincoln, nebraska. And still ahead tonight, how one of this countrys bestknown attractions, sea world, is trying to overcome a wave of criticism involving its biggest stars. And later, the amazing response to americas ice bucket challenge. New figures tonight on just how much money has been raised through all this. Through all this. Are you dealing with hot flashes during menopause . Why suffer more than you have to . You can do something different. Because the landscape of options has changed. Brisdelle is the only fda approved, nonhormonal option proven to reduce moderate to severe hot flashes during menopause. And the bedtime dose provides 24 hour relief. Brisdelle is not for everyone. Call your doctor if you have changes in mood or behavior, thoughts of suicide, onsion, signs of a possible lifethreatening condition. Abnormal bleeding, bone fractures restlessness, vision problems, and impaired judgment and motor skills may occur. Dont take brisdelle if you are pregnant, taking maois thioridazine, pimozide, or are allergic to paroxetine. Tell your doctor about all your medicines like tamoxifen, triptans, or paroxetine. Side effects include nausea, vomiting, tiredness, and headache. Change is in the air. Its time to talk to your doctor about the only fda approved, nonhormonal option. Brisdelle. Ganncr we took care of your back pain. You make him the mvp. Tylenol is clinically proven to provide strong, fast pain relief. But for everything we do, we know you do so much more. Tylenol how much dirt can we manufacture . More than you think. Very little. [ doorbell rings ] whats this . Whats that . Swiffer sweeper. [ lee ] i came in under the assumption that it was clean. Ive been living in a fools paradise [ lee ] i came in under the assumption that it was clean. So ally bank really has no hidden fethats right. Accounts . Its just that im worried about you know hidden things. Ok, whys that . No hidden fees, from the bank where no branches equals great rates. You know. Theres a more enjoyable way to get your fiber. Try phillips fiber good gummies. Theyre delicious and an excellent source of fiber to help support regularity. Mmmm. These are good the tasty side of fiber. From phillips over the years its become a goto destination for millions of american families, but today sea world announced major makeovers for its three locations around the country. The move comes after Harsh Criticism over how the parks treated their biggest stars. Heres nbcs joe fryer. Reporter a wash in negative publicity and a high profile debate about whether orcas should be left in captivity or be free. Today, sea world unveiled plans to build larger habitats for its killer whales. The new orca home in san diego will be 50 feet deep with a viewing area thats four stories tall, nearly twice as big as the current habitats. Its really about us giving them more opportunities to exercise, to engage, have a dynamic environment. Reporter sea world is facing backlash thanks to black fish, the documentary viewed by millions condemns the parks treatment of killer whales after an orca killed a trainer in 2010. In response several celebrities have criticized sea world. Some musicians have backed out of concerts at the parks. And this week with attendance taking a hit, the stock tumbled. The stock is down more than 30 today. Reporter todays habitat announcement did little to silence critics. It doesnt matter how big you make that pool, its still going to be very restrictive and confining for a killer whale. Reporter sea world ceo jim acheson spoke to nbc news. How much of this is in response to the controversy generated lately . People are going to say that, but thats not going to deter us from the work were doing. Were not doing it one bit because of any of that. Reporter as for the film that sparked this controversy, sea world says its unfair and misrepresents their work. We make no apologies for what we do and how we do it. This is its pectoral flipper. Reporter sea world is also committing 10 million to Killer Whale Research as the heated dispute continues for whats best for these majestic creatures. Joe fryer, nbc news, san diego. Back in a moment with the runner who was stripped on the track in more ways than one. Track in more ways than one. Shes still the one for you. And cialis for daily use helps you be Ready Anytime the moment is right. Cialis is also the only daily ed tablet approved to treat symptoms of bph, like needing to go frequently. Tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and medicines, and ask if your heart is healthy enough for sex. Do not take cialis if you take nitrates for chest pain, as it may cause an unsafe drop in Blood Pressure. Do not drink alcohol in excess. Side effects may include headache, upset stomach, delayed backache or muscle ache. To avoid long term injury, get medical help right away for an erection lasting more than four hours. If you have any sudden decrease or loss in hearing or vision, or any allergic reactions like 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 free 30tablet trial. Finally, the purple pill,hr cialis for daily use the 1 prescribed acid blocking brand, comes without a prescription for frequent heartburn. Get complete protection. Nexium level protection™ [music] jackies heart attack didnt come with a warning. Today her doctor has her on a bayer aspirin regimen to help reduce the risk of another one. If youve had a heart attack be sure to talk to your doctor before you begin an aspirin regimen. Frbladder medicine not working . Cant handle the side effects . Botox® treats symptoms of leaking, going too often, and the strong sudden need to go. Ask your urologist if botox® can help calm your bladder. And reduce your daily leakage episodes. The effects of botox® may spread hours to weeks after injection, causing serious symptoms. Alert your doctor right away as difficulty swallowing, speaking, breathing, eye problems, loss of bladder control. Or muscle weakness can be a sign of a lifethreatening condition. Dont take botox® if you cant empty your bladder or cant or wont self catheterize if needed or have a urinary tract infection, or uti. Side effects may include allergic reactions, injection site pain, fatigue, uti, painful urination,. And difficulty emptying your bladder. Tell your doctor about your medical history, muscle or nerve conditions, and all medicines especially botulinum toxins, antiplatelets, and blood thinners,. As these may increase the risk of serious side effects. Ask if botox® can help calm your bladder. Visit botoxoab. Com to find a botox® urology specialist. Tonight, a new twist to report in an International Spy drama. German media report that the countrys security agent secretly recorded a phone call involving Hillary Clinton while she was secretary of state. Theyre calling the whole thing an accident. The irony of course is that relations between the two countries soured after it was revealed this country spied on german chancellor angela merkel. Nascar issued a new rule today, it comes less than a week after one of its star drivers, tony stewart, struck and killed a fellow racer at a sprint car event. Kevin ward jr. Was hit after exiting his car and walking down the track. The new rule orders drivers to stay in their cars if their vehicles are involved in an accident. Another ruling is drawing attention today. A french runner thought he had the race in the bag, so he started the celebration a little early taking off his shirt and carrying it in his mouth. He was stripped of his gold medal for unsportsmanlike conduct. We should note he lost it before at the same event two years ago. He shoved a mascot who happened to be a 14yearold girl. But tonight theres at least one big win to report, the viral videos are everywhere. Everyone from celebrities to next door neighbors pouring buckets of ice water over their heads. Its all to raise awareness and money for lou gehrigs disease. While the movement has paid off literally raising 9. 5 million for the cause in less than three weeks. 75 years ago today americans traveled over the rainbow for the first time, the wizard of oz has its hollywood debut. Its become one of the mostwatched films of all time. It introduced generations to munchkins, ruby slippers and that little dog too. Heres a piece of trivia for you, the terrier that played toto was paid 125 a week, even more than the actors of munchkinland. When we come back, a final act for a venue that gave millions a front row seats history. One of our favorite things to do is going to the dog park together. Sometimes my copd makes it hard to breathe. So my doctor prescribed symbicort. It helps significantly improve my lung function starting within five minutes. Symbicort doesnt replace a rescue inhaler for sudden symptoms. With symbicort, today im breathing better. Come on, boy [ female announcer ] symbicort is for copd, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. It should not be taken more than twice a day. Symbicort contains formoterol. Medicines like formoterol increase the risk of death from asthma problems. Symbicort may increase your risk of lung infections, osteoporosis, and some eye problems. Tell your doctor if you have a heart condition or high Blood Pressure before taking it. [ man ] now symbicort significantly improves my lung function, starting within 5 minutes. And that makes a difference in my breathing. Today, im hanging out with my best friend. Talk to your doctor about symbicort. I got my first prescription free. Call or go online to learn more. [ male announcer ] if you cant afford your medication, astrazeneca may be able to help. Did someone say burn . Try alka seltzer reliefchews. They work just as fast and taste better than tums smoothies assorted fruit. Mmm. Amazing. Yeah, i get that a lot. Alka seltzer heartburn reliefchews. Enjoy the relief. So i can reach ally bank 24 7, but there are24 7branches . Its just im a little reluctant to try new things. Whats wrong with trying new things . Feel that in your muscles . Yeah. I do. Try a new way to bank, where no branches equals great rates. So factors like diet can negatively impact good bacteria . Even if youre healthy and active. n phillips Digestive Health support is a duoprobiotic that helps supplement good bacteria found in two parts of your digestive tract. Im doubly impressed phillips Digestive Health. A daily probiotic. Start a team. Join a team. Walk to end alzheimers. Visit alz. Org walk today. When your favorite food starts a fight fight back fast with tums. Relief that neutralizes acid on contact. And goes to work in seconds. Tum, tum tum tum tums try great tasting tums chewy delights. Yummy. Finally tonight, a farewell to a legendary landmark thats after 54 years san franciscos Candlestick Park held its last public event. It was closed with one of the biggest names around who got it done with a little help from his friends. Nbcs Miguel Almaguer has our report. Welcome to Candlestick Park reporter for paul mccartney, a chance to say goodbye again. This the final concert, the last public event in san franciscos famed Candlestick Park. The same venue where mccartney and the beatles played their final concert together back in 1966. 4. 50 to attend this concert. Reporter marlene was there. It was so wild with energy. Reporter there for the beatles final show, and again for candlesticks curtain call. Opening day april 12th, 1960, Richard Nixon was here with willie mayes. The stick was built for sports and notorious for bone chilling winds. But it was the catch joe montanas gamewinning playoff drive, that made this place famous. Probably the most exciting end to a Football Game that ive ever seen. Welcome to game three reporter in 1989 millions were watching the world series live when it struck, a 6. 9 quake rattled the place to the rafters. Sports wasnt the only religion at the park. In 1987 the pope came to candlestick in the stadium built for noise, silence from 88,000 in the stands. It was so quiet that you could hear the lights humming. Reporter candlestick is set to be demolished next year. All of this will become urban redevelopment. Theyre selling history. You can buy the seats here. But the memories are priceless. Soon candlestick will become a housing and shopping center. But for the last 54 years it gave us all a front row seat to history. Miguel almaguer, nbc news, san francisco. Thats our broadcast for this friday night. Thank you for being with us. Im lester holt in for brian. Ill be with you all weekend tomorrow on today and of course hope to see you right back here tomorrow evening. Good night. Tomorrow on today and of course hope to see you right back here tomorrow evening. Good night. Memory forget fullness, sometimes to the point of dementia. I dont think o c