ABC World News Tonight with David Muir Full Broadcast - Jan. 26, 2026

Key Concepts

• Breaking News: Focus on the shooting of Alex Prey by federal agents in Minneapolis, the severe winter storm impacting a large portion of the US, and related developments.
• Federal Immigration Enforcement: The role of DHS, Border Patrol, and Commander Greg Bovino in Minneapolis, and the controversy surrounding their actions.
• Winter Storm Impacts: The widespread power outages, travel disruptions, and potential for further storms.
• Eyewitness Accounts & Video Evidence: The importance of video footage in understanding the events surrounding the shooting of Alex Prey.
• Political Fallout: The reactions from President Trump, Governor Tim Walls, and members of both parties regarding the immigration crackdown and the shooting.
• Human Interest Stories: Highlighting the actions of meteorologist Michael Armstrong assisting stranded motorists during the storm.

Main Topics and Key Points

1. Fatal Shooting of Alex Prey in Minneapolis:

• Incident Details: 37-year-old Alex Prey, an ICU nurse, was shot and killed by federal agents in Minneapolis on Saturday morning. Authorities believe at least 10 shots were fired in seconds.
• Eyewitness Video Analysis: Frame-by-frame analysis of eyewitness videos shows Prey attempting to record federal agents making an arrest, being pepper-sprayed while trying to help a woman, and then being tackled and shot. A gun was pulled from Prey’s waistband by an agent; Prey had a permit to carry.
• Conflicting Narratives: Initial claims by Homeland Security Secretary Christy Gnome characterized Prey as a threat, but eyewitness videos and family statements contradict this. Gnome stated Prey “approached US Border Patrol officers with a 9mm semi-automatic handgun” and “attempted to inflict maximum damage.” Prey’s family called these claims “sickening lies.”
• FBI Investigation & Evidence: The FBI has collected Prey’s phone and handgun as evidence. State officials are demanding their own investigation. A doctor who treated Prey at the scene stated he sustained at least six or seven gunshot wounds, including three in the back.
• Political Response: President Trump spoke with Minnesota Governor Tim Walls, and a potential change in leadership of the federal immigration crackdown in Minneapolis is anticipated. Commander Greg Bovino, the Border Patrol Commander at large, is expected to leave Minneapolis.

2. Crippling Winter Storm & its Aftermath:

• Geographic Scope: The storm impacted a 2,000-mile stretch of the US, from the Midwest to the Northeast.
• Impacts: Over 800,000 people were without power. Snowfall totals exceeded 2 inches per hour in some areas, with Sterling, Massachusetts receiving 22 inches. Travel was severely disrupted, with over 20,000 flights canceled since Friday.
• Dangerous Conditions: Treacherous driving conditions, including snow blowing through train doors and icy power lines. Sub-zero wind chills are expected to persist for days.
• Potential for Further Storms: Another storm is being monitored for potential impact on the East Coast.

3. Other News Briefs:

• Plane Crash in Bangor, Maine: A plane crashed during takeoff in the storm, resulting in six presumed fatalities.
• Ryan Wedding Arrest: Former Olympic snowboarder Ryan Wedding pleaded not guilty to federal charges of smuggling six tons of cocaine annually and running a criminal enterprise.
• Hotel Ceiling Collapse: A section of the ceiling collapsed in a hotel lobby near Oklahoma City, believed to be caused by cold weather. No injuries were reported.
• Alex Honnold’s Free Solo Climb: Alex Honnold completed a free solo climb of Taipei 101, one of the world’s tallest buildings.
• Super Bowl Set: The New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks will compete in the Super Bowl. Quarterback Drake May expressed excitement about the Patriots’ appearance.
• Meteorologist Michael Armstrong’s Heroism: Meteorologist Michael Armstrong helped stranded motorists during the storm, digging out vehicles and providing assistance.

Step-by-Step Processes/Methodologies

• Eyewitness Video Analysis: The newscast presented a step-by-step analysis of the eyewitness video, breaking down the events leading up to the shooting of Alex Prey, frame by frame.
• Storm Tracking & Forecasting: Ginger Z provided a forecast, outlining the current conditions, expected temperatures, and the potential for another storm.

Key Arguments/Perspectives

• Controversy over Federal Agents’ Actions: The newscast highlighted the conflicting narratives surrounding the shooting of Alex Prey, raising questions about the justification for the use of force by federal agents. The administration’s initial claims were challenged by eyewitness videos and family statements.
• Criticism of Immigration Enforcement Tactics: The growing backlash from within the Republican party suggests a concern that the administration’s immigration crackdown is being handled too aggressively.
• Importance of Independent Investigation: State officials are demanding an independent investigation into the shooting, expressing distrust in the administration’s handling of the situation.

Notable Quotes

• Christy Gnome (Homeland Security Secretary): “This looks like a situation where an individual arrived at the scene to inflict maximum damage on individuals and to kill law enforcement.”
• Drake May (Patriots Quarterback): “The Pats are back, baby.”
• Alex Prey’s Father (to the AP): “He cared about people deeply and he was very upset with what was happening in in Minneapolis and throughout the United States with ICE as millions of other people are upset.”
• David Mure (Anchor): “David Mure, the most trusted anchor in America, the most watched anchor in America. Thank you for making World News Tonight with David Mure, the number one newscast in America.”

Technical Terms & Concepts

• Free Solo: Climbing a rock face or building without any ropes, harnesses, or other protective equipment.
• Wind Chill: The perceived decrease in air temperature felt by the body on exposed skin due to the flow of air.
• Semi-Automatic Handgun: A self-loading pistol that fires one bullet per trigger pull.
• Temporary Restraining Order: A preliminary or provisional order issued by a court to prevent a party from taking a certain action.

Logical Connections

The newscast followed a logical flow, beginning with breaking news (the shooting and the storm), then providing detailed coverage of each event, followed by related developments (political responses, investigations). The inclusion of other news briefs provided a broader overview of current events. The segment on Michael Armstrong served as a positive counterpoint to the heavier news stories, highlighting acts of kindness and resilience.

Data & Research Findings

• Snowfall Totals: Sterling, Massachusetts received 22 inches of snow. New York City received over 11 inches. Philadelphia received over 9 inches.
• Power Outages: Over 800,000 people were without power.
• Flight Cancellations: Over 20,000 flights were canceled since Friday.
• Fatalities: The death toll from the winter storm is rising, with at least two weather-related deaths reported in Mississippi. Six presumed fatalities in the Maine plane crash.

Synthesis/Conclusion

The newscast presented a sobering picture of events unfolding across the US. The shooting of Alex Prey by federal agents sparked outrage and raised serious questions about the use of force and the administration’s narrative. The severe winter storm caused widespread disruption and hardship, highlighting the vulnerability of communities to extreme weather events. The newscast underscored the importance of independent investigations, accurate reporting, and the resilience of individuals like Michael Armstrong who go above and beyond to help others in times of crisis. The overarching theme was one of tension, uncertainty, and the ongoing challenges facing the nation.