ABC World News Tonight with David Muir Full Broadcast - Jan. 27, 2026

ABC NewsAbout 5 min readJan 28, 2026Watch original
THE SUMMARYAI-generated

Key Concepts

  • DHS Report on Alex Prey Shooting: Preliminary findings reveal two federal agents fired upon Alex Prey, an ICU nurse, during an attempted arrest.
  • Potential Nor'easter: A developing storm system threatening the Northeastern US with severe cold and potential heavy snowfall.
  • FAA Investigation (Ptoac Collision): Investigation into the mid-air collision between an American Airlines flight and an Army Blackhawk helicopter, citing systemic failures and ignored warnings.
  • Buffalo Bills Coaching Change: Shawn McDermott fired as head coach, replaced by offensive coordinator Joe Brady.
  • Bald Eagle Nesting: Jackie and Shadow, a famous pair of bald eagles, have laid two eggs, attracting widespread attention via a live nest cam.

Breaking News & Investigations

The broadcast opened with breaking news regarding the fatal shooting of Alex Prey, an ICU nurse in Minneapolis. A newly obtained Department of Homeland Security (DHS) preliminary report, sent to Congress, indicates that two federal agents discharged their firearms during the incident, firing a total of ten shots within seconds. The report, based on a review of body camera footage, states a Border Patrol agent repeatedly yelled, “He’s got a gun,” approximately five seconds before discharging his Glock 19, followed by a Customs and Border Protection agent firing his Glock 47. Critically, the report does not state that Prey attempted to reach for a weapon, nor does it mention he was disarmed before being shot, despite video evidence suggesting he was.

President Trump initially expressed a desire to see the full investigation, stating, “I want to see the investigation. I’m going to be watching over it. I want a very honorable and honest investigation. I have to see it myself.” He later announced the deployment of Tom Holman to Minneapolis to oversee federal immigration operations and indicated a “de-escalation” of personnel, while denying it was a retreat. He also questioned the suitability of Greg Bevino, the former Border Patrol commander, suggesting he may have been “out there” and not the right fit for the mission.

Secretary of Homeland Security, Christy Gnome, faced scrutiny for initially claiming Prey was attempting to inflict maximum damage on law enforcement, a statement widely criticized as false. She met with President Trump for two hours in the Oval Office to discuss the situation. Lawmakers from both parties are now calling for her resignation or impeachment. Alex Prey’s sister released a statement condemning the “disgusting lies” spread about her brother.

Further investigation was reported regarding a separate incident in Arizona, where a US Border Patrol agent critically wounded a person near the Mexico border, prompting an FBI investigation.

Severe Weather & Infrastructure Impacts

The broadcast highlighted a widespread arctic blast impacting much of the United States, with below-zero wind chills extending as far south as Florida. A potential nor'easter is developing off the East Coast, threatening significant snowfall and hazardous conditions from coastal North Carolina to Boston.

New York City was particularly affected, with ferry service suspended due to ice clogging the Hudson River. A massive pileup involving dozens of vehicles occurred on State Route 6 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, due to lake-effect snow. In Louisiana, hundreds of drivers were stranded on Interstate 20 due to icy conditions. Three brothers in Texas died after falling through the ice on a private pond. Ginger Z, the chief meteorologist, predicted wind chills as low as five degrees Fahrenheit in some areas.

Aviation & Transportation Incidents

Two aviation incidents were covered. A NASA research plane experienced a hard landing at Ellington Airport in Houston, Texas, with flames shooting from underneath. All crew members were reported safe.

The NTSB investigation into the mid-air collision over the Potomac River (Ptoac) between an American Airlines flight and an Army Blackhawk helicopter was also detailed. The NTSB report cited systemic failures, including a transmission issue preventing the helicopter crew from receiving a crucial instruction from air traffic control to pass behind the plane. The FAA was criticized for ignoring prior warnings about traffic congestion at Reagan National Airport. The FAA has since implemented a permanent change prohibiting helicopters and planes from sharing the same airspace around the airport.

Legal & Criminal Cases

The trial of three brothers, two of whom are prominent real estate brokers in New York, Miami, and Los Angeles, commenced. They are accused of sex trafficking, with prosecutors alleging they drugged and sexually assaulted women and girls over two decades. Graphic testimony is expected.

TikTok settled a major lawsuit alleging it engineered its platform to addict children, leading to mental health issues. Snapchat also settled. Meta (Facebook) maintains it has made changes to protect young users, while YouTube denies the allegations.

A brazen assassination attempt on a mayor in the Philippines was captured on security cameras, with an RPG fired at his SUV. The mayor survived, but two members of his team were injured. Three suspects were killed by police.

A California mother was arrested after her 19-month-old child fell out of an SUV onto a road in traffic. The child sustained minor injuries.

Other Notable News

  • Skier Survives Avalanche: A skier in Alberta, Canada, triggered an avalanche but survived, buried only to the waist.
  • Buffalo Bills Coaching Change: Shawn McDermott was fired as head coach of the Buffalo Bills and replaced by offensive coordinator Joe Brady, signing a five-year deal.
  • Bald Eagle Nesting: Jackie and Shadow, a famous pair of bald eagles, laid two eggs in their nest in the San Bernardino National Forest, attracting a large online audience via a live nest cam.

Synthesis/Conclusion

This broadcast covered a wide range of breaking news and ongoing investigations, highlighting critical issues related to law enforcement accountability, severe weather preparedness, aviation safety, and legal proceedings. The central theme revolved around investigations into incidents with potentially far-reaching consequences, from the shooting of Alex Prey to the mid-air collision over the Potomac. The broadcast also showcased the resilience of individuals facing adversity, from the mayor surviving an assassination attempt to the skier surviving an avalanche, and the enduring appeal of nature, exemplified by the bald eagle nesting. The emphasis on detailed reporting, including specific details like weapon types (Glock 19, Glock 47) and timelines, underscored the commitment to providing comprehensive and accurate information.

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