Sky News at Ten | Saturday 24 January 2026

Key Concepts

• Federal Intervention in Minneapolis: Deployment of federal immigration agents (ICE/Border Patrol) and resulting fatal shooting of Alex Pretty.
• Political Fallout: Reactions from Governor Tim Walz, President Donald Trump, and Senator Amy Klobuchar regarding the shooting and federal presence.
• Minneapolis Protests: Public response to the shooting, including demonstrations and clashes with law enforcement.
• Trump's NATO Comments & UK Relationship: Controversy surrounding Trump’s statements about NATO allies and subsequent attempts at damage control.
• Andy Burnham's Political Ambitions: Greater Manchester Mayor’s decision to seek a parliamentary seat and potential challenge to Keir Starmer.
• Ukraine-Russia-US Talks: Lack of progress in negotiations and plans for further discussions.
• National Police Service (UK): Proposed restructuring of UK policing with the creation of a centralized national force.
• Winter Storm in the US: Severe weather conditions impacting a large portion of the country.

Minneapolis Shooting & Federal Response

The primary focus of the broadcast is the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Alex Pretty, an intensive care nurse and American citizen, by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis. At least 10 shots were fired at Pretty, who was reportedly carrying a firearm – legal under Minnesota’s open carry laws. The Department of Homeland Security claims Pretty was armed, while video evidence suggests he was unarmed at the time of the shooting.

Governor Tim Walz has demanded that President Trump remove federal forces from Minnesota, accusing them of “sowing chaos and violence.” He stated, “Minnesota’s justice system will have the last word on this. It must have the last word. As I told the White House in no uncertain terms this morning, the federal government cannot be trusted to lead this investigation. The state will handle it. Period.”

President Trump responded with a lengthy statement defending the ICE agents and accusing local Minneapolis police of failing to protect them. He posted a photograph of Pretty’s gun, noting the presence of two full magazines, implying a potential threat. He stated, “Let our ICE let our ICE patriots do their job.” ICE Head stated the agents fired in self-defense after Pretty “violently resisted” attempts to disarm him, but this account is contested by video evidence.

The shooting sparked immediate protests, met with tear gas deployment by law enforcement. The situation is described as “white hot anger” with a history of similar incidents in recent weeks. Protesters chanted, “YOU ARE NOT WELCOME HERE.”

Trump's NATO Comments & UK Relationship

President Trump sparked outrage with comments suggesting NATO allies, including the UK, stayed “a little back…off the front lines” in Afghanistan. He initially claimed he “loves the British military” after facing condemnation, including from Circular Star who called his remarks “appalling.” Trump issued a post on Truth Social stating, “The great and very brave soldiers of the United Kingdom will always be with the United States of America.”

The incident raises concerns about lasting damage to the US-UK relationship and potential implications for a planned royal visit. Major Chris Hunter noted the difficulty for the King given his son’s service in Afghanistan.

Andy Burnham & Labour Politics

Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, has announced his intention to run in the upcoming Gorton and Denton bi-election, potentially returning to Parliament and challenging Keir Starmer’s leadership. He argues his decision is motivated by a need to fight against a “brand of politics which seeks to pit people against each other.”

Labour MPs are divided on the issue, with some urging the National Executive Committee (NEC) not to block his candidacy. Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, supports Burnham’s right to run, stating, “Andy Bernham should be allowed to be a member of parliament.”

Other News Updates

• Ukraine-Russia-US Talks: No breakthrough was achieved in recent talks, but further discussions are scheduled for next weekend.
• National Police Service (UK): The Home Office is proposing a major overhaul of UK policing, creating a “British FBI” – a National Police Service – to tackle serious and complex crimes like terrorism and fraud. The aim is to improve efficiency and consistency across the country.
• US Winter Storm: A severe winter storm is impacting a large portion of the US, bringing heavy snow, freezing rain, and dangerous wind chills. Officials are urging people to stay off the roads.

Technical Terms & Concepts

• ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement): A US federal law enforcement agency responsible for enforcing immigration laws.
• Border Patrol: The US federal law enforcement agency responsible for securing US borders.
• Open Carry: The practice of openly carrying a firearm in public, legal in some US states like Minnesota.
• Less Lethal Munitions: Non-lethal weapons used by law enforcement for crowd control, such as tear gas and rubber bullets.
• Mutual Aid: A cooperative agreement between law enforcement agencies to provide assistance during emergencies.
• National Guard: A reserve military force that can be deployed by state governors for domestic emergencies.

Logical Connections

The broadcast establishes a clear connection between the federal government’s immigration enforcement policies and the escalating tensions in Minneapolis. The shooting of Alex Pretty serves as a catalyst for protests and political debate. The segment on Trump’s NATO comments demonstrates a pattern of controversial statements that strain international relationships. The news about Andy Burnham’s political ambitions highlights internal dynamics within the Labour Party. The updates on the Ukraine-Russia talks and the US winter storm provide broader context to global and domestic events.

Data & Statistics

• Age of Alex Pretty: 37 years old.
• Number of Shots Fired: At least 10.
• Number of Federal Agents in Minnesota: Approximately 3,000, outnumbering Minneapolis and St. Paul police officers by a ratio of 3:1.
• Number of Criminals Released by Minnesota Officials to ICE: Over 490.
• Reduction in Murder Rates in Memphis (attributed to partnership with ICE): 50%.
• Number of Operations Conducted by ICE Last Week: Over 2,000.

Synthesis/Conclusion

The broadcast paints a picture of escalating tensions and political divisions. The shooting in Minneapolis underscores the contentious nature of immigration enforcement and the potential for violence. President Trump’s controversial statements continue to strain international relationships and fuel domestic political debate. The proposed changes to UK policing reflect a desire for greater efficiency and a centralized approach to tackling serious crime. The severe weather conditions in the US highlight the importance of preparedness and emergency response. Overall, the broadcast conveys a sense of instability and uncertainty across multiple fronts.