A Sky News correspondent was left choking and struggling to speak after being caught in a cloud of teargas while reporting from a protest in the United States.
Correspondent Overcome During Live Broadcast
The incident involving Sky News correspondent Martha Kelner occurred on Friday 16 January 2026 outside the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building in Minneapolis. This building houses a local branch of the US Department of Homeland Security, which oversees Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
While reporting live on the demonstrations, Kelner was suddenly exposed to the chemical agent. Footage showed her coughing severely and finding it difficult to continue speaking, highlighting the immediate and potent effect of the gas. She reported that the impact was felt by everyone present at the scene.
Context of Unrest in the Twin Cities
The protest is part of a wave of demonstrations that have shaken Minneapolis and its twin city, St. Paul, in recent days. This specific unrest was triggered by two key incidents:
- The fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good.
- The shooting of a Venezuelan immigrant in the leg on Wednesday 14 January.
These events have fuelled ongoing tensions and drawn crowds to protest outside federal immigration facilities, leading to confrontations with law enforcement.
Aftermath and Ongoing Coverage
The use of teargas against members of the press covering civil unrest raises significant questions about the safety of journalists in volatile environments. Sky News has confirmed the well-being of their correspondent, who continued to report after recovering from the initial effects.
The situation in the Twin Cities remains fluid, with further protests anticipated as communities react to the recent shootings. The incident underscores the heightened tensions surrounding immigration enforcement and policing in the United States, which continue to generate national and international media scrutiny.
