In a heart‑rending revelation that has sent shockwaves through both the hockey world and national news, Toronto Maple Leafs forward Max Domi confirmed that his relative, Alex Pretti, the 37‑year‑old intensive care unit nurse who was shot and killed by U.S. federal agents on Saturday in Minneapolis, was family. Domi made the announcement in an emotional statement just hours before he was scheduled to compete in Toronto, casting an unexpected pall over what had been a highly anticipated matchup.

The death of Pretti has already ignited national outrage, sparked protests, and drawn widespread attention to controversial federal law‑enforcement operations. The connection to a high‑profile NHL star like Domi — a beloved Maple Leafs forward — deepens the story’s emotional impact and highlights the ways personal tragedy can intersect with public life and the sporting world.

A Life Dedicated to Service and Compassion

Alex Jeffrey Pretti was not a political figure or public activist in the traditional sense; he was a registered intensive care nurse at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System — a caregiver who cared for some of America’s most vulnerable veterans.

According to family and colleagues, Pretti was deeply committed to his work as a healthcare professional, described as kind, compassionate, and generous by those who knew him well. He earned a degree in biology, society, and the environment and later chose to pursue nursing, where his dedication to caring for others was evident to coworkers and patients alike.

In addition to his clinical responsibilities, Pretti was known to express concern over social issues and had participated in gatherings and demonstrations — not as a militant activist, but out of what friends described as a desire to help others and stand up for justice. His family disputes official claims that he was a threat during the incident that led to his death, insisting that video evidence shows Pretti unarmed and in the act of assisting a woman when he was confronted by federal agents.

The Shooting and Conflicting Accounts

Pretti’s death occurred on January 24, 2026, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, amid a broader and highly contentious crackdown by federal immigration enforcement agencies. According to official statements from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Pretti allegedly approached Border Patrol agents with a firearm and “violently resisted” when they attempted to disarm him, prompting an agent to fire what was described as “defensive shots.”

However, witnesses, family members, and multiple news outlets reviewing video evidence have cast serious doubt on that narrative. Footage cited by major international outlets suggests Pretti was holding a cell phone — not a weapon — and may have been trying to help a woman during a chaotic encounter when he was pepper‑sprayed, tackled, and shot multiple times by federal agents.

Local authorities also confirmed that Pretti was a licensed gun owner with no criminal history beyond traffic infractions, weakening the claim that he posed a violent threat during the incident. Many witnesses maintain that he was attempting to assist others rather than confront law enforcement.

The contradictory accounts have stoked public outrage and fueled calls for independent and transparent investigations — particularly from nursing unions, civil‑rights groups, and community leaders.

Family Reaction and National Outcry

Following the shooting, Pretti’s family released statements condemning the federal response and disputing the official narrative describing him as dangerous. They described him as a peaceful, empathetic individual who was misunderstood and unjustly targeted. Family members have called for accountability, transparency, and a thorough and unbiased investigation into the circumstances that led to his death.

These reactions have been echoed by public figures, activists, and advocacy groups who argue the incident is emblematic of broader issues regarding the use of force by federal agents within U.S. communities. Celebrities, including musician FINNEAS and his sister Billie Eilish, have publicly criticized the shooting and called for action from influential voices, asserting that Pretti’s death raises troubling questions about law enforcement accountability.

A massive fundraiser set up for the Pretti family quickly exceeded its goal, raising over $1 million in days — a sign of wide public support and sympathy for the nurse’s legacy.

Max Domi’s Emotional Confirmation and Public Response

Hours before taking the ice in Toronto, Max Domi confirmed that Pretti was his relative and shared an emotional tribute. Although Domi had not previously been publicly connected to the incident, his statement underscored the personal toll of the tragedy.

In his message, Domi described his grief and expressed how profoundly the loss has affected him and his family. He spoke about Pretti’s character — a caregiver and a compassionate soul who always sought to help others, whether in the ICU or in community settings. The announcement came as Domi prepared for a highly anticipated competition, a juxtaposition of celebration and sorrow that shook fans and teammates alike.

The hockey community rallied around Domi, with many players, coaches, and fans expressing their support. Social media swiftly filled with messages of solidarity, acknowledging the difficulty of balancing personal grief with professional expectations in the public eye. Although Domi competed despite the emotional weight, his vulnerability brought attention to the human behind the athlete — someone coping with immense personal loss while fulfilling his responsibilities as a competitor.

Impact on the Maple Leafs and the NHL

The news of Pretti’s death and its connection to Domi resonated deeply within the Toronto Maple Leafs organization and across the NHL. The league, known for its passionate fan base and tight‑knit teams, responded with tributes honoring Pretti’s life and service. Teammates gathered before games to offer support to Domi, and many wore symbols or stickers in remembrance during warmups as a sign of respect.

NHL players and commentators highlighted how athletes are not immune to the personal tragedies that affect their families and communities. They noted that even as professional athletes, players like Domi face the same heartbreak and human struggle on an individual level, bringing a poignant reminder of the lives behind the jerseys.

Broadcasts and media coverage around the games were also adjusted to acknowledge the news, with commentators respectfully reflecting on Pretti’s life and the complex emotions surrounding the incident.

Broader Historical and Political Context

The shooting of Alex Pretti is not an isolated event — it occurred against the backdrop of intensified federal immigration enforcement in Minneapolis and other cities. The Department of Homeland Security’s controversial initiatives have led to community tensions, protests, and heightened scrutiny of federal law‑enforcement practices. Pretti’s death follows other recent fatal encounters, adding to the sense of urgency among civil‑rights advocates seeking clearer oversight of federal operations.

Political leaders across party lines have been pressed for responses, with debates focusing on the appropriate role of federal agents in domestic operations, respect for civil liberties, and the use of force in confronting civilians. Minnesota officials have demanded clarity, transparency, and cooperation in investigations, emphasizing the importance of public trust and accountability.

Remembering Alex Pretti: Legacy and Mourning

Friends, family, coworkers, and those who knew Pretti personally have shared memories of him as a compassionate and dedicated nurse whose purpose was service. Colleagues described how he cared deeply for veterans, often going beyond the call of duty to provide comfort, support, and respect for his patients. His work in the ICU reflected his deep devotion to helping others in their most vulnerable moments.

Beyond his professional life, those who knew Pretti recall a man deeply committed to his loved ones and his community. They emphasize his kindness, empathy, and earnest desire to make a positive impact, not just through his job but through everyday actions and interactions.

The community response — from candlelight vigils and protests to outpourings of support from strangers — speaks to the profound effect one life can have and how deeply his death resonated with many.

Conclusion

The tragic death of Alex Pretti — a dedicated ICU nurse, a compassionate caregiver, and a beloved relative of NHL star Max Domi — has transcended typical news cycles and entered the broader national conversation about federal force, community safety, and the human cost of public policy. Domi’s emotional confirmation of the family tie just hours before taking the ice in Toronto brought a deeply personal dimension to an already complex and contentious story.

In a season already filled with intensity and competition, this heartbreaking narrative has united sports fans, healthcare workers, activists, and everyday citizens in reflection, grief, and a call for accountability. As investigations continue and public dialogue evolves, the memory of Alex Pretti — and the way his life intersected with the worlds of healthcare, family, and professional sport — is sure to leave a lasting impression on all who heard his story.