A New Jersey nurse claims she was unfairly suspended after confronting a doctor who reportedly celebrated the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Lexi Kuenzle, a nurse at Englewood Health, says the incident unfolded when news of Kirk’s shooting broke on September 10.
According to Kuenzle, bariatric surgeon Dr. Matthew Jung expressed joy about Kirk’s death in front of her, eight other nurses, and a patient on a stretcher, saying, “I hate Charlie Kirk. He had it coming. He deserved it.” Shocked, Kuenzle questioned how a doctor could say someone deserved to die, especially in such a public setting.
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Kuenzle reported the doctor’s remarks to management and posted about the incident on social media. Instead of support, she was suspended without pay the following day and told she might be fired. She has since filed a lawsuit against the hospital and Dr. Jung, alleging retaliation, violation of employee protection laws, and discrimination based on her Christian faith.
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Her attorney argues that Kuenzle was punished for questioning how a doctor could celebrate the killing of a non-violent speaker on a college campus. The hospital confirmed both the nurse and doctor were suspended pending investigation but denied firing Kuenzle.
This case has sparked discussions about workplace ethics, freedom of speech, and whether employees should face penalties for calling out inappropriate behavior. Conservative activist Scott Presler defended Kuenzle online, questioning whether the doctor could provide unbiased care given his alleged comments.
As the lawsuit moves forward, it raises important questions about accountability, professionalism in healthcare, and the limits of free expression in the workplace.
