Nurse Suspended After Reporting Doctor Who Allegedly Celebrated Charlie Kirk’s Death
Englewood Health, New Jersey • September 2025 • Workplace Controversy
A nurse at Englewood Health in New Jersey has filed a lawsuit after being suspended without pay for reporting a surgeon who allegedly celebrated the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The dispute has sparked a firestorm involving politics, workplace ethics, and free speech.
The Spark at the Nurse’s Station
On September 11, nurse Lexi Kuenzle says she reacted with shock when news of Kirk’s killing reached her unit. According to her, surgeon Dr. Matthew Jung responded: “I hate Charlie Kirk. He had it coming.” Kuenzle confronted him, questioning how a doctor could justify such violence.
Reporting the Incident
After filing an internal report, Kuenzle also shared the story on Instagram. By the next day, she was suspended without pay, and a union official allegedly advised her to find another job. For Kuenzle, the suspension felt like retaliation against her ethical stance.
The Hospital’s Response
Englewood Health confirmed both Kuenzle and Dr. Jung were suspended pending investigation, calling it “standard procedure.” Officials emphasized she was not fired but declined to confirm whether Jung’s suspension included pay, fueling speculation of unequal treatment.
A Lawsuit Grounded in Conscience
Kuenzle has filed suit citing whistleblower protections under New Jersey law. She argues her Christian faith and moral duty compelled her to report remarks she believed violated medical ethics. Her lawyers frame the case as retaliation against a whistleblower acting in good conscience.
Public Reaction
Conservative commentators hailed Kuenzle as a whistleblower punished for defending human dignity, while progressives noted her social media post may have complicated hospital procedures. The dispute quickly escalated into a partisan flashpoint beyond the hospital walls.
The Legal Lens
Legal experts say the case could test the balance between whistleblower protections and employer authority. Courts may need to decide whether Kuenzle’s suspension was retaliation or a response to her social media disclosures.
- Incident Date: September 11, 2025
- Nurse: Lexi Kuenzle, 33
- Doctor: Matthew Jung, Surgeon
- Filed Lawsuit: September 13, 2025
- Legal Basis: NJ Whistleblower & Discrimination Laws
Beyond the Case
The controversy highlights the difficulty of separating personal beliefs from professional duties in an era of political polarization. It raises questions about trust in healthcare, freedom of speech, and the limits of institutional discipline.
At its heart, the dispute asks: how should hospitals handle political speech in a profession built on saving lives?
