A New Jersey nurse, Lexi Kuenzle, is suing Englewood Health after allegedly being suspended for speaking out against a doctor who celebrated the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Kuenzle, a nurse with a decade of experience, claims that the incident occurred shortly after news broke of Kirk’s fatal shooting during a campus event at Utah Valley University. She recalls bariatric surgeon Dr. Matthew Jung expressing joy over Kirk’s death in front of hospital staff and even a patient.

Kuenzle, disturbed by the doctor’s reaction, confronted him immediately. She questioned how someone in the medical profession could justify such a statement, particularly against a non-violent figure like Kirk. She later described the moment as “mind-blowing” and emotionally upsetting. Despite Dr. Jung allegedly attempting to smooth things over by offering lunch to the staff, Kuenzle felt compelled to report the behavior to hospital management.

However, instead of receiving support, Kuenzle was suspended without pay the very next day and warned she might be fired. According to her attorney, John Coyle, this was retaliation for expressing her views and standing up for ethical conduct. The lawsuit claims Englewood Health violated the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination, created a hostile work environment, and failed to protect Kuenzle under the state’s whistleblower law.

The hospital responded by confirming both Kuenzle and Dr. Jung were suspended pending an investigation. They denied firing her and said any claims suggesting otherwise were inaccurate. Meanwhile, Dr. Jung’s profile has been removed from the hospital’s website.

Kuenzle, a vocal conservative, often shares pro-Trump content online. Her political stance has brought her significant attention, with GOP activist Scott Presler defending her publicly and questioning Dr. Jung’s professionalism.

The case has sparked debate about workplace ethics, freedom of speech, and whether personal beliefs should influence employment consequences.