A New Jersey nurse stated that she was suspended without pay after speaking out against a surgeon who allegedly celebrated the slaying of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk.
Lexi Kuenzle, 33, filed a lawsuit in Bergen County Superior Court, claiming Englewood Health retaliated against her for publicly challenging the surgeon’s remarks both at work and on social media.
The hospital has since confirmed that it has accepted Dr. Matthew Jung’s resignation, and that Kuenzle has been reinstated.
A heated exchange at the hospital reportedly ensued as a surgeon mocked Kirk’s slaying
According to court filings, the confrontation unfolded on Wednesday at a nurses’ station with eight colleagues and a patient present.
When the news broke that Kirk had been slain, Kuenzle expressed shock, reportedly saying, “Oh my God! That’s terrible! I love him!”
Dr. Jung, a bariatric surgeon, allegedly fired back: “I hate Charlie Kirk. He had it coming. He deserved it.”
Kuenzle recalled, responding, “You’re a doctor. How could you say someone deserved to d*e?”
She later told reporters the comment left her “angry and upset” and in disbelief that a physician could make such a statement in front of a patient, especially considering the fact that he had taken his Hippocratic oath.
Kuenzle later posted about the encounter on Instagram, where she often shares conservative-leaning content.
The following day, she was reportedly summoned to a meeting with hospital administrators, where she was informed that she was being suspended without pay, according to the New York Post.
A union representative allegedly advised her to start looking for a new job.
As Kuenzle’s case went viral, netizens, including doctors and nurses, noted that Dr. Jung’s alleged actions were definitely alarming.
“I’m a physician, and if I had witnessed that, I would’ve been less gentle than she. I would have been making observations about his character and ethics beyond just asking how he could say such a thing.
“If this story happened as described, I hope she sues and wins big,” a doctor wrote.
“I’m a nurse. I don’t think Lexi did anything wrong. I think the public has the right to know who thinks it is acceptable to k*ll someone because you disagree with his religious or political beliefs,” a nurse stated.
The nurse decided to file legal action, and the medical facility has faced public backlash
Kuenzle has worked as a nurse for 10 years, including almost two years at Englewood Health.
Her lawsuit argued that the hospital’s decision violated her rights, especially since she was suspended for raising ethical concerns about a colleague’s conduct.
The filing cites the Hippocratic Oath and the American Medical Association’s Code of Medical Ethics.
“(Kuenzle) had the audacity to question how Dr. Jung can comply with the Hippocratic Oath’s and the American Medical Association’s Code of Medical Ethics while celebrating the m*rder of a non-violent Christian speaker who was on a college campus,” the lawsuit read.
According to the complaint, the surgeon offered to “buy lunch” for the nurses who overheard his comments, but this excluded Kuenzle because she had already been suspended.
Kuenzle is seeking unspecified damages in the lawsuit.
The case has drawn political attention. GOP activist Scott Presler dubbed Kuenzle one of “Charlie’s Angels” and raised concerns about whether Dr. Jung could treat patients fairly if his political biases influenced his judgment.
“Would he treat them differently? Would he allow his emotions to cloud his judgment, as he did by saying such a statement in front of a patient?” Presler noted.
Englewood Health has stated that Dr. Jung has resigned from his post, and Kuenzle has been reinstated
In a recent statement, a representative from Englewood Health has stated that Dr. Jung has left his post at the hospital.
“We have accepted the physician’s resignation,” the representative told the NY Post. “The nurse is expected to work her scheduled shifts.”
Interestingly enough, the hospital claimed that Kuenzle was never terminated, nor was she informed that she would be fired from Englewood. She reportedly will not miss any pay either.
“The nurse was never fired; was never told she would be fired by Englewood Hospital; and will not miss any pay as part of our review of this matter.
“Englewood Health is committed to providing a safe and respectful environment for all,” the representative stated.
Other netizens still noted that Kuenzle’s union should face legal consequences.
“No doubt sue the union! They’re legally obliged to protect your employment,” one commenter wrote.
“This nurse’s union rep told her the best thing to do is look for another job? Union dues take a nice fat chunk out of a member’s paycheck every month, and THAT’S the best they could do? She should file a suit against them too,” wrote another.
Netizens shared their thoughts on Nurse Kuenzle’s experience on social media
