A New Jersey nurse is taking legal action after she was allegedly suspended for reporting a doctor who reportedly celebrated the assassination of conservative media figure Charlie Kirk.
The troubling incident unfolded at Englewood Health, where Dr. Matthew Jung, a surgeon, allegedly cheered the news of Kirk’s death in front of staff, leading nurse Lexi Kuenzle to question the doctor's ethics, per FOX News.
Kuenzle’s complaint about the incident resulted in her suspension, sparking a lawsuit against both the hospital and the doctor.
Dr. Matthew Jung Resigns After Celebrating Charlie Kirk's Murder
Dr. Matthew Jung, a surgeon at Englewood Health, resigned following an incident where he allegedly expressed approval of Charlie Kirk’s murder.
According to reports, Jung made his comments moments after the news broke of Kirk’s tragic death, stating: “I hate Charlie Kirk. He had it coming. He deserved it.”
These remarks were reportedly made in front of a group of nurses, including Lexi Kuenzle, who was deeply disturbed by his words.
In response to the situation, Englewood Health accepted Dr. Jung's resignation. A representative from the hospital confirmed to The New York Post that the resignation was accepted and emphasized their commitment to maintaining a respectful environment.
“The nurse is expected to work her scheduled shifts,” the hospital representative added, addressing previous reports that had falsely suggested Kuenzle had been fired or would lose pay.
Nurse Lexi Kuenzle Faces Retaliation After Reporting Doctor’s Remarks
Lexi Kuenzle, a 33-year-old nurse at Englewood Health, reported the troubling comments made by Dr. Jung, which allegedly occurred in front of other hospital staff and patients.
According to Kuenzle’s account, after hearing about Kirk’s murder, she expressed her dismay and support for Kirk, saying: “Oh, my God! That’s terrible! I love him!” Dr. Jung, in apparent contrast, responded with vitriol, claiming that Kirk "deserved it."
Kuenzle, who was disturbed by the unprofessional nature of the comments, confronted the doctor.
She later reported the incident to hospital management and shared her experience on social media.
However, this led to her suspension, a decision she believes was retaliatory. The hospital, in turn, clarified that the nurse was never fired, nor was she told to look for another job, as some reports had suggested.
Despite this, Kuenzle’s suspension without pay during the investigation sparked backlash, leading her to file a lawsuit against the hospital, Dr. Jung, and other parties involved.
The lawsuit claims violations of the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination and alleges retaliatory actions based on her Christian beliefs, alongside claims of creating a hostile work environment.
Lawsuit Alleges Discrimination and Retaliation
Kuenzle’s lawsuit, filed in Bergen County Superior Court, seeks unspecified damages.
Her attorney, John Coyle, argues that the hospital violated her rights as an employee who acted conscientiously in raising concerns about the doctor’s behavior.
The lawsuit also highlights Kuenzle’s faith, stating that her suspension was retaliatory due to her Christian beliefs.
“She 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 murder of a non-violent Christian speaker who was on a college campus,” Coyle’s complaint reads.
The lawsuit also claims that Dr. Jung, after making the controversial remarks, allegedly offered to “buy lunch” for the nursing staff that he had offended.
However, this gesture did little to alleviate the tension that had built up among the hospital staff. Kuenzle’s lawsuit further argues that the hospital failed to properly address the situation and retaliated against her for speaking out.
Hospital Responds to the Incident and Kuenzle’s Lawsuit
In its response to the controversy, Englewood Health stated that both Dr. Jung and Kuenzle were placed on suspension during the investigation to ensure a fair review of the matter.
The hospital emphasized that the suspension was in line with standard protocol and was conducted in the interest of safety for everyone involved.
“Contrary to certain media reports, the nurse was not fired. Any reported suggestions that the nurse should seek other employment was not an official or accurate statement from Englewood Health,” the hospital said in a statement to Fox News Digital.
Despite the hospital’s response, the lawsuit filed by Kuenzle paints a different picture, accusing the institution of retaliating against her for raising concerns about Dr. Jung’s actions. Kuenzle has demanded a jury trial and is seeking unspecified monetary damages.