A nurse has come forward after being suspended for allegedly reporting a doctor who she claimed ‘celebrated’ the death of Charlie Kirk.
Lexi Kuenzle has been a nurse for ten years, with almost two of those years spent at Englewood Health, New Jersey.
Kuenzle was on duty at the hospital last week when the news emerged that Charlie Kirk had died after being shot at Utah Valley University on September 10.
At that time, a doctor who works alongside Kuenzle allegedly ‘cheered’ upon hearing about Kirk’s death in front of her, other staff members, and patients.
Reportedly, he remarked that Kirk ‘had it coming’ and ‘deserved it’ due to Kirk’s controversial views.
Kuenzle asserts that she went on to report the doctor for his statements, after which she was suspended.
The nurse has since initiated a lawsuit against the hospital and the doctor, identified as Dr. Matthew Jung.
“[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 murder of a non-violent Christian speaker who was on a college campus,” the suit states, according to the New York Post.
The nurse claims that Dr. Jung was in front of her, eight other nurses, and a patient on a stretcher when the news of Kirk’s passing came through.
Reacting to the news, Kuenzle said, “Oh, my God! That’s terrible! I love him!”
Dr. Jung allegedly responded, “I hate Charlie Kirk. He had it coming. He deserved it.”
Kuenzle then questioned how a doctor could justify believing that someone deserves to die. Dr. Jung reportedly attempted to make amends by offering to buy lunch for Kuenzle and anyone else he may have offended, as reported by Fox News.
In an interview with The Post, she described Dr. Jung’s comments as ‘mind-blowing.’
“I was so angry and upset,” she added.
Kuenzle reported the incident to her superiors and also shared it online. The next day, she claims she was informed of her suspension without pay.
She further stated that she was later told she might be terminated.
Englewood Health has addressed the situation, telling Fox News that ‘both the doctor and nurse were placed on suspension to allow time for a thorough and fair investigation, following our standard protocol, and in the interest of everyone’s safety including their own’.
The hospital clarified: “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.”
UNILAD have approached Englewood Health for additional comment.