New Jersey Nurse Suspended After Challenging Doctor's Assassination Remarks

Lexi Kuenzle, a nurse at Englewood Health in New Jersey, has filed a lawsuit claiming she was suspended without pay after confronting surgeon Dr. Matthew Jung for allegedly celebrating the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was fatally shot during a debate about mass shootings. Kuenzle reported that Jung said Kirk 'had it coming' and 'deserved it,' comments he made publicly in front of staff and a patient, which she described as a violation of the Hippocratic Oath and creating a hostile work environment. After reporting the incident to hospital management and posting about it on social media, Kuenzle was suspended pending an investigation, while Jung reportedly faced no disciplinary action other than a sarcastic offer to buy lunch for upset staff. The lawsuit accuses Englewood Health of retaliation and discrimination against Kuenzle, alleging the hospital punished her for speaking out while failing to address Jung's conduct. Kuenzle is suing under New Jersey's anti-discrimination and whistleblower protection laws and is seeking compensatory and punitive damages. The case has drawn public attention and criticism questioning the hospital's handling of the situation and the impartiality of Jung as a medical professional.