A New Jersey nurse has filed a lawsuit claiming she was suspended after reporting a colleague who allegedly celebrated the assassination of conservative figure Charlie Kirk.

Fox News reported that Lexi Kuenzle, a nurse at Englewood Health, claims she faced retaliation and religious discrimination after alerting hospital management that a physician praised Kirk’s killing during a public incident at work.

The events unfolded on Wednesday, Sept. 10, when Kuenzle said she witnessed Dr. Matthew Jung expressing approval over the killing of Kirk in front of staff and patients. The fatal shooting of Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, took place the following day at a Utah university event.

Kirk, known for promoting conservative youth activism, was shot and killed on Thursday, Sept. 11, while speaking at an event in Orem, Utah. His death drew significant national attention and sparked public tributes, including a memorial held on Sept. 13 at Utah Valley University.

According to Kuenzle, Dr. Jung was openly celebratory about Kirk’s death hours before it occurred — prompting questions from her about how such behavior aligned with medical ethics. “You’re a doctor. How could you say someone deserved to die?” she recalled asking him.

Alleged Reaction to Remarks Sparks Suspension

After confronting the doctor, Kuenzle reported the interaction to the hospital’s leadership team and later posted her experience on social media. Both actions were part of what she called a “deeply upsetting” day.

Kuenzle stated she felt compelled to speak up about the emotional toll of hearing a medical professional express support for a political assassination. “It was mind-blowing to me. I was so angry and upset,” she said in court filings.

Following her report, Englewood Health temporarily suspended both Kuenzle and Dr. Jung without pay, noting it was standard protocol while investigating workplace incidents. The hospital stated the action was taken “in the interest of everyone’s safety, including their own.”

Legal Filing Cites Religious Bias and Retaliation

On Friday, Sept. 12, Kuenzle filed a lawsuit in New Jersey asserting the hospital violated her rights under anti-discrimination laws. The legal complaint includes claims of religious discrimination due to her Christian beliefs, as well as retaliation for whistleblowing.

The suit further alleges that the suspension contributed to a hostile work culture. Kuenzle contends she was told her job was in jeopardy and that termination was being considered by hospital officials.

Kuenzle is requesting a jury trial and seeking financial compensation. Her attorney, John Coyle, stated that she “dared to question how Dr. Jung can comply with the Hippocratic Oath while celebrating the murder of a non-violent Christian speaker.”

Hospital Denies Nurse Was Fired

After media reports suggested Kuenzle had been let go, Englewood Health released a clarification. The hospital stated that “contrary to certain media reports, the nurse was not fired.”

In the same statement, hospital officials emphasized that reports indicating Kuenzle was encouraged to seek other employment “were not official or accurate representations of Englewood Health’s position.”

By Sunday, Sept. 14, Dr. Jung’s name no longer appeared on the hospital’s website. Englewood Health has not confirmed whether his employment has officially ended or whether further disciplinary actions are pending.

Case Could Test Whistleblower and Religious Rights

In addition to religious discrimination, the lawsuit invokes the Conscientious Employee Protection Act, a New Jersey law designed to shield workers who report wrongdoing in good faith.

The case raises broader questions about the limits of professional expression in medical settings and the protections afforded to staff who speak out. Legal analysts note that balancing free speech, workplace standards, and ethical obligations could be key issues as the suit unfolds.

Englewood Health has not released details regarding the ongoing internal investigation but reaffirmed its commitment to a fair process. The hospital has not responded to inquiries about whether a timeline for resolving the matter has been established.