A New Jersey nurse is suing Englewood Health after claiming she was punished for confronting a doctor who allegedly celebrated the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

Lexi Kuenzle, 33, had worked at the hospital for nearly two years when, on September 10, news broke of Kirk’s fatal shooting at Utah Valley University. According to her lawsuit, bariatric surgeon Dr. Matthew Jung “cheered” in front of staff and a patient.

Kuenzle says she immediately objected, telling Jung, “You’re a doctor. How could you say someone deserved to die?” She claims Jung replied, “He had it coming.” Shocked, she reported the incident to hospital management and later shared her concerns online.

The following day, Kuenzle was suspended without pay and warned she could be terminated. She is now suing Englewood Health for retaliation, religious discrimination as a Christian, fostering a hostile workplace, and violating whistleblower protections. She is demanding a jury trial and damages.

Englewood Health has confirmed that both Kuenzle and Jung were suspended while the incident is investigated. The hospital emphasized that Kuenzle has not been fired, pushing back against reports suggesting otherwise. Jung’s profile has since been removed from the hospital’s website.

The case has drawn political attention, with conservative activist Scott Presler publicly defending Kuenzle. He questioned whether Jung, given his remarks, can provide fair treatment to patients across the political spectrum.

Supporters of Kuenzle argue her suspension highlights a troubling double standard in workplaces, where voicing objections to controversial comments can lead to punishment. They see her case as a test of free speech and whistleblower protections.

The lawsuit has sparked wider debate over workplace ethics, employee rights, and how hospitals should handle politically charged disputes among staff.