Nurse Sues New Jersey Hospital, Alleging Firing After Reporting Doctor’s Comment on Charlie Kirk’s Murder

Englewood, N.J., September 16, 2025 — A New Jersey nurse has filed a federal lawsuit against Englewood Health and one of its physicians, claiming she was unlawfully terminated after reporting a colleague who allegedly said conservative activist Charlie Kirk “deserved to die.”

The plaintiff, Lexi Kuenzle, 33, of Bergen County, asserts that her dismissal amounts to retaliatory firing in violation of state and federal workplace protections. The case is already drawing national attention, given Kirk’s prominence as the founder of Turning Point USA, and the politically charged atmosphere surrounding his recent assassination.

Allegations Against Dr. Matthew Jung

In the lawsuit, Kuenzle claims she overheard Dr. Matthew Jung, a physician at Englewood Health, make the remark in a staff break room on August 28, just three days after Kirk was killed in Utah. According to court filings, Jung allegedly said: “Kirk had it coming — people like him deserve what they get.”

Kuenzle contends she immediately reported the statement to her nursing supervisor, citing concerns that such rhetoric could compromise professional standards in patient care. Days later, she says she was placed on administrative leave and ultimately terminated without explanation.

“I followed protocol because I believed the comment crossed a serious ethical line,” Kuenzle told reporters outside federal court in Newark. “Instead of addressing the issue, the hospital chose to silence me.”

Hospital Response

Englewood Health has denied wrongdoing. In a brief statement, hospital spokesperson Rachel Levin said: “Englewood Health is committed to maintaining a safe and professional workplace. While we cannot comment on pending litigation, we categorically reject claims that this termination was retaliatory.”

Dr. Jung has not publicly responded to the allegations. Attempts by media outlets to reach him directly were unsuccessful.

Legal and Political Implications

Kuenzle’s lawsuit, filed under the New Jersey Conscientious Employee Protection Act (CEPA) and federal whistleblower statutes, argues that she was punished for raising ethical concerns. Her attorney, Michael Travers, said the case underscores a troubling pattern of suppressing healthcare workers who speak out.

“No hospital employee should fear losing their job for reporting a doctor’s conduct, especially when it involves comments suggesting approval of political violence,” Travers said.

Legal experts suggest the case could become a flashpoint in the broader debate over workplace rights and political speech. The American Bar Association notes that whistleblower protections are often tested when speech collides with controversial political events, making outcomes unpredictable.

National Spotlight After Kirk’s Assassination

The timing of the case is significant. Conservative commentator Charlie Kirk was assassinated in Utah on August 25, an event that shocked supporters and sparked renewed debate about political violence in the United States.

Kirk’s organization, Turning Point USA, announced it will hold a memorial rally in Phoenix later this month. In a statement, the group condemned the reported remarks at Englewood Health, calling them “evidence of a toxic culture where political violence is tolerated.”

Growing Debate on Free Speech in Medicine

The controversy has also revived questions about free speech within medical workplaces. While physicians and nurses are entitled to personal political beliefs, healthcare institutions often enforce strict codes of conduct to prevent bias or hostility from impacting patient care.

According to the New England Journal of Medicine, the line between private opinion and professional responsibility has become increasingly blurred, especially as political polarization seeps into institutions traditionally seen as neutral.

What Comes Next

The lawsuit seeks compensatory damages for lost wages, reinstatement of Kuenzle’s position, and punitive damages against both Englewood Health and Dr. Jung. A hearing date has not yet been set, but legal observers expect the case to move quickly given its high-profile nature.

For Kuenzle, the fight is about more than money: “This is about accountability,” she said. “Healthcare should be a place where ethics come before politics.”