Englewood, New Jersey, September 14, 2025 — A nurse at Englewood Health has filed a lawsuit alleging wrongful termination, retaliation, and other violations after being suspended without pay for reporting a surgeon who allegedly made comments celebrating the assassination of political activist Charlie Kirk. The nurse, Lexi Kuenzle, 33, worked for about two years at the hospital and has been in nursing for a decade.

What the incident was

On Wednesday, Kuenzle says she was at a nurse’s station when she heard Dr. Matthew Jung respond to the news of Charlie Kirk’s killing by saying, “He had it coming. He deserved it.” Kuenzle says she reacted by asking him how a doctor could say someone deserved to die, especially in front of patients.

Kuenzle’s actions

She reported the incident to hospital management. After the shift, she posted about the exchange on her personal Instagram. She later filed a complaint on September 12, 2025 in Bergen County Superior Court.

Hospital’s response

According to the lawsuit, the following day the hospital held a meeting with Kuenzle, suspended her without pay, and told her that she should “start looking for another job.” Meanwhile, the lawsuit claims Dr. Jung was not disciplined except for jokingly offering to buy lunch for staff after his remarks.

Legal claims

Kuenzle’s lawsuit, filed in Bergen County Superior Court, names Englewood Health, Dr. Jung, and others. She alleges:

• Retaliation for speaking out

• Wrongful termination/disciplinary action

• Violation of the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (her suit claims the hospital knew of her Christian faith)

• Violation of the Conscientious Employee Protection Act

• Creation of a hostile work environment

She is seeking a jury trial and unspecified monetary damages.

Context relevant to medical ethics and policy

Healthcare professionals are bound by ethical codes, including the Hippocratic Oath and the American Medical Association’s Code of Medical Ethics, which require physicians to respect patients and ensure impartial care regardless of political or personal beliefs. In her lawsuit, nurse Lexi Kuenzle alleges that Dr. Jung’s reported remarks conflict with these professional duties and raise concerns about whether he could provide unbiased treatment, though this claim remains an allegation and has not been independently established.

What is not yet verified

As of the latest reports, it is not confirmed whether the hospital has taken any disciplinary measures against Dr. Jung beyond what the lawsuit describes. It is also not confirmed how the hospital plans to respond in court or whether there has been an internal review.

(Rh/Eth/MSM)