A New Jersey surgeon has resigned after he was accused of celebrating the killing of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, and a nurse who challenged the physician has been reinstated, Englewood Health said Tuesday.
The hospital said it had accepted the resignation of Dr. Matthew Jung following an incident that took place as news of Kirk’s assassination spread. A representative for Englewood Health told The Post that the nurse who confronted the physician, identified as Lexi Kuenzle, had been reinstated and is expected to work her scheduled shifts.
According to statements provided by the hospital and local reporting, Kuenzle objected after Jung allegedly celebrated the killing at the nurse’s station moments after news of Kirk’s death emerged. Hospital officials said Kuenzle later posted about the encounter on social media, and that she had been placed under review. The hospital disputed accounts that she was fired or suspended without pay.
"We have accepted the physician’s resignation," an Englewood Health representative said. "The nurse was never fired; was never told she would be fired by Englewood Hospital; and will not miss any pay as part of our review of this matter. Englewood Health is committed to providing a safe and respectful environment for all."
Kuenzle has filed a lawsuit in Bergen County Superior Court against Englewood Health, Dr. Jung and others alleging she was wrongfully suspended, the hospital confirmed. The suit seeks unspecified relief and is pending in state court.
Hospital leaders did not immediately provide additional details about the circumstances that prompted Jung’s resignation or the timeline of the internal review. The Post report that first described the exchange said the confrontation occurred "moments" after the public learned of Kirk’s death; Englewood Health described the matter as subject to review but did not confirm that timeline.
Kirk’s killing prompted national attention and multiple ongoing investigations, including probes by federal authorities. The broader events surrounding the shooting have generated public and political responses across the country and led to reporting on the alleged suspect and statements from elected officials. Englewood Health said its focus remains on the safety and wellbeing of patients and staff as the personnel matter is resolved.
The hospital reiterated that Kuenzle will not lose pay as a result of its review and is expected to continue working her scheduled shifts. Englewood Health did not respond to additional questions about Jung’s current medical credentials or any actions taken with state licensing boards.
Representatives for Jung did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The lawsuit filed by Kuenzle and the hospital’s statements are likely to be central in any legal or regulatory reviews that follow the resignation and the public reporting of the incident.