Nurse Anesthetist Fired After Encouraging Violence Against ICE

A Virginia nurse anesthetist has been fired after videos surfaced showing her encouraging healthcare workers to carry out violent acts against federal immigration agents.

Melinda Cook, who was employed as a certified registered nurse anesthetist, went viral after posting a series of videos in which she urged others in the medical field to misuse syringes and drugs against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.

In the videos, Cook specifically referenced succinylcholine, a powerful paralytic drug used during surgery to stop muscle movement. Outside of a controlled medical setting, the drug can paralyze a person’s breathing and become fatal. She suggested that healthcare workers could fill syringes with the drug and use them during confrontations with ICE.

Additional comments in the videos included suggestions involving poisoning food or drinks and using other harmful substances to incapacitate agents. The content quickly spread across social media, drawing widespread condemnation from both medical professionals and the public.

Following the backlash, Cook was placed on administrative leave while her employer conducted an internal review. That review has now concluded, and Cook has been officially terminated from her position.

Hospital officials stated that her comments were entirely inappropriate and violated professional and ethical standards. Law enforcement has also confirmed the matter is under investigation, though no charges have been publicly announced at this time.

The case has reignited debate over political extremism in professional settings, particularly in healthcare, where access to controlled substances carries enormous responsibility. Encouraging violence — especially using medical knowledge as a weapon — crosses a line far beyond protected speech.

This situation remains under review, and further updates are expected as authorities continue looking into the matter.