VCU Health Fires Nurse Over Anti-ICE TikTok Videos

Backlash over controversial social media posts sparks investigation and termination.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 8:31pm

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VCU Health has terminated an employee, Malinda Cook, a CRNA at the medical center, after TikTok videos surfaced of her urging fellow nurses to take actions that could harm or incapacitate immigration enforcement officers. The videos sparked widespread backlash, with concerns raised that Cook's actions could have led to someone's death. VCU Health has stated it has fulfilled its reporting requirements under Virginia state law, but questions remain about the extent of the issue and whether a full investigation into Cook's past cases is warranted.

Why it matters

This incident highlights growing concerns about political ideology influencing medical professionals and the potential risks to patient safety. There are questions about how pervasive this type of behavior may be among healthcare staff and whether proper safeguards are in place to prevent medical professionals from using their positions to cause harm for political reasons.

The details

In the TikTok videos, Cook was allegedly calling on fellow nurses to inject immigration enforcement officers with succinylcholine, a paralytic drug that can be fatal if artificial respiration is not provided. Experts have stated that such an action would be attempted murder. VCU Health has now terminated Cook's employment, but concerns remain about whether she may have taken similar actions in the past that could have harmed patients.

  • On January 28, 2026, VCU Health announced that the individual involved in the social media videos is no longer employed by the organization.

The players

Malinda Cook

A CRNA (Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist) formerly employed by VCU Medical Center in Richmond, Virginia, who posted TikTok videos urging fellow nurses to take actions that could harm or incapacitate immigration enforcement officers.

VCU Health

The medical center in Richmond, Virginia, that terminated the employment of Malinda Cook after her controversial TikTok videos sparked backlash.

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What they’re saying

“To be clear: Injecting someone with succinylcholine– a "temporary paralysis drug", would be attempted murder. This is a paralytic drug that prevents an individual from breathing. Unless artificial respiration is provided, that individual will die.”

— Dr. Kelly Victory

“How do you know this person hasn't killed anyone under your care? Should people who have had relatives in this woman's care be demanding an investigation? It's not enough to fire her. How can anyone trust you for care?”

— Kira

“Are you investigating all of her cases and reviewing this incident with your personnel? How pervasive is this sociopathy among your staff?”

— Leslie

What’s next

VCU Health has stated it has fulfilled its reporting requirements under Virginia state law, but it remains to be seen if a full investigation will be conducted into Malinda Cook's past cases to determine if any patients were harmed due to her actions.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the growing concerns about political ideology influencing medical professionals and the potential risks to patient safety. It raises questions about the need for stronger safeguards and oversight to prevent healthcare workers from using their positions to cause harm for political reasons, and the importance of thoroughly investigating any such allegations to maintain public trust in the medical system.