A nurse known for her anti-ICE stance has been dismissed from the Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Health Department after a video emerged of her encouraging harm against federal employees. This video quickly went viral, prompting an investigation by both the hospital and law enforcement.
“I thought of something good,” the nurse stated. Her name is Malinda Rose Cook, and she initially gained attention through a video on TikTok.
In the video, Cook urged “all health care workers” to fill syringes with succinylcholine, a paralytic drug, suggesting this could deter ICE agents. “Maybe that will act as a deterrent,” she added.
According to her biography in VCU Health magazine, Cook specialized in anesthesiology and worked at the main hospital in Richmond, Virginia. In a follow-up video, she shared another tactic, advising individuals to soak poison ivy in a gallon of water to use against federal staff.
“Does anyone have poison ivy or poison oak? Soak it in water, glove up, and give it to them,” she instructed, suggesting using “poison oak water” in a water gun.
For those who might take this approach into their own hands, she recommended aiming for the face and hands.
In a third video, Cook suggested that “single women” download dating apps like Tinder and Hinge to meet ICE agents and sabotage their drinks with Ex-Lax to induce illness. She claimed, “Single women with ICE men can certainly help the cause… Make them sick.” This method, she stated, might help “make their lives miserable.”
The videos, originating from a deleted TikTok account, circulated rapidly on social media, leading VCU Health to confirm that the nurse involved was employed by them.
The hospital responded, stating, “We prioritize the health and safety of those who come to us for treatment,” and acknowledged the videos as “highly inappropriate” and inconsistent with their values.
Police are working with VCU Health as the situation unfolds. The hospital conveyed that the nurse was on leave and would not have contact with patients during the investigation.
Later that night, VCU Health announced that the nurse was no longer an employee, following their investigation. They also affirmed compliance with Virginia’s reporting regulations.
