Richmond, Virginia (trfnews.i234.me) — VCU Health fired a nurse after TikTok posts about ICE.
VCU Health said it learned of the videos on Jan. 27, 2026. The hospital said the content was “highly inappropriate.” It said the posts did not match its values.
“The content of the videos is highly inappropriate.”
The hospital first placed the employee on administrative leave. VCU Police assisted during the review. Later that day, VCU Health said the nurse was no longer employed.
Media reports identified the nurse as Malinda Rose Cook. The videos appeared on a TikTok account named “Redheadredemption.” The account was later removed.
What the videos alleged
In the clips, Cook urged “resistance” and “sabotage” against ICE officers. She suggested harming or disabling officers. The posts also discussed disrupting officers at work.
One post referenced succinylcholine, a paralytic drug. The drug is used by anesthesia teams in controlled settings. Cleveland Clinic says it relaxes muscles during procedures.
Federal drug labeling says paralysis can start in under one minute. A single dose can last about four to six minutes. You can read the FDA drug label for details.
Experts warn that the drug can be dangerous outside medical care. Misuse can stop breathing without quick support. Medical ethics rules also bar intent to harm.
Hospital response and reporting
VCU Health said patient safety comes first. The hospital said it completed the required reporting under Virginia law. It did not say what agencies received the report.
Virginia law can require reports in some cases. Those rules can involve state licensing boards. One statute is posted by the state at law.lis.virginia.gov.
VCU Health has not released the nurse’s job title. It has not said any patients were affected. Officials also have not announced criminal charges.
Broader security concerns
The incident comes during tense immigration enforcement debates. Federal officials say threats against ICE have jumped. The Department of Homeland Security reported an 8,000% increase in death threats.
DHS also reported more than a 1,300% rise in assaults. DHS urged the public to report threats to law enforcement. The agency said it tracks attacks on officers and families.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.