Internet rages demanding Enloe healthcare worker be fired
Action News Now reporter Bella Barbosa speaks with Jeanie Beeman, the Target employee who was seen on viral video getting yelled at by a medical assistant from Enloe Health for wearing her Charlie Kirk Freedom shirt.
Posted for: Rotorblade
CHICO, Calif. — A viral video recorded inside a Chico Target has sparked widespread discussion and controversy this week, drawing national attention.
The video shows an Enloe Health medical assistant confronting a Target employee over a shirt she was wearing. The encounter took place Monday night and quickly spread across social media platforms.
The Target employee, Jeanie Beeman, spoke with Action News Now about the incident. She said she was unaware the video existed until Chico police came to her home Tuesday evening to check on her well-being.
Beeman said she was surprised by the confrontation and did not anticipate such a reaction to her clothing — a red shirt reading “Freedom Charlie Kirk.”
Some viewers raised concerns about whether the shirt violated Target’s dress code. Beeman said management had never raised an issue.
“The STL, the one over the store, has seen me wearing it,” Beeman said. “I’ve passed by him many times, and they’ve never said anything.”
Target’s dress code policy states that unacceptable attire includes graphics or slogans advocating for or against a political party or candidate for political office, but excludes content that is legally protected.
On Wednesday afternoon, Enloe Health held a press conference where CEO and President Mike Wiltermood addressed the video.
Wiltermood said Enloe Health became aware of the video shortly after it was posted and soon began receiving a high volume of emails and phone calls from the public expressing concern.
According to Wiltermood, Enloe Health received more than 6,000 calls within a few hours, overwhelming phone systems and interfering with the organization’s ability to serve patients and their families.
Enloe Health stated that due to confidentiality policies, it will not comment on individual employees or personal matters. However, the organization has set up a dedicated phone line and email address for public feedback. Comments can be left at 530-332-9818 or sent via email to share@enloe.org. Enloe Health asked that callers avoid contacting the main switchboard or clinic offices to ensure patient safety and access.
“We’re compelled to respect people’s civil rights and the law,” Wiltermood said. “We encourage people to exercise their rights, especially off duty, but we also hope for restrained civility when doing so.”
In response to social media calls for the medical assistant, Michelea Ponce, to be fired, Beeman said she does not support that outcome.
“I don’t think that’s right,” Beeman said. “She wronged me, but I don’t want to wrong her. I wouldn’t want to see someone lose their job over it.”
Ponce later provided a written statement to Action News Now, taking responsibility for her actions and apologizing to Beeman, her family, Target, Enloe Health, and the Chico community. In her statement, Ponce acknowledged that her behavior was inappropriate, said she allowed her emotions to take over, and expressed regret for the harm caused.
The Chico Police Department also released a statement regarding its investigation.
Police said they were made aware of the video on Tuesday, December 16, and immediately contacted Target to confirm the incident occurred at the Chico location. After reviewing the facts and speaking with the Target employee involved, police determined the actions captured in the video did not rise to the level of criminal conduct.
Police emphasized that while free speech is protected under the First Amendment, discretion and consideration for others are important.
“As a result, there are no criminal charges appropriate to file in this case,” the department stated. “Just because you can say something doesn’t mean you should.”
Beeman said she does not plan to press charges and believes doing so would not be appropriate.
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