A simple trip to Target turned into a national story this week, ignited by a viral video of a shocking confrontation. A 72-year-old employee, Jeanie, was verbally attacked while on the job, simply for wearing a shirt displaying the name of Charlie Kirk.
The aggressor, identified as Michelea Ponce, a nurse, unleashed a furious tirade, captured on video and quickly spreading across social media. Ponce repeatedly used harsh language, accusing Jeanie of supporting “racism” and questioning her character with relentless hostility.
Remarkably, Jeanie remained composed throughout the ordeal, politely attempting to de-escalate the situation and explaining Target’s uniform policy. She calmly wished Ponce a good day as she walked away, a testament to her grace under immense pressure.
The video sparked immediate and widespread outrage. Within hours, a fundraiser was launched to support Jeanie, offering a chance for a much-needed vacation or even early retirement. The response was astonishing.
As of Wednesday, the fundraiser had reached nearly $94,000, a powerful demonstration of public support for Jeanie and condemnation of Ponce’s behavior. The outpouring of kindness resonated deeply, especially given Jeanie’s personal struggles.
This week marked the 12th anniversary of her husband’s death by suicide, following a long illness. Jeanie now dedicates her time to raising awareness for suicide prevention, making the attack even more heartbreaking for those who know her story.
Ponce quickly locked down her social media accounts after the video went viral, but the damage was done. Her employer, Enloe Health, released a statement acknowledging the situation and launching an internal investigation.
The Chico Police Department has also confirmed an active investigation into the incident, responding to the public outcry and the seriousness of the confrontation. Residents have come forward with reports of previous concerning behavior from Ponce.
Further investigation revealed unsettling details about Ponce’s personal life, including images of her husband making a threatening gesture near a vehicle displaying a Charlie Kirk sticker. Reports also surfaced regarding past domestic violence calls to their home.
Enloe Health acknowledged concerns about how Ponce’s behavior might impact patient care, urging the public to refrain from overwhelming their phone lines with inquiries and directing comments to a specific email address. The hospital emphasized the importance of ensuring patients can reach clinical staff.
The story continues to unfold, but one thing is clear: a moment of senseless aggression has ignited a wave of support for a kind and resilient woman who simply went to work. The public has spoken, and their message is one of unwavering solidarity with Jeanie.
