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By Sam Stevenson
Associate News Editor
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A fundraiser for the Target employee at the center of a viral confrontation over a Charlie Kirk T-shirt in Chico, California, has received tens of thousands in donations.
A video that has circulated widely on platforms including TikTok and X shows an exchange between a Target employee and an individual who questions the appropriateness of the worker wearing a red shirt supporting Kirk, the late co-founder of Turning Point USA, while on duty.
And now, a GiveSendGo established in support of the employee in question, colloquially referred to as “Jeanie from Target,” has raised more than $80,000 at the time of publication.
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Newsweek has contacted the GiveSendGo fundraising platform and Target via email for comment.
The Chico Police Department confirmed in a statement that it was “actively investigating the incident with our local partners” following the online spread of the video.
Why It Matters
The clash between the Target employee and a customer over a Charlie Kirk T-shirt has highlighted the nation’s ongoing debate over free speech, political expression in public settings, and the powerful influence of social media.
The high-profile nature of the event—occurring amid increased polarization following the assassination of conservative activist Kirk—has now contributed to an outpouring of public reaction and financial support for the employee involved.
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What To Know
The viral clip shows an older target employee being filmed by an onlooker who takes issue with her choice of T-shirt.
The person filming can be heard saying things like, “Why are you wearing that shirt? You are working? Are you stupid?” and “You support a racist.”
The employee responds, “I’m sorry, but I’m not going to stand here and argue with you,” and “Have a nice day,” before the customer escalates the confrontation, stating her intention to take the matter to management.
The incident quickly drew widespread attention online, with millions of views across social platforms.
Enloe Health, where the woman believed to have filmed the video reportedly worked, confirmed through a Facebook post that police were investigating a social media post “on the personal account of an Enloe Health employee” and that they were “deeply concerned about the tenor of this post and the response it is creating from individuals of all political persuasions.”
The post added that the hospital’s switchboard had been overwhelmed by calls, affecting clinical operations.
Newsweek was not able to immediately verify that the Enloe Health employee referred to was the person who filmed the video, and Enloe Health said it does not provide comments or statements regarding individual employees or personnel matters.
What People Are Saying
The GiveSendGo crowdfunding page reads: “On Monday in Chico, California, an elderly Target employee found herself at the center of national attention after being filmed by someone we can only describe as unhinged.
“This individual berated her fellow Californian with unwarranted fury because she was wearing a shirt supporting Charlie Kirk.
“Now, we are hoping to raise enough money so that she can afford a much-needed vacation."
Mike Wiltermood, President and CEO of Enloe Health, said: "Enloe Health acknowledges that the off-hours behavior by a medical assistant employed in one of our outpatient clinics, as depicted in a recent social media post, was abhorrent and deeply concerning to our caregivers, our organization, and our community. The Target employee who was verbally accosted in this post deserves significant credit for handling the situation in a calm and collected manner.
"We appreciate the many individuals who have seen this post and exercised restraint as they voice their personal views regarding this situation. Unfortunately, thousands of others have chosen to use profanity-laced language to express their disapproval to Enloe caregivers. These comments have overwhelmed our phone systems, impeding our ability to serve patients and their families. The behavior depicted in this video does not mirror Enloe Health’s core values, and we are committed to doing what is right by taking the actions necessary to protect our patients and community. At this time, we ask for patience, grace, and civility as we do so.
"As part of our policy and commitment to confidentiality, Enloe Health does not provide comments or statements regarding individual employees or personnel matters."
Enloe Health posted on Facebook: “We are deeply concerned about the tenor of this post and the response it is creating from individuals of all political persuasions. We ask for patience and calm as we conduct our own internal investigation of this matter. In the meantime, we are relying on the expertise of the Chico Police Department to investigate any potential criminal activity or threats related to it.”
The Chico Police Department posted: “The Chico Police Department is aware of a video circulating online depicting a verbal confrontation inside a local business. We are actively investigating the incident with our local partners.”
Andrew Kolvet, a spokesperson for Turning Point USA, wrote on X: “If anyone can DM a way to get in touch with this wonderful woman who was needlessly harassed for honoring Charlie, I would love to personally thank her and send her some gifts.”
Benny Johnson, a conservative media personality, commented on X: “An elderly Target employee gets threatened and abused by leftist activist for wearing a Charlie Kirk shirt. This is evil behavior.”
What Happens Next?
The Chico Police Department continues its investigation into the incident depicted in the viral video.
Enloe Health is conducting an internal review in response to the online and community reaction.
The GiveSendGo campaign for the Target employee remains active, with donations likely to continue as the story receives widespread attention.
Update, 12/18/25, 2.36 a.m. E.T. This article was updated with a full statement from Mike Wiltermood, President and CEO of Enloe Health.
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