VCU Health CRNA on Administrative Leave After TikTok Videos Urge "Sabotage" Against ICE Agents – Including Paralytic Injections and Poison Tactics

A Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) employed by Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Health in Richmond has been placed on administrative leave following a series of viral TikTok videos that appear to encourage acts of harm against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.

The videos, originally posted on what sources describe as her TikTok account (now deleted or private), gained massive attention after being amplified by

@libsoftiktok on X. In a compilation that racked up tens of thousands of views (and continues to spread via reposts), the woman—identified as Malinda Rose Cook (sometimes spelled Melinda in early reports)—is seen discussing "sabotage tactics" or "scare tactics" targeted at perceived opponents amid heated protests over immigration enforcement and deportations.

Key excerpts from the videos (based on screen recordings and direct quotes shared widely):

• Syringe suggestion: "I thought of something good… a sabotage tactic, or at least a scare tactic. All the medical providers, grab some syringes with needles on the end. Have them full of saline or succinylcholine, you know, whatever. That will probably be a deterrent. Be safe."

  (Succinylcholine is a powerful, short-acting paralytic drug used in anesthesia to facilitate intubation. Without proper airway support, it can cause respiratory arrest and death—raising alarms about potential incitement to serious harm.)

• Poison ivy/plant-based mixtures: References to extracting or using poison ivy (or similar irritants) to spray or apply, causing severe skin reactions, blisters, or allergic responses.

• Dating app tactic: Advice for women to match with ICE agents on dating apps, then spike their food or drinks with substances like Ex-Lax (laxatives) to sicken and incapacitate them temporarily—"Nobody’s going to die. Just enough to get them off the street for the next day."

The account associated with the content (reported handles include variations like

@mindarose8 or similar) has been scrubbed, but reposted clips and screenshots preserve the evidence. The videos were captioned with hashtags like #ice #resistance #sabotage, tying them directly to anti-ICE sentiment following recent high-profile incidents, including the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti during an ICE operation in Minneapolis.

VCU Health's Response

VCU Health quickly confirmed the individual is an employee. In a statement shared on X and provided to multiple outlets (including Daily Caller, Fox News, Daily Mail, and local CBS affiliate WTVR):

“We are aware of a series of videos that appear to have been posted by an individual confirmed to be an employee of our health system. The content of the videos is highly inappropriate and does not reflect the integrity or values of our health system. We prioritize the health and safety of anyone who comes to us for care. Per policy, while the investigation is underway, the individual is on administrative leave and will not be in our facilities or interacting with patients. VCU Police are assisting with this investigation.”

No further details on the probe's timeline or scope have been released. VCU Health has not commented on potential ties to other institutions (some NPI records list an address linked to Duke University Hospital, though no current affiliation is confirmed). Duke Health has not issued any statement.

Professional Background

Malinda Rose Cook is listed as a CRNA in VCU Health's provider directory and on Doximity (a major healthcare professional network). Her National Provider Identifier (NPI: 1396118097) confirms her licensure in Virginia and role in anesthesiology. As a CRNA, she has access to controlled substances like succinylcholine—making any discussion of misuse particularly concerning for patient safety and ethical standards.

Backlash and Calls for Accountability

The story exploded online, with critics arguing the content crosses into dangerous territory:

• Potential solicitation of violence or attempted harm (succinylcholine misuse could be lethal).

• Violation of medical ethics ("do no harm") and professional codes.

• Erosion of public trust in healthcare, especially for patients who may fear bias or unsafe care.

@libsoftiktok urged followers to report to the Virginia Department of Health Professions (Board of Nursing) via their complaint portal: https://www.dhp.virginia.gov/Complaints/. Similar calls have gone out for reviews by the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA).

No criminal charges have been reported as of this writing, but the police-assisted investigation leaves open the possibility of escalation if threats are deemed credible.

Broader Context

This incident unfolds against escalating tensions over immigration enforcement, including deadly encounters, protests, and political rhetoric on both sides. While some may view the videos as hyperbolic protest speech, others see them as a stark breach by someone in a position of medical authority.

WECU News will continue monitoring for updates from VCU Health, law enforcement, or licensing boards. If new video evidence emerges or the TikTok originals resurface, we'll update accordingly. What do you think—does admin leave go far enough, or should this trigger full license revocation and deeper scrutiny? Drop your thoughts below, and share sources if you've got them. #MalindaCook #VCUHealth #HealthcareEthics #ICE