An unhinged attack on a Target employee’s Charlie Kirk shirt ignites a fierce debate on political expression and workplace rights.

Viral Confrontation Sparks National Debate

A TikTok video has gone viral, showcasing a younger woman confronting an elderly Target employee in Orland, California, over a red “Freedom” T-shirt associated with conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

The filmer, identified as Michelea Ponce, criticized the employee for wearing the shirt, calling her “f*cking stupid” and a supporter of a “racist.” This incident has become a flashpoint, highlighting tensions between political expression and workplace decorum.

🚨 ALERT: Get to know Michelea Ponce, an employee at @Enloe—a nonprofit healthcare provider in California (reportedly in a nursing or patient care role).
This individual, who presents herself as an “anti-racism” advocate, recorded a video of herself confronting and insulting a… pic.twitter.com/8TtPm6mfiS

— Michelle Whitzel ™ (@MichelleWhitzel) December 16, 2025

In the aftermath, the video spread rapidly across conservative platforms, where users identified Ponce as a medical assistant at Enloe Health in Chico, California. The healthcare provider quickly issued a statement, distancing itself from Ponce’s actions, emphasizing that the incident occurred off-duty and does not reflect the organization’s values. Enloe Health is reportedly reviewing the matter internally, amid mounting pressure from conservative influencers urging followers to demand disciplinary action against Ponce.

Enloe Health’s Response and Ongoing Backlash

Enloe Health has been thrust into the spotlight as it navigates the fallout from the viral video. In its public statement, the organization reinforced its commitment to respect and inclusion, while clarifying that employees’ personal social media content does not represent its official stance. The controversy underscores the delicate balance employers must maintain when dealing with off-duty conduct, particularly when it intersects with political expression.

Amid the controversy, Ponce’s social media accounts have reportedly been made private, as she faces doxxing attempts and unverified claims of a criminal record circulate online. The healthcare provider remains under scrutiny as it seeks to manage this public relations challenge and determine the appropriate response to Ponce’s actions.

Michelea Ponce (whose parents were apparently too stupid to spell "Michaela") is absolute human trash.

She decided to verbally abuse an innocent elderly woman in Target just because she was wearing a Charlie Kirk shirt.

This is the face of the "tolerant" Left. Vile, hateful,… pic.twitter.com/FBG8WOUoIe

— Ryan Fournier (@RyanAFournier) December 17, 2025

Support for Target Worker and Broader Implications

The Target employee, identified only as “Jeanie,” has received an outpouring of public support. A GiveSendGo fundraiser, set up in her name, has raised over $37,000 toward a $50,000 goal, with donors praising her composure during the confrontation. This response highlights the power of digital mobilization in rallying support for perceived injustices, aligning with conservative values of free expression and individual liberty.

The incident serves as a microcosm of the broader culture wars, where symbols like a Charlie Kirk shirt become proxies for deeper ideological battles. It raises critical questions about the role of employers in policing employees’ off-duty behavior and the implications for free speech in the workplace. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how Enloe Health will navigate the pressures of both public opinion and internal policy.

🚨BREAKING: A photo of Michelea Ponce's husband has surfaced online.

This is Jose Ponce posing in front of a "America Needed Charlie Kirk" sticker, pointing at his neck—the place where Charlie was shot.

Make this POS family famous. https://t.co/b5Uf8P6UkP pic.twitter.com/gIBT4ZBigN

— The Patriot Oasis™ (@ThePatriotOasis) December 16, 2025

Sources:

Who Is Michelea Ponce of Enloe Health? Target Charlie Kirk Shirt Video Controversy Explained

Who Is the Woman Behind the Viral Target Freedom Shirt Clash?

US High School Teachers Under Fire from Charlie Kirk Supporters