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An anti-ICE nurse was fired from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Health after her “sabotage” videos instructing fellow healthcare providers — as well as other anti-ICE members of the public — to harm federal agents went viral online. The hospital and police have since launched an investigation.

 

Virginia Nurse Identified as Anti-ICE Activist Promoting Violence in Viral TikTok Videos; No Longer Employed by VCU Health

Richmond, VA — January 28, 2026 — A registered nurse at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Medical Center has been identified as the individual behind a series of incendiary videos on TikTok promoting violence against ICE agents and encouraging harmful acts, prompting an investigation and swift disciplinary action from the hospital.

The videos, which have gone viral on social media and were shared widely by the account LibsOfTikTok, feature a woman later identified as Malinda Rose Cook, a nurse whose bio on VCU Health’s website lists her specialty as anesthesiology. In the clips, Cook advocates for violent resistance tactics, including suggesting medical providers use syringes filled with paralytic drugs to deter ICE agents, and encouraging the public to poison ICE personnel by putting poison ivy in water and aiming water guns at their faces.

She also promoted using dating apps such as Tinder and Hinge to locate ICE agents, with the intent of slipping laxatives into their drinks to make them sick, claiming such actions could “help the cause” and “make their lives miserable.” Cook described these acts as “highly, easily deniable,” urging supporters to target ICE agents’ food and living conditions.

The videos, which have been removed from TikTok but were compiled and shared by the popular X account LibsOfTikTok, prompted widespread condemnation and concern about incitement to violence.

VCU Health Responds

In a statement issued Tuesday morning, VCU Health confirmed the individual involved is a current employee and condemned her conduct. “We prioritize the health and safety of anyone who comes to us for care. 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 hospital stated.

“The content of the videos is highly inappropriate and does not reflect the integrity or values of our health system,” VCU Health added. The hospital also disclosed that “police are assisting with this investigation,” and that the employee has been placed on administrative leave, preventing her from working in any facilities or interacting with patients.

Employee Termination

Later Tuesday evening, VCU Health announced that the nurse is no longer employed by the organization. “Following an investigation, the individual involved in the social media videos is no longer employed by VCU Health,” the hospital stated. “In addition, VCU Health has fulfilled its reporting requirements under Virginia state law.”

Community and Law Enforcement Response

The incident has sparked outrage among community members and healthcare professionals, with many condemning the nurse’s calls for violence and encouraging harmful acts. Law enforcement officials are actively investigating the matter, and VCU Health has reiterated its commitment to maintaining a safe environment for patients and staff.

This case underscores ongoing concerns about social media conduct by healthcare professionals and the importance of swift institutional response to inappropriate and potentially illegal behavior. VCU Health emphasized that it remains committed to upholding its standards and ensuring the safety and integrity of its care environment.

 

 

 

California Tech Executive Arrested for Murder of Wife Found Dead Near Highway 138

San Bernardino County, CA — January 28, 2026 — A prominent California technology executive with a background in electric vehicle development has been arrested and charged with the murder of his estranged wife, whose body was discovered last year along a remote highway in Southern California.

The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department announced the arrest of 66-year-old Gordon Abas Goodarzi on January 23, following an extensive investigation into the death of his wife, 58-year-old Aryan Papoli. The body was found on November 18, 2025, 75 feet down an embankment near Highway 138, on the mountainside outside Los Angeles.

Authorities initially believed the woman’s injuries were consistent with a fall, but subsequent investigations led to a homicide investigation. The victim was identified as Aryan Papoli, a Newport Beach resident known for her work as a corporate executive and her involvement in nonprofit work and the arts.

Motive and Court Documents Reveal Financial Motive

According to court documents obtained by The California Post, investigators believe Goodarzi murdered Papoli to halt her plans to siphon millions from their joint bank account. Court records allege that Papoli had withdrawn between $5 million and $8 million, and was preparing to divide their assets among their two sons amid a bitter divorce initiated by Papoli herself.

Prosecutors contend that the wealthy tech executive saw her financial plans as a threat to his interests, prompting the deadly action. “He murdered his wife to stop her from siphoning millions and to prevent her from dividing their assets,” a law enforcement source told The Post.

A Notable Figure in California’s Tech and Robotics Community

Goodarzi, a native of Iran, is well-known within California’s tech industry and robotics circles. He serves as president and CEO of Magmotor, a company involved in supporting combat robotics, including sponsorship of teams in the popular BattleBots competition. His professional background also includes work as a research affiliate at UCLA’s B. John Garrick Institute for the Risk Sciences.

Papoli, also originally from Iran, was a respected executive who had held senior roles such as CFO and vice president of operations. She had stepped away from corporate life to pursue creative passions including ceramics, painting, and photography. She frequently shared her artistic work on social media, describing her love for art and her community in the affluent Rolling Hills area, which she called a peaceful retreat from city life.

Personal Life and Legacy

In her personal writings, Papoli expressed admiration for her husband’s work in renewable energy. She highlighted his contributions to electric vehicle development, including his role as technical director at Hughes Electronics during the production of the EV1—one of the earliest modern electric cars.

The couple’s marriage, which lasted nearly three decades, was marked by a recent and acrimonious divorce. Court records and sources close to the case suggest that financial disputes and concerns over inheritance fueled tensions leading up to the tragic incident.

Legal Proceedings Underway

Goodarzi has been taken into custody and faces murder charges. Authorities have indicated that further details will emerge as the investigation continues. The case has garnered significant media attention given the high-profile nature of the individuals involved and the dramatic circumstances surrounding the death.

As the community awaits further updates, this case underscores ongoing concerns about domestic disputes escalating to violence and the importance of thorough investigations in complex financial and personal disputes.

 

 

‘Hacks’ Star Megan Stalter Quits TikTok Claiming ICE Content Is Being Censored: ‘Let’s Delete the App’

TikTok Censorship Sparks Outcry as Actress Megan Stalter Quits Over ICE Content Restrictions

Washington, D.C. — January 28, 2026 — Actress and comedian Megan Stalter, known for her role on the HBO series Hacks, announced her departure from TikTok, citing heavy censorship and monitoring on the platform, particularly concerning content related to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Stalter took to Instagram to voice her frustrations, stating, “We are being completely censored and monitored. I’m unable to upload anything about ICE even after trying to trick the page by making it look like a comedy video.” Her comments highlight growing concerns among creators and users about TikTok’s content moderation policies, especially on politically sensitive topics.

Increasing Censorship on TikTok

Stalter’s departure follows warnings from other prominent creators, including Aaron Parnas and Under the Desk News, who have expressed similar frustrations over the platform’s tightening restrictions. Many fear that TikTok’s censorship is stifling free speech and limiting the dissemination of information on critical issues like immigration enforcement.

Ownership Changes and New Directions

TikTok has been at the center of intense scrutiny amid ongoing debates over its ownership and influence. The platform is in the process of a major ownership restructure designed to address U.S. government concerns over Chinese data collection and national security risks. Recently, a joint venture was finalized involving several major tech firms: Oracle, MGX, Silver Lake, and ByteDance, the Chinese parent company.

Under the new arrangement, Oracle will hold a 15 percent stake, MGX and Silver Lake will each acquire 15 percent, and ByteDance will retain a minority stake of 19.9 percent. The remaining stakes are distributed among the other partners. The goal of this deal is to overhaul TikTok’s algorithms, removing Chinese data collection features and implementing new practices aligned with American security standards.

Security and Political Concerns

Despite the deal’s intentions, skepticism remains. Critics point out that Oracle’s leadership includes Larry Ellison, a close ally of former President Donald Trump, raising questions about political influence. Additionally, some national security experts argue that the restructuring may not fully eliminate China’s influence over TikTok’s operations. Legislation passed by Congress in 2024 explicitly states that ByteDance must sever operational ties with TikTok’s U.S. entity, a requirement upheld by the Supreme Court, but concerns persist about enforcement and compliance.

As TikTok navigates these complex ownership and security issues, creators like Megan Stalter continue to express frustration over perceived censorship and the platform’s transparency. The debate over free speech, national security, and corporate influence on social media remains a heated topic in Washington and beyond.