Jennifer Kings, also known as Jennifer Koonings online, has become the centre of a major controversy after a video filmed in New York City's Times Square went viral.
What made the situation more intense is her professional background in mental health care. Within hours of the video spreading, her employer took swift action and terminated her. The incident has now raised serious questions about professional conduct, free speech, and accountability in sensitive fields like healthcare.
Who is Jennifer Koonings?
Jennifer Kings is a New York based Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She holds advanced degrees, including two Master of Science qualifications, and has worked in mental health care for several years. Her work focused mainly on trauma. She treated adult women dealing with serious emotional distress, including survivors of sexual violence. Earlier in her career, she also worked as a sexual assault forensic examiner, supporting both adults and children.
Her professional image was built around compassion and care. Many of her profiles described her as someone dedicated to helping vulnerable patients heal. That is why the viral video shocked many people who came across it.
Her professional image was built around compassion and care. Many of her profiles described her as someone dedicated to helping vulnerable patients heal. That is why the viral video shocked many people who came across it.
What happened in the viral Times Square video?
The controversy began around April 5 to 6, 2026, in New York City's Times Square. In the video, Kings approaches a group of Israelis who appear to be walking through the area. She films herself while shouting phrases like "baby killers" and "terrorists" and continues to follow and confront them. The individuals she targeted were not engaging with her. They were simply moving through the crowded tourist spot. At one point, a man dressed as Spider Man stepped in and told her she did not need to harass people. The clip spread quickly across platforms like X and Instagram. Within hours, millions had seen it, and reactions began pouring in.
The organisation publicly stated that they were shocked by her behaviour and made it clear they do not tolerate harassment or mistreatment of any individual. Reports also suggested that the clinic was flooded with calls after the video went viral. The founder had to request people to stop contacting them, as it was affecting staff and patients.
Swift firing by Inspire Mental Health Services
Kings was working part time at Inspire Mental Health Services at the time of the incident. As the video gained traction, the clinic responded almost immediately. She received a termination notice and was asked to return her building key within 24 hours.The organisation publicly stated that they were shocked by her behaviour and made it clear they do not tolerate harassment or mistreatment of any individual. Reports also suggested that the clinic was flooded with calls after the video went viral. The founder had to request people to stop contacting them, as it was affecting staff and patients.
Past controversies and activism
This is not the first time Kings has faced backlash. She previously worked at Mount Sinai Hospital but reportedly lost that role after making controversial statements about the October 7 attacks in Israel. Over time, she became known for strong political activism. She has been linked to protests, written pieces supporting pro Palestine movements, and participated in international activism efforts.
Her past online activity includes criticism of the United States, support for certain Middle East causes, and participation in demonstrations. These actions had already drawn attention before the Times Square incident.
The reaction online was immediate and intense. Many people pointed out the contrast between her profession and her behaviour. One user on X said, "A mental health professional shouting at strangers like this is terrifying."
Another wrote, "Imagine trusting someone like that with trauma patients." Some supported the decision to fire her. Comments like "Consequences" and "This is exactly what should happen" were widely shared. There were also calls for further action.
Her past online activity includes criticism of the United States, support for certain Middle East causes, and participation in demonstrations. These actions had already drawn attention before the Times Square incident.
The reaction online was immediate and intense. Many people pointed out the contrast between her profession and her behaviour. One user on X said, "A mental health professional shouting at strangers like this is terrifying."
Another wrote, "Imagine trusting someone like that with trauma patients." Some supported the decision to fire her. Comments like "Consequences" and "This is exactly what should happen" were widely shared. There were also calls for further action.
Several users urged authorities to review her nursing licence, arguing that her conduct raised serious concerns about her ability to work with vulnerable individuals. However, a smaller group defended her, saying she was exercising free speech and expressing political views.
What is clear is that the incident has already had serious consequences for her career. It has also left a lasting impact on public discussion around accountability, especially for those working in roles that require trust and emotional responsibility.
Where do things stand now?
As of now, Jennifer Kings has not issued a detailed public statement addressing the incident or her termination. Her online activity after the video has been discussed, but there has been no clear explanation or apology that has reached a wide audience.What is clear is that the incident has already had serious consequences for her career. It has also left a lasting impact on public discussion around accountability, especially for those working in roles that require trust and emotional responsibility.