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Since then, the story has only grown larger.
A GiveSendGo fundraiser launched by this reporter to send Beeman on a vacation has now surpassed $215,000, a staggering show of support that underscores just how deeply the incident resonated with Americans fed up with public political intimidation.
Despite the massive outpouring of financial and emotional backing, Beeman told The Gateway Pundit that she may not even leave her job. According to her, Target management has stood by her fully, with her manager personally calling to check on her well being. Beeman explained that she loves her coworkers and the community too much to walk away easily.
Her daughter also spoke out, revealing a heartbreaking detail that added emotional weight to the story. She explained that the incident occurred on the 12th anniversary of Beeman’s husband’s suicide, following a long battle with declining health and dementia. She described the timing of the nationwide support as “uncanny” and said it was painful to watch the video because her mother is widely known in the community as a kind and gentle person.
In an interview with Action News Now, Beeman made it clear she does not want Ponce to lose her job, emphasizing forgiveness over revenge.
“I don’t think that that’s right,” Beeman said. “Two wrongs don’t make a right, you know, she wronged me, but I don’t want to wrong her, or I don’t want her – her wrong, because it’s not going to make it right. That was her opinion, she – but she’s the one that put it on Facebook or put it on – on that. So you know, but, I really wouldn’t want to see her, someone lose their job over it.”
Some viewers criticized the local reporter for appearing more focused on whether Beeman violated Target’s dress code than on the harassment she endured. The outlet cited Target’s policy banning attire that advocates for or against political parties or candidates, but Beeman clarified that her shirt had been approved in practice.
“The STL, the one over the store, has seen me wearing it, you know, I’ve passed by him a lot of times and he never, you know, they never said anything to me.”
Meanwhile, Enloe Health, Ponce’s employer, has been forced into damage control mode. CEO and President Mike Wiltermood held a press conference urging the public to stop flooding the hospital with calls demanding Ponce’s termination. According to Wiltermood, Enloe has received more than 6,000 calls, interfering with patient care.
Wiltermood condemned Ponce’s behavior as “abhorrent” and inconsistent with the hospital’s values, while praising Beeman’s restraint. He stopped short of confirming whether Ponce is still employed, citing privacy concerns, and emphasized civil rights protections for off duty conduct.
Ponce herself released a lengthy apology statement, which many observers noted does not resemble her usual writing style.
“I want to take full responsibility for my actions and say clearly and sincerely that I was wrong. I behaved badly, and I regret it deeply.
I want to directly apologize to Jeannie. I am truly sorry for approaching you at your workplace and putting you in an uncomfortable and unfair position. You did not deserve that, and my behavior was wrong.”
The statement continued with repeated apologies to Beeman’s family, Target, Enloe Health, and the Chico community, along with claims of remorse and personal reflection.
Finally, the Chico Police Department announced it has dropped its investigation after reviewing the incident. While acknowledging public outrage and thousands of calls demanding charges, police concluded the conduct did not meet the legal threshold for criminal prosecution.
“In other words – just because you can say something, doesn’t mean you should.”
As the dust settles, the episode has become a powerful symbol of the growing cultural divide, the consequences of online outrage, and the quiet dignity of an elderly woman who refused to be bullied and responded with grace instead of rage.
