A Florida woman has been arrested after allegedly threatening her health insurance provider with a phrase linked to a recent high-profile crime. On Tuesday, December 10, 42-year-old Briana Boston of Lakeland contacted Blue Cross Blue Shield to discuss the denial of a medical claim. During the recorded conversation, she reportedly stated, “Delay, deny, depose. You people are next.”
This phrase mirrors the words found engraved on bullet casings at the scene of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson’s murder earlier this month. In that case, suspect Luigi Mangione allegedly inscribed “deny,” “defend,” and “depose” on the ammunition used.
These terms are reminiscent of the 2010 book “Delay, Deny, Defend: Why Insurance Companies Don’t Pay Claims and What You Can Do About It,” which critiques insurance practices.
When approached by Lakeland Police, Boston admitted to using the phrase, explaining she did so because “it’s what is in the news right now.” She expressed that healthcare companies “deserved karma” and described them as “evil.” Boston also informed authorities that she does not own any firearms and insisted she posed no danger.
Despite her assertions, Boston was charged with making threats to conduct a mass shooting or act of terrorism. She was booked into the Polk County Jail, with bail set at $100,000.
This incident highlights the heightened sensitivity surrounding threats, especially those echoing recent violent events. Authorities emphasize that invoking language associated with such incidents, even without intent to act, can lead to serious legal consequences.
It serves as a reminder of the importance of measured communication, particularly when expressing frustration with institutions like healthcare providers.
