Florida Woman Arrested After Alleged Threats Mimic Language Associated with UnitedHealthcare CEO Shooter

This booking photo released by the Lakeland Police Department, Briana Boston is shown.

Lakeland, FL – A Florida woman is facing serious charges after allegedly making threatening remarks during a phone call with her health insurance provider. The incident, which echoes the language associated with the recent shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, has drawn national attention.

Briana Boston, 42, of Lakeland, was arrested Tuesday after a recorded conversation with Blue Cross Blue Shield ended with remarks that alarmed authorities. According to an arrest affidavit obtained by the Hoosier Enquirer, Boston allegedly said, “Delay, deny, depose. You people are next,” after being informed that her medical claim had been denied.

Boston’s words closely resemble those found engraved on bullet casings at the scene of Thompson’s murder earlier this month. The casings bore the phrases “deny,” “defend,” and “depose,” reminiscent of the title of Jay Feinman’s 2010 book, Delay, Deny, Defend: Why Insurance Companies Don’t Pay Claims and What You Can Do About It. The book examines alleged abuses in the insurance industry and has gained renewed attention in the wake of Thompson’s killing.

A Nation on Edge

Thompson’s death has already placed health care companies and insurance practices under scrutiny. Luigi Mangione, the primary suspect in Thompson’s murder, is currently facing charges including second-degree murder in Pennsylvania and New York. Authorities are investigating whether Mangione’s actions were influenced by grievances with the health care industry, a sentiment seemingly mirrored in Boston’s remarks.

When confronted by Lakeland police, Boston apologized, explaining that her words were inspired by ongoing news coverage of Thompson’s case. “I used those words because it’s what is in the news right now,” Boston reportedly told officers, adding that she does not own any firearms and poses no threat.

Despite her apology, Boston expressed strong feelings about the health care industry, calling it “evil” and claiming that companies “deserve karma” for their practices.

Legal Consequences

Following the investigation, Boston was charged with making threats to conduct a mass shooting or act of terrorism, a felony offense under Florida law. She was booked into the Polk County Jail, where she is awaiting further legal proceedings.

Blue Cross Blue Shield declined to comment on the incident when contacted by the Hoosier Enquirer.

A Broader Debate

Boston’s arrest underscores the growing frustration many Americans feel toward the health care system. While her remarks have landed her in legal trouble, the parallels to Thompson’s case and the widespread criticisms of insurance companies are fueling broader conversations about accountability in the industry.

This developing story highlights the intersection of personal grievances, systemic issues, and the potential dangers of inflammatory rhetoric. The Hoosier Enquirer will continue to follow this case as it unfolds.