Florida Woman Charged for Threatening Mass Shooting Over Insurance Denial
LAKELAND, Fla. – A Florida woman, Briana Boston, 42, was arrested and charged with making a felony threat toward her health insurance provider, Blue Cross Blue Shield, after her claims were denied.
Boston, who was taken into custody on Thursday, allegedly made the threatening comments during a phone call with the insurer on Tuesday. According to an affidavit obtained by HuffPost, Boston ended the call by saying, “Delay, deny, depose. You people are next.” These words, echoing a phrase associated with insurance claims denial tactics, were linked to the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, where similar phrases were found near the scene.
The FBI contacted Lakeland police after the threat was made. Boston admitted to using the phrase and apologized when confronted by police. She claimed to have learned it after Thompson’s death but maintained she was not a danger to anyone.
Despite her apology, police arrested Boston for making a threat to conduct a mass shooting. Authorities cited probable cause based on her comments, referencing Thompson’s homicide in her statements.
If convicted, Boston faces up to 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. She is scheduled for an arraignment on January 14.