A 42-year-old woman from Lakeland, Florida, is facing serious charges after allegedly making a threatening statement during a phone call with her insurance provider, BlueCross BlueShield. The phrase she used has drawn national attention due to its connection to a recent high-profile homicide.
According to an arrest affidavit, the Lakeland Police Department was contacted by the FBI on Tuesday, December 10, about a possible threat. The call in question involved Briana Boston, who was disputing denied medical claims.
Authorities say that near the end of the call, Boston stated, “Delay, Deny, Depose. You people are next.” The phrase “Delay, Deny, Depose” has gained notoriety as it was found written on the ammunition used in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in New York City just a week earlier.
Police Chief Sam Taylor emphasized the gravity of the situation:
“She’s been in this world long enough to know you can’t make threats like that in today’s climate without consequences.”
Investigators visited Boston’s home in Lakeland, where she admitted to using the phrase but claimed she meant no harm. She reportedly told officers, “Healthcare companies play games and deserve karma from the world because they are evil.”
Boston also admitted that her knowledge of the phrase came from news coverage of the UnitedHealthcare homicide but insisted she was not a threat, stating she does not own firearms.
Authorities charged Boston with making threats to conduct a mass shooting or an act of terrorism, arguing that her comments invoked fear and exploited the recent tragedy.
The judge set Boston’s bond at $100,000, citing the current tense climate in the U.S.
