LAKELAND, Florida- The charge against Briana Boston, the Florida woman who said “Delay, deny, depose. You people are next” during a phone call with BlueCross BlueShield, has been dropped by prosecutors.
Boston, a 42-year-old married mother of three, made the statement on December 10, 2024, while discussing denied medical insurance claims. The phrase echoed words linked to the recent killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, prompting the Lakeland Police Department and the FBI to investigate it as a potential threat.
She was initially charged with threats to conduct a mass shooting or an act of terrorism and faced a $100,000 bond.
Boston admitted to using the phrase, which she said she picked up from news coverage, but maintained she meant no harm, did not own firearms, and posed no danger. She expressed frustration with insurance companies, calling them “evil” and deserving of “karma.”
Public reaction was mixed, with some viewing it as an overreach by authorities, while others, including Lakeland Police Chief Sam Taylor, argued the context justified the arrest.
A GoFundMe campaign raised over $62,500 for her legal defense, reflecting significant public support.