**Briana Boston, 42, has been charged with making threats against a health insurance company by echoing phrases related to the recent murder of CEO Brian Thompson, resulting in a significant bail amount.**
**Woman Charged for Threats Following UnitedHealthcare CEO's Murder**
**Woman Charged for Threats Following UnitedHealthcare CEO's Murder**
**Florida Woman Faces $100,000 Bail After Alleged Threat to Healthcare Firm Using Murder-Linked Words**
A Florida woman, Briana Boston, 42, has been arrested and charged with making threats against a health insurance company, reportedly using language reminiscent of bullet casings found at the scene of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson's murder. Ms. Boston allegedly said "Delay, deny, depose, you people are next" during a phone call with a Blue Cross Blue Shield representative concerning a denied medical claim, leading to serious charges of intending to conduct a mass shooting or act of terrorism.
Following her Tuesday call, police responded to Ms. Boston's home in Lakeland, Florida, where she was taken into custody. Ms. Boston's statements reportedly referenced her belief that healthcare companies like UnitedHealthcare were "evil" and deserved consequences for their actions. She justified her choice of words by mentioning their prominence in recent news related to Mr. Thompson's murder.
Shell casings found at the Manhattan crime scene, linked to the murder of CEO Brian Thompson, were engraved with terms like "deny," "defend," and "depose," which also hint at a 2010 book addressing insurance claim issues. Luigi Mangione, a 26-year-old, has been arrested in connection with Thompson's murder after a multi-state manhunt.
The incident has intensified public discourse surrounding the U.S. profit-driven healthcare system as well as the possibility of copycat threats. Police have noted that lists targeting healthcare executives have emerged in relation to the murder investigation. Law enforcement officials, including Lakeland Police Chief Sam Taylor, expressed concern over the gravity of Ms. Boston's threats, emphasizing that threats in the current climate will result in serious legal action.
In a court appearance, her attorney argued for her release, highlighting her clean record as a married mother of three. However, the judge set bail at $100,000, reflecting the heightened sensitivities of the country in light of recent events. Ms. Boston reportedly gasped upon hearing the bail amount.
