"Where’s her gofundme"— Netizens react as Florida woman arrested over threatening BlueCross with words found on Brian Thompson's shooter's bullet

Just days after UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson's shooting, a Florida woman was arrested and charged after allegedly threatening her insurance company.

Citing an arrest affidavit, NBC news reported that on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, Briana Boston was arrested after she ended her call with a BlueCross BlueShield employee over her denied medical claim with the words:

"Delay, deny, depose. You people are next."

The words mimicked those found on shell casings that investigators recovered from the scene of Brian Thompson's murder. They reference the book Delay, Deny, Defend by Jay M. Feinman, which criticizes insurance companies for delaying payments, denying justified claims, and defending their actions.

Due to the recent shooting, the worker perceived Boston's words as a threat, and authorities were informed. Per NBC, following her arrest, Boston was charged with threats to conduct a mass shooting or an act of terrorism. Her bail is set to $100,000.

As news of the development went viral, internet users took to social media to supposedly express their support for Boston. One stated:

A comment reacting to the news (Image via X/ @PopCrave)

Many commented that Luigi Mangione, the man suspected of killing Brian Thompson, sparked an uprising against health insurance companies.

"luigi started a fire. people are tired. these companies always taking advantage," one stated.

"Watch the entire country unify over ending corporate greed," a user commented.

"he’s starting an uprising against the american healthcare system… and i’m glad to see it," another reacted.

Others commented on the severity of Boston's punishment.

"Massive overreach by a prosecutor. That’s first amendment space. Unless they can show she had the means and imminent intent to carry out such a threat, they have nothing," a person remarked.

"I have to remember that this is Florida and they’ve never been reasonable cuz how is her bail 100k for uttering words??? But let a women say her ex/coworker/father/husband is threatening to k*ll/harm her and the police suddenly go quiet. Again this country is a JOKEEEE!" another added.

"this is so hehe haha funny because when i was being stalked, threatened, and harassed the cops told me that they couldn’t do anything because i hadn’t been physically harmed *yet*," one wrote.

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Briana Boston "acknowledged" and "apologized" for using the same words as Brian Thompson's alleged killer

NBC News, citing Briana Boston's arrest affidavit, reported that officers from the Lakeland Police Department arrived at her house to confront her about her phone call with BlueCross. At the time, she "acknowledged" using the phrase delay, deny, depose, and "apologized" for the same.

Boston revealed that she learned of the words following the recent homicide of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. She explained that she felt the phrase applied to her situation. However, Boston also asserted that she didn't own any firearm and wasn't a "danger to anyone."

"Healthcare companies played games and deserved karma from the world because they are evil," Boston told the detectives, as per NBC.

Lakeland Police Chief Sam Taylor told NBC that Boston should have known better than to "make threats like that in the current environment" (referencing Brian Thompson's homicide) and not expect to get arrested. Taylor elaborated that despite Boston "readily admitt(ing)" to the incident and saying she didn't "mean anything by it," it doesn't mean she wouldn't face the consequences.

Taylor explained that investigators believe Boston was using Brian Thompson's murder "to her advantage."

According to the publication, during a bail hearing, Boston's attorney, Jim Headley, told the judge:

"“My client is 42, married mother of three. Never had any criminal charges or convictions. May you release her on her own recognizance."

However, the judge set her bond at $100,000, saying it was "appropriate considering the status of our country."

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According to court records obtained by HuffPost, Boston has not entered a plea and is expected to appear for arraignment on January 14, 2025. If convicted, she faces a maximum sentence of 15 years and a fine of up to $10,000.