Briana Boston, 42, is facing serious charges after allegedly invoking the name of Luigi Mangione, a healthcare CEO accused of a controversial death, in what is being interpreted as a threat. Boston reportedly said, “delay, deny, depose, you people are next” to her healthcare provider after a claim was denied. This phrase appears to be a misremembered reference to the bullet casings found at the scene of Mangione’s death, which were marked with “delay, defend, depose.”
Boston’s words were reported by her provider to Anthem BlueCross BlueShield, who then contacted the Lakeland Police Department. Following an investigation, the FBI was alerted. Boston was arrested on December 10, 2024, and is now facing charges of making threats to conduct a mass shooting or act of terrorism. If convicted, she could face a $100k bond and up to 15 years in prison.
In her defense, Boston apologized for the statement and claimed she was not intending any harm. She admitted to using the phrase but emphasized that she did not own any firearms and was not a danger to anyone. Boston’s comments, however, have raised concerns about potential violent reactions inspired by Mangione’s manifesto, which outlined the ways healthcare companies avoid paying out claims, resonating with people who have had similar experiences with insurance providers.
Legal experts, including attorney Anthony Rickman, have criticized the charges as an “overcharge,” arguing that Boston’s words did not explicitly indicate any intention of committing violence, but rather expressed frustration with the healthcare system. Some view this arrest as a show of force, which might be meant to deter similar threats inspired by the ongoing anger toward healthcare providers and the industry’s practices.
This case follows a string of public controversies involving healthcare insurers, including Anthem BlueCross BlueShield’s recent policy changes that sparked outrage among anesthesiologists and patients alike. Despite the tensions surrounding healthcare, Boston, a mother of three with no criminal record, faces harsh consequences for a statement made in a moment of anger. Whether prosecutors will consider a more lenient response remains to be seen.
