A 42-year-old Florida woman was arrested Tuesday on suspicion of threatening a health care worker over the phone using the same words used in the bullet that killed UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson last week.
“Delay, deny, dismiss. You're next.” Brianna Boston of Lakeland allegedly told a Blue Cross Blue Shield employee at the end of a phone call about a recently denied health insurance claim. Ru.
The same words were found scrawled on three shell casings at the scene of Thompson's murder. Police say these are the names of a book attacking insurance companies and are phrases used to describe how insurance companies delay payments, deny claims and defend their actions. I think it's a reference to “delay, deny, defend.”
Officials said staffers recognized the words as a threat and called FBI officials because Mr. Thomspon was recently shot and killed.
Lakeland police arrived at her home in Boston and confronted her about the interaction. According to an arrest affidavit obtained by independent personBoston “admitted” that she said those words and “apologized.”
The woman claimed she learned of the term during the recent United Healthcare murder case and believed it was appropriate for her situation. She clarified that she does not own a firearm and is not a danger to anyone.
“Boston further stated that healthcare companies are playing games because they are evil and deserve karma from the world,” the affidavit states.
She was arrested and charged with assault and making terroristic threats. It was not immediately clear whether she was granted bail.
Mr. Thompson's murder highlighted deep-rooted dissatisfaction with health insurance companies. Health insurance companies are often accused of favoring profits to the detriment of customers dealing with medical issues. People are sharing their frustrating and sometimes dangerous experiences with medical claims being denied or delayed online.
Some online critics praised Thompson's murder suspect, Luigi Mangione, 26. While suffering the painful consequences of major back surgery, he wrote a “manifesto” criticizing insurance companies.
The increased focus on health insurance companies and their leaders has led some companies to strengthen their security measures.
Law enforcement officials released a bulletin Tuesday warning that “wanted” posters of health insurance executives are appearing in Manhattan. The newspaper warned that Mr Mangione could be seen as a “martyr” by some, putting executives at risk and potentially sparking new attacks.
