Authorities across the United States are currently investigating a disturbing series of text messages that have been reported to target Black Americans. These messages contain references to slave catchers, plantations, and picking cotton, raising significant alarm among civil rights advocates and law enforcement officials alike.
The FBI is aware of these offensive messages and is coordinating with the Justice Department and other federal authorities to address the situation.
While the origin of these texts remains unclear, reports indicate that they were received in at least 15 states along with Washington, D.C. Some messages even referenced the Trump campaign, which has categorically denied any involvement. A spokesman for the campaign stated that they had “absolutely nothing to do with these text messages.”
The content of the messages varied, but many instructed recipients to report to a “plantation” or wait for transportation in a van, with a troubling emphasis on slave labor. Reports suggest that these messages began circulating shortly after Election Day, impacting various demographics, including college students and minors.
Derrick Johnson, president of the NAACP, expressed grave concern over these communications:
Johnson noted that this wave of messages signifies an alarming increase in “vile and abhorrent rhetoric from racist groups,” suggesting that such groups now feel emboldened following recent election results.
Jessica Rosenworcel, chairwoman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), echoed this sentiment by stating that such targeting is unacceptable and warrants serious attention.
The text messages have been reported across several states, including Southern states as well as New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Ohio, California, and others. Many law enforcement officials are encouraging residents who receive such messages to report them immediately.
For instance, Nevada’s attorney general’s office is currently investigating the source of what appear to be automated text messages. Meanwhile, Louisiana’s attorney general has indicated that some of these messages may have originated from a VPN in Poland; however, no definitive source has yet been identified.
As investigations unfold, this incident highlights not only the persistence of racism in digital communication but also raises questions about broader societal tensions in the aftermath of a contentious electoral process.
Moving forward, it will be essential for authorities to track down those responsible for this hate speech while also fostering dialogues within communities to combat racism in all its forms.
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