A series of racially-charged text messages referencing slavery and targeting Black Americans have surfaced across the United States, prompting a federal response. Recipients of these messages report being informed they were “selected” to pick cotton at “the nearest plantation.”
The texts, reportedly sent from unknown numbers, began appearing shortly after the recent presidential election. Many of those targeted include students from universities such as The Ohio State University, Clemson University, University of Southern California and Missouri State University.
The FBI confirmed it is aware of these incidents, advising anyone who receives these texts to report them to local authorities. The Bureau also indicated that it has been in contact with the U.S. Department of Justice regarding the matter. The Federal Communications Commission and wireless industry groups have acknowledged the issue and are working to address it.
While sending racially offensive messages is not itself illegal, law enforcement officials said that continued harassment or evidence of hate crimes could lead to legal repercussions.
Some of the anonymous numbers used in the messaging appear to be linked to the messaging platform TextNow, which provides users with untraceable “burner” numbers. In a statement, a TextNow spokesperson said that accounts associated with the texts were quickly shut down and pledged the company would cooperate with authorities.
The NAACP denounced the messages, calling them “deeply disturbing” and stating that they perpetuate a “legacy of evil that dates back to before the Jim Crow era.” The organization said they believe the texts were a product of President-elect Donald Trump’s rhetoric.
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