Federal investigators are currently looking into offensive text messages that were sent to cellphone numbers across the country. The messages used slavery imagery and informed recipients, including school-aged children and college students, that a van would be taking them to a plantation. The text messages seem to be mostly targeting Black recipients, but it is unclear where the numbers were obtained from and if non-Black recipients were also contacted. Some recipients shared that the messages were disturbing and worrisome, leading to feelings of fear and hurt.
One recipient revealed that she received a message stating that she was “selected to pick cotton” and was instructed to be ready at a specific time. Another recipient mentioned that the texts contained the recipients’ personal names and detailed information about being enslaved and taken to a plantation. Recipients expressed concerns about how their numbers were obtained, how to defend themselves, and what actions would be taken in response to these racist messages. Some recipients, like Maya, were deeply disturbed by the content and shared their experiences of encountering racism for the first time.
The FBI confirmed the existence of these offensive and racist text messages and stated that they are actively investigating the incidents. They also encouraged members of the public to report threats of physical violence to local law enforcement authorities. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) also denounced the messages, expressing that they take this type of targeting very seriously. FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel emphasized that such messages are unacceptable and reiterated the importance of addressing these hate-filled communications.
Officials are working collaboratively with federal authorities to address these hateful text messages, but details about the investigation and perpetrators remain unknown at this time. The recipients of these offensive messages have raised questions about their safety, privacy, and the potential impact of such racist communications. The public is urged to remain vigilant and report any concerning messages or threats to law enforcement authorities. Investigations into the source of these texts and the perpetrators responsible for spreading hate and racism through electronic communications continue to unfold.
The disturbing text messages raise concerns about the dissemination of racist and offensive content through digital platforms, targeting vulnerable populations. Recipients of these messages, particularly Black individuals, have expressed shock, fear, and distress over the explicit and hateful content they received. The FBI and FCC have taken steps to address these incidents and investigate the source of the messages, emphasizing the importance of reporting threats and staying vigilant against hate speech and discrimination. As the investigation continues, efforts are ongoing to protect individuals from harm and hold those accountable for spreading harmful messages accountable for their actions.
