The FBI has launched an investigation into a flurry of racist text messages targeting Black Americans across the country after the 2024 election, causing widespread fear and anger.
The disturbing messages, which began making the rounds immediately after Election Day, refer to the incoming Donald Trump administration and target Black people in several states. The texts use language of slavery, demanding recipients to prepare for forced labor at plantations, The Hill reported.
"You have been selected to pick cotton at the nearest plantation," a message said, according to a screenshot shared on X.
A lot of students at Alabama State (HBCU), Clemson, and the University of Alabama got this very same text message. My LB even got one. I wonder how widespread this is. https://t.co/yOr7RL8YuS pic.twitter.com/gDvqvwrHwa
— 🗣 Thee Doctor (@RegalBasil) November 6, 2024
Federal agencies, including the FBI, the Federal Communications Commission, and local law enforcement agencies, have begun investigating the source of the messages, which were received in states like New York, Alabama, and California.
"The FBI is aware of the offensive and racist text messages sent to individuals around the country and is in contact with the Justice Department and other federal authorities on the matter," the agency said.
While the messages do vary in verbiage, they all share a common racist theme, targeting children and young adults.
"Our Executive Slaves will come get you in a Brown Van, be prepared to be searched down once you've enter the plantation. You are in Plantation Group S," another message read according to NBC screenshots.
Despite it being unclear who is behind the attacks, civil rights organizations have argued they reflect an emboldened wave of hate following Trump's election win.
"These messages represent an alarming increase in vile and abhorrent rhetoric from racist groups across the country, who now feel emboldened to spread hate and stoke the flames of fear that many of us are feeling after Tuesday's election results," Derrick Johnson, NAACP President and CEO, said.
Even if the perpetrators are identified and held accountable, the incident only adds to a growing list of racially charged actions in the post-election period.
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