FBI Launches Investigation Into Racist Texts Sent To Black Americans Nationwide

Federal authorities are investigating disturbing racist text messages sent anonymously to Black Americans across the United States, including students. 

These messages invoked themes of slavery, instructing recipients to “report to the nearest plantation.” 

The texts have triggered concern and condemnation, and multiple law enforcement agencies are now involved.

Text Messages Spark National Alarm

The texts have been reported in states such as New York, California, Alabama, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee. 

Each message varied slightly in wording, but most instructed the recipients to gather their belongings and prepare to “pick cotton” at a specified location, according to AP.

Some messages even referenced the recent presidential election, leading to heightened unease in communities.

High school and college students were among those affected. In Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, school officials confirmed that six middle school students had received these messages. 

Federal and State Agencies Respond

The FBI is coordinating with the Department of Justice, while the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and various state agencies, including Ohio’s Attorney General, are also conducting inquiries. 

The FCC has confirmed that it is working with federal and state law enforcement to investigate these “deplorable racially motivated messages.”

At Fisk University, a historically Black institution in Tennessee, students reportedly received similar texts. 

Other universities, including Clemson University in South Carolina and the University of Alabama, have also reported receiving these texts and advised affected students to alert campus authorities.

Calls for Accountability and Prevention

Civil rights groups, including the Southern Poverty Law Center and the NAACP, have condemned the messages. 

NAACP President Derrick Johnson criticized the messages for perpetuating the legacy of slavery, stating, “These actions are not normal. And we refuse to let them be normalized.” 

Missouri NAACP President Nimrod Chapel raised concerns about an “organized and resourced group” that may be targeting Americans based on race.

Wireless providers are actively working to block the numbers associated with the spam messages, according to CTIA, the industry association for the U.S. wireless communications sector.

Authorities are urging anyone who receives similar messages to report them to local law enforcement immediately, as the investigation continues across multiple states.