Authorities investigate racist texts sent to Black Americans
Authorities are investigating racist text messages sent to Black Americans across the country telling them they have been "selected to pick cotton."
"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 FBI said Thursday.
"As always, we encourage members of the public to report threats of physical violence to local law enforcement authorities."
Reports of the message began circulating on social media, with users posting images of the text they had received.
Though the exact wording of the message differed slightly among some, the tone remained consistent.
"You have been selected to pick cotton at the nearest plantation," one message said, according to someone who received the message and posted it to social media .
"Be ready at 1:00 pm SHARP with your belongings. 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 C. good day."
The anonymous messages were reportedly received by Black Americans in several states, including New York, Alabama, California, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Tennessee. High school and college students were reportedly among the recipients.
The NAACP condemned the messages Thursday, with President and CEO Derrick Johnson saying they are a consequence of President-elect Trump's election, saying Trump has "embraced, and at times encouraged hate."
"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," Johnson said. "We've said it before and we'll say it again – there is no place for hate in a democracy. The threat — and the mention of slavery in 2024 — is not only deeply disturbing, but perpetuates a legacy of evil that dates back to before the Jim Crow era, and now seeks to prevent Black Americans from enjoying the same freedom to pursue life, liberty, and happiness."
Johnson added that racism in any form, from anyone, should not be normalized.
"Freedom is on the horizon, and we won't be fear mongered out of the future we deserve."
