Racist 'plantation assignment' texts spark outrage and investigations nationwide

An alarming and racist message is being sent to some in Virginia, D.C., and across the United States, telling people they've been "selected to pick cotton" at a "nearby plantation".

The messages, which followed days after the election, were condemned by the Virginia Attorney General's Office and the D.C. Attorney General's Office (OAG). D.C.'s OAG told WJLA they are looking further into the messages.

According to the message, the receiver is told they will need to gather their belongings and report to a location at a certain time so they can be transported to a plantation. Screenshots of text messages shared on social media show slight variations in it's language and which plantation the receiver will go to. The person is also told that they will be searched before being assigned to a plantation "group," some of the texts read.

Students at Howard University in D.C. have reportedly received the messages, a university spokesperson told WJLA.

Corinne Dorsey, a D.C. resident, got the text message Wednesday afternoon.

"I was originally taken aback," Dorsey said.

Dorsey added she and others discussed receiving the text messages.

We were scared a little bit because who would send that message? It was a very evil joke and we were realizing this is definitely something happening, not just in D.C., but other areas of the country," she added.

The FBI is stepping in to investigate after receiving multiple calls and reports.

"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. As always, we encourage members of the public to report threats of physical violence to local law enforcement authorities."

The message came just days after Donald Trump was elected as the 47th President defeating Vice President Kamala Harris.

"For someone to think it's OK to send that message was telling," Dorsey said. "It was a message that was meant to attack the people that were very hurt by the election result, unfortunately."

The [D.C.] Office of the Attorney General is aware of racist text messages sent to District residents and condemns them unequivocally," A D.C. OAG spokesperson said in a statement to 7News. "Anyone receiving these messages should contact our civil rights section by calling 202-727-3400 or emailing If you believe your safety is at risk, please contact local law enforcement.

Those in Virginia who have received the messages are asked to contact their local FBI field office at 1-800-225-5324 or submit a tip online, .

WJLA reached out to the Maryland Attorney General's Office, which said the messages appear to be part of a nationwide campaign targeting Black people, typically targeting school-aged and college students.

College students in South Carolina, Tennessee, and Missouri alongside middle school students in Pennsylvania reported receiving the message, per The Associated Press. Some in California, Alabama, New York, and Ohio also reportedly received the anonymously sent messages, the AP continued.

"These messages are horrific, unacceptable, and will not be tolerated. If you have been sent one of these texts, I am asking for you to please come forward and report it," said Attorney General Brown in a statement. "I am committed to protecting the rights of all Marylanders. There is no home for hate in Maryland."

Those in Maryland who've received the text messages are asked to submit a complaint to their or to the .