Authorities in the United States are currently investigating a series of racist text messages that have been sent to individuals, including children, college students, and professionals, from unknown phone numbers following the presidential election. The messages contain disturbing references to “slave catchers” and “picking cotton,” prompting concerns about the rise of hate-filled rhetoric in the country.
NAACP President Derrick Johnson has expressed alarm at the increase in racist messages being spread by various groups, suggesting that the election of a president who has been associated with hate may be emboldening these individuals. The messages, which appear to target Black and Brown individuals, have been reported in multiple states, from New York to Nevada and the District of Columbia.
While it remains unclear who is behind the messages, the company TextNow believes that the texts are part of a coordinated attack. In response, they have disabled related accounts and are working with authorities to prevent further messages from being sent. The FBI and other federal authorities are also involved in investigating the origin of these texts and ensuring the safety of those who have received them.
Individuals who have received these messages, such as Talaya Jones from New Jersey and a freshman at the University of Alabama, have expressed shock and disbelief. The University of Alabama is urging anyone with information about these messages to come forward and report them. Similar messages have also been reported in Louisiana, prompting investigations by the state Attorney General’s office.
In light of these incidents, various state Attorneys General, including those in New York and Virginia, have condemned the messages as unacceptable and have pledged to investigate their origins. The emotional and psychological impact of these messages on students and communities of color is significant, and efforts are being made to support those affected by these hateful acts.
In response to the widespread nature of these messages, authorities in several states, such as Nevada and Washington, DC, are working to identify the source of the texts and ensure that those responsible are held accountable. TextNow, the company through which some of the messages were sent, is cooperating with law enforcement to prevent further incidents and block accounts associated with harassing or spam messages.
The disturbing nature of these racist texts serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by marginalized communities in the United States. It is essential for individuals to remain vigilant, report any suspicious messages, and seek support if they feel threatened or targeted. By working together and standing against hate, we can help create a safer and more inclusive society for all.
