Racist Text Messages Sent to Multiple U.S. Residents, Including Minors, Spark Nationwide Investigation
The FBI acknowledged the messages, describing them as “offensive and racist,” and noted that the agency is collaborating with the Justice Department to identify their source.
Racist and threatening text messages sent from unidentified numbers have been reported by residents across several U.S. states, including Maryland, New Jersey, Alabama, Michigan, Georgia, Nevada, New York, and South Carolina, prompting an investigation involving the FBI and other federal agencies. Authorities have confirmed that high school and college students were among those targeted, with messages often referring to racist historical imagery.
In Piscataway, New Jersey, Talaya Jones, a Black woman, expressed shock upon receiving a text on Wednesday suggesting she was “selected to pick cotton at the nearest plantation.” Jones shared that the initial disbelief turned to concern as she forwarded the message to family members. “It really shows that we haven’t come as far as we thought,” she said. Alabama resident Arleta McCall also reported a similar experience when her daughter, an honors freshman at the University of Alabama, received a text with similar language. The incident left her daughter in tears, prompting her friends to arrange walking routes together for added safety.
The FBI acknowledged the messages, describing them as “offensive and racist,” and noted that the agency is collaborating with the Justice Department to identify their source. Meanwhile, officials in states where the messages were reported have condemned the texts. New York Attorney General Letitia James called the messages “disgusting and unacceptable,” noting that they appear to target Black and Brown individuals by name or with other personal details.
In response, Alabama’s University issued a statement urging those affected to report incidents to the proper authorities. Houston mother Laura Bass-Brown shared that her 15-year-old daughter had also received one of these texts from an unfamiliar number that addressed her by name. Despite the texts initially appearing automated, Bass-Brown noted that some senders responded to replies, leading families to question the origin and intent of these messages.
Virginia officials, including the attorney general, confirmed they are actively monitoring the reports. In Washington, D.C., the attorney general’s office advised residents who received the messages to report them and contact law enforcement if they feel threatened. Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill also condemned the messages, describing them as “racist and vile,” and directed the state Bureau of Investigation to look into the matter.
NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson issued a statement highlighting the broader implications of the messages and the persistence of racist rhetoric in America. “These messages represent an alarming increase in vile rhetoric from racist groups emboldened to spread hate,” Johnson said, expressing concern over the timing of the messages following recent election results.
Nevada’s Attorney General’s Office, among others, has launched an investigation into the possible use of robotexting technology.
