Overview of the Investigation

In a disturbing development, the FBI has launched an investigation into a series of vile racist text messages sent to Black individuals across the United States. These alarming messages, which instruct recipients to report to a 'plantation to pick cotton,' have been reported in various states, including Alabama, North Carolina, Virginia, New York, and Pennsylvania.

FBI's Response

The FBI acknowledges the seriousness of these offensive messages, stating that they are collaborating with the Justice Department and other federal authorities. The timeline of the messages' emergence has raised eyebrows, as they seemingly began circulating right after Election Day.

Political Connections and Denials

Some messages mentioned the Trump campaign, prompting a vehement denial from campaign spokesman Steven Cheung, who stated, 'The campaign has absolutely nothing to do with these text messages.' However, the anonymous nature of the messages and their widespread distribution—spanning at least 25 states—has left many wondering about the coordination behind them.

Personal Accounts of Fear

One particularly unsettling account comes from an Indiana mother who shared a frightening message her teenage daughter received: an ominous note claiming that she had 'been selected to become a slave' and would soon be picked up in a 'white van.' The mother, who requested anonymity for safety reasons, expressed her alarm, remarking how the timing is reflective of America's painful historical context and suggesting that these messages may have been strategically timed.

Hailey Welch, a college student at the University of Alabama, also spoke out, noting that many of her peers received similar messages. 'At first, I thought it was a joke, but when I saw others posting about it, I became genuinely scared and stressed,' she shared with a local student newspaper.

Nature of the Messages

The messages varied in wording but typically instructed individuals to report to a 'plantation.' Some details of the messages included descriptions of impending 'pickups' in vans, evoking historical horrors of slavery. TextNow, a mobile service that allows users to obtain phone numbers for free, reported that its accounts were used to send these messages, and they swiftly disabled the offending accounts. 'We do not condone the use of our service to send harassing or spam messages,' the company stated.

Reactions from Civil Rights Organizations

Civil rights organizations like the NAACP condemned these messages as deeply troubling, correlating the alarming rise in racist rhetoric to Trump's election—arguing that such actions have emboldened hate groups across America. NAACP CEO Derrick Johnson stated, 'These messages represent an alarming increase in vile and abhorrent rhetoric.'

Action from Authorities

Jessica Rosenworcel, chairwoman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), also spoke out against the messages, declaring, 'These texts are unacceptable. We take this type of targeting very seriously.' Authorities across various states are urging residents to report any similar messages that they may encounter.

Investigation Progress

Investigation efforts have revealed that some of the messages may be linked to a virtual private network based in Poland. Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill confirmed that they were undertaking measures to track the origins of these messages, despite finding no definitive source yet.

Cultural Implications

The Indiana mother stressed that the geographical origin of the messages should not diminish the fear they instilled. 'They understand the mindset of America,' she warned, highlighting how such messages exploit underlying societal tensions.

Conclusion

As this investigation continues to unfold, the FBI and other federal authorities remain vigilant, aiming to address the disturbing rise of online racial hate in a nation that still grapples with its history. Stay tuned as we follow this developing story and uncover more details about who is behind these horrific messages!