US News: Racist texts sent to numerous black Americans being investigated by authorities
Many black Americans received text messages informing them they had been “selected” to pick cotton “at the nearest plantation,” a deeply offensive reference to the historical enslavement of black people in the US.
The recipients of these messages included university students from institutions like Ohio State University, Clemson University, the University of Southern California, and Missouri State University, as reported by Sky’s US partner network NBC News. Individuals in several states, including New York, Alabama, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Tennessee, also received these messages.
The messages, some referencing President-elect Donald Trump, were first sent the morning after the US election.
Authorities like the FBI, US Department of Justice, and the Federal Communications Commission are aware of the texts and are investigating. They urge recipients to report the messages to local law enforcement.
While it’s uncertain who sent these messages and their motives, some of the anonymous numbers seem linked to TextNow, a texting service known for providing untraceable “burner” phone numbers.
Pic: iStock
A TextNow spokesperson acknowledged the messages and promptly shut down the involved accounts upon becoming aware of the situation.
Read more:
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs asks court for jail release
Could Trump run again in 2028?
The Democratic blame game has already begun
The spokesperson emphasized TextNow’s commitment to inclusivity and condemned the misuse of their service to send harassing or spam messages. They pledged to collaborate with authorities to prevent such incidents in the future.
Major telecommunications providers like AT&T and Verizon acknowledged the issue as an industry-wide problem.
Louisiana attorney general Liz Murrill noted that the senders of the messages used a VPN to conceal their origins.
Individuals like Alyse McCall from the University of Alabama expressed shock and disgust upon receiving these messages.
Alyse McCall
University officials and authorities in various cities are addressing these disturbing texts, ensuring they are reported and investigated.
The National Association for the Advancement of Coloured People (NAACP) condemned the messages and attributed them to the divisive rhetoric of the president-elect. They expressed concern over the increase in racist rhetoric from hate groups in the country.
It’s crucial to stand against such reprehensible messages and work toward creating a more inclusive and respectful society.
