FBI Investigates Racist Text Threats Targeting Black Americans Across Multiple States
November 8, 2024Experts note the difficulty in tracing the source of these messages, which could involve local groups or automated systems designed to spread racist content.
Reports indicate that even minors have been targeted, illustrating the widespread nature of this issue and raising concerns about its implications for society.
These messages, which varied in wording but shared a similar threatening tone, instructed recipients to report to specific addresses with their belongings, often referencing the incoming presidential administration.
Racist text messages invoking slavery have alarmed communities across multiple states, prompting FBI investigations into the disturbing trend.
Stoughton Public Schools confirmed the incident and alerted local police, emphasizing the importance of reporting such messages to ensure community safety.
Latasha Gillis from Fayetteville expressed her concerns after her teenage daughter received a similar message, highlighting the emotional impact on young people.
Kayden Reynolds, a 13-year-old, received a threatening text claiming he would be forced into cotton picking, which raised fears among his family.
The identity of the sender remains unknown, but there are concerns about the correlation between these messages and spikes in hate incidents following political events.
Some messages were reportedly signed by 'Trump supporters', indicating a politically charged motive behind the harassment.
Mental health counselor Stephanie Briscoe emphasized the need to halt the spread of these texts and advised victims to avoid reacting impulsively.
As the situation develops, further updates are expected, with many parents and students sharing their experiences on social media.
In a separate incident at UNC Greensboro, a photo of racially segregated water fountains circulated among students, which was later determined to be a staged act.
Summary based on 36 sources
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Sources
The New York Times • Nov 8, 2024
A wave of racist texts after the election prompts the scrutiny of the F.B.I.Yahoo News • Nov 8, 2024
Racist scam texts sent to Black Ohioans; FBI, Ohio Attorney General investigatingMashable • Nov 8, 2024
Racist text messages referencing 'cotton' sent to numerous Black people