States work to tackle racist text messages sent to Black people nationwide
Racist text messages were sent to scores of Black people the day after the election telling them they had been “selected” to pick cotton “at the nearest plantation.”
State attorneys general across the country are urging people to notify the authorities if they received one of the racist text messages sent Wednesday to scores of Black people, telling them they had been “selected” to pick cotton “at the nearest plantation.”
They said anyone who received these texts should contact local law enforcement, the FBI, or file complaints with state agencies if they feel threatened. New York Attorney General Letitia James directed recipients to file a complaint with the office’s civil rights bureau, while Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison encouraged anyone who received the message to fill out a complaint form with his office.
Courtesy Arleta+McCallThe FBI said it is investigating the case but would not confirm to NBC News if they have information on whether the text messages originated in the country or overseas. A law enforcement source told NBC News that several branches of the FBI have been deployed, including criminal, cyber and counterintelligence agencies.
Federal Communications Commission Chair Jessica Rosenworcel said its enforcement bureau is also working alongside state law enforcement.
Devereaux Adams, 27, of Atlanta, is one of several Georgia residents who reportedly received the texts. Although the messages vary slightly in language — and some mention President-elect Donald Trump — they follow a similar script: “Our Executive Slaves will come get you … be prepared to be searched down once you’ve enter the plantation.”
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