Federal investigators are looking into disturbing text messages sent to cell phone numbers across the country this week.
The text messages used images of slavery and told recipients – including school children and college students – that a van would take them to the fields. The texts appear to be sent mostly to Black recipients, and it is not known where the numbers were obtained or if non-Black recipients were also contacted.
One recipient told NBC4 Washington that he received a message saying he was “picked to pick cotton.”
“Hello, you have been selected to pick cotton in the nearby fields,” said the message. “Get ready at 12PM SHARP with your belongings.
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The FBI is contacting other authorities to investigate the racist messages sent this week. (Stock)
“Our Executive Slaves will come pick you up in a Black van, be ready to be searched once you enter the plantations. You are in Plantation Group S.”
A woman named Pam, who asked to withhold her last name, told reporters the documents were “disturbing.” He said his friends and family have also received them, some of the messages have the names of those sent to them.
“Some of the messages included people's names,” said Pam. “Some messages have just started saying that people will be enslaved and there will be a bus to pick people up.
“How did you get my number and how do I protect myself and how do I protect myself and what will be done about this?”
Another recipient named Maya told FOX 4 Dallas that she received the racist text and was deeply disturbed by the content.
“I have never faced such discrimination in my face,” she said. “Being called those kinds of names, like I didn't really know what to say. It really hurt my heart. It hurt my feelings, and it scared me too.”
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One recipient told FOX 4 Dallas that she was deeply disturbed by the racist message. (FOX 4 Dallas)
The FBI confirmed the messages in a public statement and said the incidents are under investigation.
“The FBI is aware of offensive and racist messages being sent to people across the country and is in contact with the Department of Justice and other authorities regarding this matter,” the agency said.
“As always, we encourage members of the public to report threats of physical abuse to local authorities.”
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) told the Associated Press that it “takes this type of targeting very seriously.”
“These messages are unacceptable,” said FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel.
These messages were addressed to black people, it is not known how their numbers were obtained. (Stock)
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Fox News Digital reached out to the FBI for an update on the investigation but did not immediately respond.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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