FBI is investigating “offensive and racist” texts sent after the election
The FBI said Thursday that it is investigating a number of “offensive and racist” text messages sent to Black people around the U.S.
“The FBI is aware of the offensive and racist text messages sent to individuals around the country and is in contact with the Justice Department and other federal authorities on the matter,” the bureau said in a statement.
“As always, we encourage members of the public to report threats of physical violence to local law enforcement authorities,” it added.
The Associated Press reported that the messages were sent to Black people, including women and children, in states including Alabama, California, Pennsylvania, New York, Ohio, and Tennessee.
The Federal Communications Commission also said it was looking into the matter, as did the Ohio attorney general’s office, according to the AP.
NBC News reported that dozens of Black people around the country have said they received the messages, which were sent shortly after the 2024 presidential election.
President-elect Donald Trump won the race by notching 295 Electoral Votes, easily clearing the 270-vote threshold required to seal the presidency.
According to NBC, the text messages sent to Black people made references to slavery and included phrases like cotton-picking and plantations.
Some of the recipients were in college and high school, and some were in middle school, the AP reported.
This story is developing. Check back for updates.
