People around DMV, country report recieving racist text messages in days after election
Nov 07, 2024
WASHINGTON (DC News Now) -- Since Election Day on Tuesday, people across the D.C. area - and the country - have reported receiving racist text messages.
The messages seem to specifically target Black school-aged and college students.
One person who lives in D.C., according to Washingtonian Problems on X, received a text that read:
Greetings,
You have been selected to be a house slave at Abington Plantation. Come to this address, 300 7th St SW, Washington, DC 20024 at 0500 tomorrow SHARP. With all of your belongings. This is mandatory. Our executive spaces will come get you in a Turquoise van, be prepared to be searched down once you enter the plantation grounds. You will be station at Plantation point L.
Sincerely, Trump administration
Racist text messages referencing slavery raise alarms in multiple states and prompt investigations
The Maryland Office of the Attorney General (OAG) said it has received multiple reports of similar messages, sent to Black Marylanders from unknown numbers.
While there are different versions, each message instructs the recipient to "board a bus" to be taken to a "plantation" to work as a slave.
"The text messages appear to be part of a nationwide campaign targeting Black people in the wake of the election. Among the recipients were school-aged and college students, causing significant distress," the OAG stated in a news release.
The Civil Rights Division of the Maryland OAG is asking victims who have received similar messages to come forward.
"There is no home for hate in Maryland," Attorney General Anthony G. Brown said, in part.
The FBI confirmed it is aware of the "offensive and racist text messages sent to individuals around the country." The agency said it is in contact with the Justice Department and other federal authorities on the matter.
Recipients were encouraged to report threats of physical violence to local law enforcement authorities.
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If you live in D.C., resources regarding bias-related crimes and discrimination can be found through the Office of Human Rights.
If you live in Maryland, you are encouraged to submit a Civil Rights Complaint Form or you can file a complaint with the Maryland Commission on Hate Crimes Response and Prevention here.
If you live in Virginia, the Office of Civil Rights has several ways you can fill out a complaint form. To submit a complaint online, click here.