Individuals across several states reported receiving racially charged text messages in the days surrounding the 2024 presidential election. The anonymous messages, which included references to the Ku Klux Klan and instructions to “pick cotton at the nearest plantation,” have prompted investigations by local and state law enforcement agencies, as well as statements from public officials condemning the messages.
Reports of the offensive texts have emerged from states including Georgia, Michigan, Virginia, Ohio, Michigan, Alabama, North Carolina, and South Carolina.
Days ago, social media influencer Ari Fletcher shared a screenshot of the text message her niece received.
Somebody just text this to my niece phone. You bitches sick in the head! Catch one! pic.twitter.com/ed81dAFnad
— KYLESISTER (@AriTheDon) November 6, 2024
It read, “Greetings You have been chosen to pick cotton at your nearest plantation… Be ready at 12am NOVEMBER 13 Sharp with all your belongings.”
USA Today also reported that in Detroit, Michigan, a woman identified as Renee received a similar message reading, “Good afternoon Renee! You have been chosen to pick cotton at your nearest plantation… Be ready at 10am with all of your personal items.”
Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares responded to the messages with a public statement, denouncing them and encouraging anyone who feels threatened to contact law enforcement. Meanwhile, Clemson University in South Carolina confirmed that some students were targeted with similar texts, which they attributed to “online spoofing sites” and assured the public that there was no indication of a credible threat.
Alabama law enforcement is also investigating reports involving Black college students who received the same racially charged texts. The University of Alabama acknowledged that the messages were a nationwide issue and urged anyone with information to contact authorities.
In Georgia, residents reached out to Fox 5 Atlanta with concerns over messages referencing KKK members in Lexington, North Carolina. The Newton County Sheriff’s Office and Gwinnett Sheriff’s Office quickly issued statements to reassure the community, noting that there was no credible evidence of threats from these messages, which appeared intended to incite fear.
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