FBI, Justice Department investigating racist mass texts sent following the election
Several federal and state agencies are investigating how racist mass texts were sent to Black people across the country in the wake of the presidential election this week
WASHINGTON (AP) — Several federal and state agencies are investigating how racist mass texts were sent to Black people across the country in the wake of the presidential election this week.
The text messages invoking slavery were sent to Black men, women and children, prompting inquiries by the FBI and other law enforcement departments.
The anonymously sent messages were reported in several states, including New York, Alabama, California, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Maryland and Tennessee. The FBI said it has communicated with the Justice Department about the messages, and the Federal Communications Commission said it is investigating alongside federal and state law enforcement.
“These messages are unacceptable,” said a statement from FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel. She said the agency takes “this type of targeting very seriously.”
