Racist text messages were sent to Black people, many school-aged, throughout the country, including to students at Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS).
“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,” according to a statement. “As always, we encourage members of the public to report threats of physical violence to local law enforcement authorities.”
MCPS sent a letter Thursday to families, students and staff noting that they “are aware that many individuals, including our students, have received text messages containing racist threats. We condemn these hateful communications and the fear they aim to instill.”
The school district administrators also wrote, “We stand in solidarity with those who feel targeted and hurt by these actions.”
Anyone receiving one of these messages is asked to report it to school staff or local authorities.
Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown wrote on X, “My office has received multiple complaints of racist text messages sent to Black Marylanders, including school-aged children. These messages appear to be part of a nationwide campaign and are horrific and unacceptable. If you received one of these texts, please report it to your local law enforcement for tracking and to our Civil Rights Division for evaluation. There is no home for hate in Maryland.”
Brown issued a news release, noting there are several different messages being circulated but each text “at a minimum, instructs the recipient to “board a bus” to be transported to a “plantation” to work as a slave.”
His statement continued, “These messages are horrific, unacceptable, and will not be tolerated. If you have been sent one of these texts, I am asking for you to please come forward and report it,” adding, “I am committed to protecting the rights of all Marylanders. There is no home for hate in Maryland.”
Montgomery County Councilmember Will Jawando wrote on social media, “The racist messages that have been received by @MCPS students & other members of our Black community across the state are unacceptable.”
Maryland Delegate Lorig Charkoudian also posted about the messages. “We must stand up to and stop hate in all its forms, especially now as a new wave has been unleashed. Report these messages to law enforcement if you receive one, and stand with those who have been targeted.”
Below is one of the messages that has been widely posted repeatedly on social media.
