Plantation texts reported nationally after the 2024 elections

People in multiple states have reported receiving text messages about plantations and the threat of a Ku Klux Klan attack a day before or after the 2024 election.

Multiple people in different states have reported receiving it racially motivated texts a day before or after 2024 electionswith messages ranging from threats from the Ku Klux Klan to directives to “pick cotton at the nearest plantation,” according to multiple reports and local law enforcement officials.

Residents of at least Georgia, Detroit, Michigan, Virginia, Ohio, Alabama, North Carolina and South Carolina spoke to local newspapers or TV stations about the anonymous text messages they received before or after. Election Day. A woman, that one Fox 2 in Detroit identified as Renee, shared the text message she received with the TV station around 9:50 PM on Wednesday.

“Good afternoon Renee! You have been chosen to pick cotton at the nearest plantation,” the text message read, according to Fox 2. “Please be ready at 10am with all your personal items and belongings because you will never see them again We will pick you up in a white bus. You will be checked for drugs and other substances! Once you get here, you will be taken to your designated location.

Another woman in Detroit shared a similar text message with Fox 2 about ten minutes later.

“Greetings, you have been selected to pick cotton at the nearest plantation,” the text message read, according to the TV station. ‘Make sure you are ready with your belongings at 1 p.m. on November 13. Our executive slaves will pick you up in a brown van. Be prepared to be searched once you enter the plantation. You are in plantation group D.”

The text messages even prompted Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares share a statement with WVEC, saying, “The Attorney General’s Office is aware of these text messages and unequivocally condemns them. Anyone who believes they are being threatened should not hesitate to contact local law enforcement authorities and their local FBI Field Office.”

USA TODAY contacted the FBI about the text messages on Thursday but did not immediately receive a response.

Clemson University students received plantation texts from ‘online spoofing site’

People in North Carolina and South Carolina reported receiving similar texts, including students from Clemson University.

“The Clemson University Police Department (CUPD) has received reports of students receiving text messages containing disparaging language from unknown numbers,” the Clemson, South Carolina-based college said in a statement. “These figures have been determined to be linked to online spoofing sites.”

“CUPD is actively investigating the matter and working with state partners to identify the source of the messages,” the statement continued. “Based on available information, there is currently no indication of a credible threat to members of the Clemson community. CUPD takes all reports of concerning communications seriously and is committed to the safety of the University community.”

Law enforcement in Alabama is also investigating after black students in the state received the same text messages. AL.com reported. University of Alabama spokeswoman Diedre Simmons told the newspaper in a statement that local law enforcement was investigating the matter.

“It is our understanding that individuals across the country have received these disgusting messages,” the statement from Simmons and UA said. “This has been reported to the authorities and we ask anyone with information about these messages to report it to the relevant authorities. UA students who have seen or received such messages are also encouraged to contact the Office of Student Services and Wellness for any additional support.”

Newton County Sheriff’s Office: ‘These messages were intended to spread fear’

Several Georgia residents reached out Fox 5 Atlanta after receiving alarming text messages containing threats against KKK members in Lexington, North Carolina, before and after the election. Newton County Sheriff’s Office released a statement on his Facebook about the lyrics on November 4.

“Our office is aware of the circulation of posts and text messages on social media suggesting that members of the white supremacist/KKK group in Lexington, NC, intend to target individuals from now until the presidential inauguration ” reads the statement. “After consulting with our sources, including the FBI and GBI, we have found no credible evidence to support these threats. It appears these messages were intended to spread fear within our communities.”

The Gwinnett Sheriff’s Office in shared a similar statement on its Facebook on November 2, saying: “We have not received any information indicating threats to any group(s) on or after Election Day. Hateful discourse like this aims to spread fear in the community. and prevent us from exercising our constitutional rights.”

That’s what the sheriff’s office said Reuters that the same message about the KKK in Lexington was previously posted in January 2021, and authorities determined the threats were not credible at that time either.