After the 2024 election, seemingly in response to Republican Candidate Donald Trump’s win, disturbing text messages were sent out en masse to Black Americans, telling them that they had been selected to pick cotton “at the nearest plantation.” Residents in at least ten states had received these messages, as reported through various FBI investigations.

The following week, members of LGBTQ+ and Hispanic communities received similar disturbing texts from unknown numbers. As before, both youth and adults have received these messages.

Diana Brier, a 41-year-old lesbian, shared with NBC news that she was one of the people contacted, receiving a text message on November 10 telling her to check in on Inauguration Day for an eight-week “LGB re-education camp,” according to a screenshot shared with the news network.

“Your new President, Donald J. Trump, looks forward to assisting you in becoming a mentally and emotionally stable member of society by eliminating lifestyles that have been detrimental to our American way of life through re-education,” the text reads. “Following the initial eight week period, those interned in the eight week LGB camp will be eligible for release dependent upon your swearing of allegiance to your president, Donald J Trump, and your oath to live a lifestyle befitting of your Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.”

The FBI has investigated the offensive text messages and emails sent to the minority communities since they started popping up after the election results were in. However, it is still unclear who is behind the keyboards sending messages sent out to millions of Americans.

“Although we have not received reports of violent acts stemming from these offensive messages, we are evaluating all reported incidents and engaging with the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division,” the FBI said in a statement. “We are also sharing information with our law enforcement partners and community, academia, and faith leaders.”

“This is potentially a hate crime and it’s even possible that you might call this a racially motivated violent extremist threat,” said Ken Gray, former FBI special agent.

If you or a loved one have received any messages like this, the FBI encourages you to file a report with them by phone at 1-800-CALL-FBI or online at tips.fbi.gov.

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