CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – Racist text messages are reportedly being sent to people of color across the country, and within the past few days, some Lowcountry individuals say they have received the texts themselves.
State Rep. Tiffany Spann Wilder (D) sent an email to House colleagues explaining that several of her constituents received text messages calling them by name, saying they have been selected to pick cotton at nearby plantations.
The messages differ and come from various numbers, but many say the individual should prepare to be picked up by “executive slaves” and taken to the plantation. Rep. Spann-Wilder said one of the texts was sent to a high school senior in her district and another to a senior citizen in Charleston.
“They have all been received by African Americans – the intent is clear harassment,” she wrote.
The texts began circulating the day after the 2024 presidential election. Widespread national reports have prompted an FBI inquiry into the source.
The South Carolina Attorney General’s Office said the office has not been made aware of the texts being sent anywhere in the state; however, “Attorney General Wilson condemns racist and hateful text messages in the strongest possible terms.”