Several Black people across the country, including here in Louisiana, have been receiving hate-filled spam text messages referencing slavery.
State Attorney General Liz Murrill directed the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation to investigate the origin of the texts, which she describes as “disgusting” and that intend to divide people.
“My cyber team at the Louisiana Bureau of Investigations has discovered that these messages can be traced back to an encrypted virtual network that originated in Poland,” Murrill said in a video statement posted to her social media channels.
That does not necessarily mean that that’s where the perpetrator is located.
“We have no way of knowing where the individual is who’s actually sending the emails,” Murrill cautions, “but we will continue to investigate it.”
“It is deeply disturbing to learn that vile, racist, and threatening messages are being directed at young African Americans across our nation, including on our college campuses,” says New Orleans Congressman Troy Carter, who’s Black. “Such acts of hatred have no place in our society. They are an affront to the principles of equality, respect, and unity that form the very foundation of our democracy.
“These malicious actions, intended to spread fear and division, remind us of the work that remains in combating hate and ensuring safety and dignity for all Americans,” Rep. Carter continued. “Let it be clear: we will not be intimidated or silenced. Those who seek to sow discord will not succeed.”
Murrill says the best thing you can do if you receive one of these vile texts is to ignore it.
“Don’t click on it. Delete it. And if you wish, you can report it to my office,” said Murrill.
The number to the attorney general’s office is 800-351-4889.
“We stand united against all forms of extremism, and we reaffirm our commitment to a nation where every individual is treated with respect and dignity,” said Carter. “Together, we will confront this darkness with resilience, and we will continue to build a future rooted in justice and inclusion.”
