WASHINGTON, United States— The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and other agencies are probing reports of racist text messages invoking slavery being sent to black people across several states in the US.

According to the Associated Press (AP), alarms were raised across the United States after black women, men, and students, including those in middle school, were sent anonymous messages instructing them to show up at an address at a particular time “with your belongings”.

The international news outlet said that the incidents were reported in several states including New York, Alabama, California, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Tennessee.

The sentiment and tone of the messages sent were reportedly similar, however the wording varied with some directing people to report to a plantation. Some of them allegedly mentioned the incoming presidential administration.

According to AP, Missouri NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Coloured People) President Nimrod Chapel said black students who are members of the organisation’s Missouri State University chapter received texts citing Trump’s win and calling them out by name as being “selected to pick cotton” next Tuesday. Chapel said police in the southeastern Missouri city of Springfield, home of the university, have been notified.

“It points to a well-organised and resourced group that has decided to target Americans on our home soil based on the color of our skin,” Chapel is quoted saying in a statement.

The association further condemned the incident, calling it “deeply disturbing”.

“The threat — and the mention of slavery in 2024 — is not only deeply disturbing, but perpetuates a legacy of evil that dates back to before the Jim Crow era, and now seeks to prevent Black Americans from enjoying the same freedom to pursue life, liberty, and happiness,” NAACP President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Derrick Johnson, said. “These actions are not normal. And we refuse to let them be normalised.”

AP reported that the FBI was in touch with the US Justice Department on the messages and the Federal Communications Commission said it was investigating the texts “alongside federal and state law enforcement.” The Ohio Attorney General’s office also said it was looking into the matter.