State attorneys general, such as New York’s Letitia James and Louisiana’s Liz Murrill, directed state agencies to investigate the origins of the texts, which occured after President-elect Donald Trump’s win Tuesday.

One of the texts, shown by CNN, says, “Greetings Talaya J, You have been to pick cotton at the nearest plantation starting 11/07/2024. Please Be ready at 8am SHARP! with your belongings. Our executive slave catchers pick you up in a brown van, be prepared to be searched once you’ve entered the plantation. You are in Plantation group 7.”

NAACP CEO Derrick Johnson has blamed the texts on the election of Trump.

“The unfortunate reality of electing a president who, historically, has embraced and at times encouraged hate, is unfolding before our eyes,” Johnson said. “These messages represent an alarming increase in vile and abhorrent rhetoric from racist groups across the country, who now feel emboldened to spread hate and stoke the flames of fear that many of us are feeling after Tuesday’s election results.”

Trump spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt told CNN the “campaign has absolutely nothing to do with these text messages.”

The FBI is also investigating the texts, saying in a statement that they are “aware of the offensive and racist text messages sent to individuals around the country and is in contact with the Justice Department and other federal authorities on the matter.”

James said the texts appear to be targeting people of color.

“I unequivocally condemn any attempt to intimidate or threaten New Yorkers and their families,” she added.

There have been reports of students receiving the messages in Maryland schools and a photographer in Virginia also received them. Law enforcement in both states are aware of the messages.