Congressman Carter, Thompson Urge DHS Action to Stop Racist Text Messages Following the 2024 Election

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) and Congressman Bennie Thompson (D-MS), Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, sent a letter to United States Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas and Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation Christopher A. Wray urging them to evaluate the threat of recent racist, vile, and threatening text messages targeting young African Americans across the country. The Members request that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) take action to strengthen security measures as appropriate.

“These disturbing communications, threatening kidnapping and physical harm, not only threaten the well-being of those targeted, but the security of our nation as the messages intend to incite fear and sow division,” the Members wrote. “Our young people deserve to pursue their education and live their lives without fear, and these terroristic actions are a stark reminder of the prevention and mitigation efforts required to preserve such rights and ensure unity, inclusivity, and respect.”

Background 

In March of 2022, Congressman Carter met with FBI Director Christopher Wray as a part of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE) regional symposium. The conversation focused on the FBI and federal law enforcement’s response to recent bomb threats at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) across the country.

Read the full letter here.

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