FORT WORTH, Texas — Threatening text messages sent across the country, including North Texas, are being looked at by federal authorities.
Many of the recipients learned they were not the only targets after sharing the text they received on social media. Out of nowhere, a disturbing text message showed up on Christina Smith’s cell phone Wednesday evening. Smith said she wasn't too concerned about the disturbing anonymous message at first.
“I just thought it was me for some reason," Smith said. "When I found out there were several of us that had received the same text, then it got scary.”
That’s because, in some cases, the messages are threatening. Shortly after 8:30 p.m., someone texted Smith, saying: "You have been selected to pick cotton at the nearest plantation. Be ready at 12 AM on November 13 Sharp with your belongings."
“It makes me feel sad. It makes me feel like I am being bullied," Smith said.
She said she feels bullied because in similar text messages, the sender wrote even more harsh words: "Be prepared to be searched down once you’ve entered the Plantation Group, and you will get KILLED if you don’t come."
The text with the threat is one of several versions sent throughout DFW and across the country.
The FBI sent the following statement to WFAA:
"The FBI is 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. As always, we encourage members of the public to report threats of physical violence to local law enforcement authorities."
Federal authorities also encourage anyone who believes they are in danger to contact local law enforcement, call 911, and they can also report threats by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI.
Smith said she believes there is a lot to do with the timing of the text messages. Some of the other recipients reported getting the text messages shortly before and after midnight on Wednesday. One of the victims in Fort Worth received a similar text from a landline telephone number in Cedar Hill. Another text message came from a mobile telephone number labeled "unknown caller" in Arlington.
“Other than the election and someone out there because of my political views or beliefs," said Smith. "Now they are threatening that this is what we're going to do to you.”
Smith said she is relieved the FBI knows about the messages and hopes whoever is responsible is held accountable.
“I don't know if they'll ever find out who it is, but I do appreciate the FBI looking into it," Smith said.