FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Corryn Freeman of Fort Lauderdale is one of a growing number of Black women, men and children across the country reporting getting racist text messages.
“Immediately like I was taken aback and I felt like my heart dropped down into my stomach and I was afraid,” Freeman said.
In some cases, the texts addressed them by name.
6 p.m. report:
“This is an intentional scare tactic that someone is doing to make Black people feel disempowered,” Freeman said.
Those targeted say they started getting the messages Wednesday.
Black students have also reported getting texts.
The national president of the NAACP said in a statement:
“The unfortunate reality of electing a President who, historically has embraced, and at times encouraged hate, is unfolding before our eyes.”
The Trump campaign is denying any involvement.
The senders’ numbers are visible in the messages, and Text Now, a company allowing people to create fake phone numbers, says it’s been shutting accounts involved.