The FBI is investigating racist messages sent to people across the country; Stoughton students reported receiving them

The FBI said Thursday that authorities are investigating after a series of “offensive and racist text messages” were sent to people across the country, including in Stoughton, where several local high school students are of color. received a message with a message they were “chosen for picking cotton.”

“The FBI is aware of offensive and racist text messages being sent to individuals across the country and is in contact with the Department of Justice and other federal authorities regarding this matter,” the bureau said in a statement. “As always, we encourage members of the public to report threats of physical violence to local law enforcement.”

The bureau did not identify any of the recipients, but the announcement closely follows reports from Stoughton on Thursday that a racist text sent from an unknown number said the students had been “picked to pick cotton at a nearby plantation.” in a statement from Stoughton Public Schools.

“We understand that receiving a message like this is deeply troubling and can cause emotional stress and fear, especially for our students and staff of color,” the statement said. “Messages like these are perfectly acceptable. Stoughton Public Schools opposes any form of racism, discrimination or hate.”

Similar mass messages were reportedly sent to students across the country on the same day, according to a statement from school officials.

The text prompted the school to take action and express its support for the students, officials said.

Students and staff who received a text or similar message are asked to report it to school administration, the message said. Counselors were also available throughout the day Friday for all those affected, officials said.

The incident remains under investigation and has been turned over to Stoughton police, the statement said.

A request for further comment was referred Friday morning to an FBI spokesman.

This report uses material from previous Globe stories. This breaking news story will be updated as more information is released.

Travis Andersen can be reached at [email protected].