Henrico Police Chief issues statement after reports of racist text messages sent to residents

HENRICO COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- The Henrico County Police Division's Chief of Police issued a statement regarding reports of residents receiving racist text messages. Henrico County Chief of Police Eric English released a statement on Saturday, Nov. 9 after Henrico Police and officials were reportedly made aware of racist text messages being sent to residents. The statement comes after nationwide reports and discussions of racist text messages circulating days after the election, some of which were reported in Virginia. According to the Associated Press, these messages were reportedly sent to Black Americans and, while the texts varied somewhat, they all instructed recipients to "board a bus" that would transport them to a "plantation" to work as slaves. The statement did not disclose the contents of what the racist messages said, however, English reported that some of the messages have specifically targeted residents in the Highland Springs area in Henrico. "There is no place in Henrico for this type of hateful and racist rhetoric," English said in his statement. "We want to assure our community that there will be no tolerance for these types of hateful messages." While this is a nationally spread issue, English said Henrico Police is working alongside local, state and federal partners to identify the source of these messages. "The actions of the individuals attempting to spread hate and fear will have consequences," English said. "Once those responsible are found, they will be prosecuted to the fullest extent possible."