Investigation Stalled? Public Records Request Denied

The number of Nevada residents targeted, the specific content of the messages, and the current status of the investigation remain unclear. Attorney General Aaron Ford’s staff has denied multiple requests for records related to the case, citing an ongoing criminal investigation.

On Nov.12, a formal records request was submitted seeking correspondence related to the messages and copies of any messages the agency might possess. A week later,Ford’s office acknowledged the request but issued a blanket denial.

has identified records that may not be released because the requested records are part of an on-going criminal investigation and release would jeopardize law enforcement details.

The same denial was issued after resubmitting the request earlier this month. Last week, the Attorney General’s Office also declined to comment when asked for any investigative updates.

Legal experts Question Withholding of Information

Legal experts argue that the Attorney General’s office may be overstepping its authority in withholding information. Benjamin Lipman, a legal officer, stated that Nevada law does not provide a blanket exemption allowing law enforcement to withhold public records simply because they are relevant to an ongoing investigation.

In this case, there seems to be no legitimate rationale for withholding communications that have already been the subject of nation-wide reporting.

Initial Response and Public statements

Ford’s office initially acknowledged the racist messages in a news release, condemning their content. However, the office refrained from sharing the specific messages publicly due to their offensive nature.

Our office has been made aware of vile, racist messages being sent to Nevada residents which reference enslavement and forced labor… Due to the morally abhorrent and extremely racist nature of the messages, we will not publicly share the specific messages that have been received.

Despite this, details of the messages have emerged through other media outlets.

Content of the Racist Messages

Reports indicate the messages contained disturbing and hateful content,often targeting individuals based on their race. One message, sent to a New Jersey resident, was published by CNN:

The message addressed the Black woman by name, telling her she was selected to pick cotton at a plantation and to be on the lookout for executive slave catchers who would pick her up.

Some messages also referenced President Donald Trump’s incoming administration, though his campaign denied any involvement.

Federal Involvement and Expanded Scope

Following the emergence of the racist messages, both the FBI and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) launched investigations, collaborating wiht federal and state law enforcement agencies.The FBI later expanded its investigation to include other targeted groups.

The text message recipients have now expanded to high school students, as well as both the Hispanic and LGBTQIA+ communities… Some recipients reported being told they were selected for deportation or to report to a re-education camp. The messages have also been reported as being received via email communication.

It remains unclear weather any Nevadans were among those targeted in the expanded scope of the investigation.The local FBI office declined to comment on any possible updates.

Transparency Concerns

The lack of transparency from the Nevada attorney General’s Office raises concerns about accountability and the public’s right to know. The continued silence on the investigation’s progress leaves many questions unanswered and fuels speculation about the reasons for the secrecy.