Black Lawmakers In Iowa Zoom ‘Bombed’ With Racial Slurs And Threats
Black Democratic state representatives in Iowa had their Zoom meeting hijacked with racist slurs and violent threats.
According to the Des Moines Register, several Black Iowa state legislators were conducting a Zoom meeting on Friday, January 7 when Zoom bombers attacked them with racial epithets, threats, and swatiskas.
Iowa Democratic Party Black Caucus Chair Al Womble, who was on the Zoom call, told the Register, “It saddens me that there are people stooping [to] such low levels… We should be able to have political disagreement in this country without it leading to violent language and violent action. You would think people have better things to do with their lives."
Iowa Democratic Party Chair Ross Wilburn also said in a Jan. 8 statement, “What happened last night was an appalling attempt to intimidate and silence Black voices in Iowa. Unfortunately, these despicable experiences of harassment are far too common for Black Iowans. That’s why it’s crucial all Iowans speak up and hold those accountable for bigoted actions and statements.”
The incident was reported to the West Des Moines Police Department. As of now, there are no suspects.
Racist “Zoom bombing” has been ongoing during the pandemic, since many meetings have moved to virtual. Just last month, according to NOLA.com, Brian Adams, a 45-year-old Kentucky man was accused of racist “Zoom bombing.” Adams is currently under federal investigation for allegedly entering a virtual classroom of a predominantly Black Louisiana school and hurling racial epithets.
