Virtual Foxborough Class Interrupted By Racist 'Zoom Bomber'

FOXBOROUGH, MA — A virtual classroom in Foxborough became the target of a "Zoom bombing," a recent phenomenon during the new coronavirus pandemic where hackers will disrupt meetings, often with racist epithet, anti-Semitic language and other attacks.

Police said they are investigating the incident and did not confirm if there were any suspects identified.

The interruption happened Monday, the same day the FBI's office in Boston reported they were seeing an increase in reports of "Zoom-bombing." One of those instances happened last week during an online Salem City Council meeting. An undetermined number of people started posting racist messages for all participants to see.

In an email sent out to parents and staff, Foxborough Superintendent Amy Berdos said an eighth-grade online class using Zoom was hacked. She said the hacker posted news footage of the Christchurch Mosque shooting that took place in New Zealand last year. The hacker also posted a racist epithet and anti-Semitic language.

Berdos said the use of the Zoom app has been temporarily suspended at all Foxborough public schools.

"We are working with Zoom, the school district’s director of technology, teachers and the Foxborough police to ensure that this does not happen again," Berdos said in a statement. "As always, the safety of our students is our first priority."

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