Federal agents arrested a 17-year-old McKinney resident accused of planning to assassinate Rep. Keith Self and carry out a separate terrorist attack in North Texas, preventing the alleged plot before a scheduled public event.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
The FBI arrested a 17-year-old Texas teenager accused of plotting to assassinate Republican Rep. Keith Self and carry out a terrorist attack inspired by the Islamic State group, according to federal law enforcement sources cited in reports published Wednesday, Oct. 21.
The suspect, a resident of McKinney, was taken into custody Oct. 5 after allegedly obtaining a firearm while under federal surveillance. Investigators believe he intended to target Self during a public event scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 17, while also planning a separate attack in North Texas on behalf of ISIS.
According to WFAA, federal agents had been monitoring the teenager because of concerns that he had recently become radicalized through exposure to extremist material.
Investigators reportedly moved to arrest the suspect after learning that he had acquired a weapon. His identity has not been publicly released, and he remains in federal custody.
Authorities have not publicly disclosed the complete evidence supporting the allegations or the precise circumstances of the planned attacks.
Self, who represents Texas’ 3rd Congressional District, confirmed Wednesday that he and his family were safe and thanked federal law enforcement for intervening.
“I am grateful to the FBI and law enforcement for stopping this threat,” Self wrote on X. “My family and I are safe, and I remain focused on serving the people of Texas’ 3rd District.”
The congressman, a 25-year military veteran, said the alleged threat would not change his political positions or discourage him from opposing radical Islamic extremism.
“Preserving our constitutional republic from radical Islam means accepting the costs that come with it — name-calling, threats, and worse,” Self wrote.
“Our Founders believed this country was worth the sacrifice. I served 25 years in the military because defending freedom was worth the sacrifice. This only strengthens my resolve. I will not back down.”
Self has been an outspoken critic of Sharia law and extremist organizations, frequently arguing that American constitutional principles must remain the foundation of the country’s legal system.
In December, he joined fellow Texas Republican Rep. Chip Roy in establishing the Sharia-Free America Caucus, a congressional group dedicated to opposing the implementation of Sharia law in the United States.
Self also introduced a nonbinding House resolution denouncing Sharia law and opposing its adoption within American government institutions.
The congressman’s public positions have prompted questions about whether he was specifically targeted because of his criticism of radical Islam.
During an interview with WFAA, Self acknowledged that investigators had not established a definitive connection between his political activities and the alleged assassination plan.
“If it’s ISIS related, you kind of have to believe that,” he said. “I can’t prove that. I don’t know that for sure.”
According to additional reporting by Breitbart News, the teenager’s alleged plans involved both a broader ISIS-inspired terrorist attack and a possible assassination attempt against Self.
The report indicated that the suspect had been charged, although details of the specific charges and court proceedings have not been publicly confirmed.
Federal authorities have not disclosed whether investigators believe the teenager was communicating directly with ISIS members or acting independently after consuming extremist propaganda.
The distinction could become significant in determining the nature of the alleged plot and any potential terrorism-related charges.
The arrest comes amid heightened concerns about threats and political violence directed at public officials.
Recent incidents include assassination attempts against President Donald Trump and the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, events that have renewed discussions about security for elected officials and political figures.
As The Hill reported, the alleged threat against Self adds to concerns about protecting lawmakers during public appearances and campaign events.
Self is seeking a third term in Congress in the Nov. 3 midterm elections, when he will face Democratic challenger Evan Hunt.
Hunt condemned the reported assassination plot and emphasized that political disagreements must never lead to violence.
“There is no place for violence in our politics,” Hunt said. “No political disagreement ever justifies threatening someone’s life.”
The FBI has not announced additional arrests connected to the case, and authorities have not indicated whether other individuals were involved in preparing or encouraging the alleged attacks.
The investigation remains ongoing, with the teenager in federal custody as law enforcement officials continue examining the circumstances surrounding the suspected plot.
Self said he intends to continue his congressional responsibilities and public advocacy despite the threat, reaffirming his commitment to representing constituents in North Texas.
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