FBI Detains 17-Year-Old Allegedly Plotting Against Texas Representative

Federal investigators have arrested a 17-year-old from McKinney accused of orchestrating a plan to assassinate North Texas Congressman Keith Self, a development confirmed by the lawmaker's campaign officials. The teen was detained by the FBI on October 5, with the congressman's team learning of the custody status through U.S. Capitol Police the following day.

The teenager, whose identity has not been disclosed while the investigation remains active, is accused of being radicalized and monitored by federal agents. Investigators indicated the suspect was also plotting a terrorist attack on behalf of ISIS, specifically targeting Self at a chili cook-off fundraiser for veterans scheduled for October 17. That event, involving former Cowboys players and high-profile guests, proceeded as planned despite the allegations.

Self, who is currently seeking his third term representing Texas' third congressional district, confirmed the gravity of the situation and noted that his team immediately increased their alertness. The congressman stated that his background in the military prepared him to handle the news without panic. 'Having deployed into combat zones several times, I'm happy it happened to me because people that have never dealt with this before tend to freak out when somebody tells you that somebody's trying to kill you,' Self said.

The congressman's wife, a military spouse for 25 years, is reportedly taking the threat very seriously. While Self acknowledged he has received threats previously, he noted that nothing has previously escalated to the point of an arrest. Despite the concerns, the lawmaker attended the scheduled event, judging 19 different chilies and three pots of beans, and has continued his daily poll-greeting activities without interruption.

This incident arises as Self has adopted a prominent position against Sharia law. In September, he introduced a nonbinding concurrent resolution opposing its implementation in the United States, asserting that the U.S. Constitution remains the supreme law of the land. The congressman's district encompasses McKinney, where plans for a new mosque drew significant debate and a unanimous approval from the City Council in August, followed by an effort to recall council members.

Evan Hunt, Self's opponent in the upcoming midterm election, condemned the alleged plot on social media. The FBI Dallas office has not yet provided additional information regarding the matter.