FBI Detains Teen in Alleged Plot to Assassinate Congressman Keith Self

Federal agents arrested a 17-year-old resident of McKinney on October 5 for allegedly plotting to assassinate Texas Congressman Keith Self, a development that has intensified security measures for the Republican lawmaker. Campaign officials confirmed the details to Newz Location, noting that the congressman’s team was notified of the detention by U.S. Capitol Police the following day. The arrest marks a significant escalation in threats against the representative, who is currently seeking a third term to represent Texas’ third congressional district.

Investigators believe the teen was radicalized and had been under federal surveillance prior to the detention. Officials stated that the suspect was planning a terrorist attack on behalf of the Islamic State group, specifically targeting Self at a chili cook-off fundraiser for veterans. This event was scheduled for October 17 and included former Dallas Cowboys players and other high-profile guests. The FBI Dallas office has not yet provided additional public comment on the investigation.

Representative Self stated that his prior military service helped him maintain a calm demeanor upon learning of the plot. He explained that while others might panic, his experience in combat zones allowed him to assess the situation methodically. He focused on determining whether the suspect acted as a lone wolf, a question his team addressed with heightened vigilance. Self noted that his wife, a military spouse for 25 years, also understood the inherent risks associated with such threats and shared in the seriousness of the response.

Despite the specific threat, Self attended the October 17 fundraiser as planned. He judged 19 different chilies and three pots of beans at the event, which concluded without incident. The congressman emphasized that the arrest has not deterred his campaign efforts. He continued to greet voters and meet with constituents, stating that the goal is to alert the American public to the political ideologies he opposes. His team increased its situational awareness but maintained its regular schedule of public appearances.

The alleged plot coincides with Self’s prominent stance against Sharia law. In September, he introduced a nonbinding concurrent resolution denouncing the practice and asserting that the U.S. Constitution remains the supreme law of the land. The issue has drawn significant attention in McKinney, where the city council unanimously approved a site plan for a mosque expansion in August. That decision followed contentious public comment and was later accompanied by an effort to recall several council members. Self’s opponent in the midterm election, Evan Hunt, also condemned the plot in a social media post. The teen’s identity has not been released as the investigation continues.