FBI Arrests Teen in Alleged Plot Against Self

Federal agents have detained a 17-year-old resident of McKinney who allegedly plotted to assassinate Congressman Keith Self.

Campaign officials for the Republican representative confirmed the arrest to True Press Wire, noting that the incident has heightened security measures for the lawmaker as he campaigns for a third term representing Texas’ third congressional district. Self stated that while he maintains a standard security detail, the team increased their situational awareness significantly after learning of the threat.

The teenager was taken into custody by the Federal Bureau of Investigation on October 5, with the congressman's staff receiving the news through U.S. Capitol Police the following day. Investigators reportedly believed the minor had been radicalized and was under federal surveillance. Authorities indicated the suspect was planning a terrorist attack in the name of the Islamic State, specifically targeting Self at a chili cook-off fundraiser for veterans scheduled for October 17. The event was expected to draw former Dallas Cowboys players and other high-profile guests.

Self explained that his background in the military allowed him to respond with a degree of calm, noting that he had deployed to combat zones multiple times. He said this experience helped him distinguish between a lone wolf and a larger network, allowing his team to stay vigilant without panicking. His wife, who spent 25 years as a military spouse, also took the news seriously given her familiarity with the risks faced by public figures in defense and politics.

Although Self has received threats in the past, he noted that this was the first instance where the concern reached the level of an arrest. He attended the planned October 17 fundraiser as scheduled, judging 19 different chilies and three pots of beans without any incident occurring. Since then, he has continued his campaign activities, including morning poll greetings and voter meetings, asserting that the alleged plot will not deter him from conveying his message to the public.

The political context of the district adds a layer of complexity to the case. Self recently introduced a nonbinding concurrent resolution in September denouncing Sharia law and affirming the U.S. Constitution as the supreme law. Meanwhile, his district has seen intense public debate over plans for a new mosque in McKinney, where the city council unanimously approved an expansion site plan in August after hours of contentious public comment and subsequent efforts to recall several council members.

Evan Hunt, Self’s opponent in the upcoming midterm election, publicly condemned the alleged assassination plot on social media. As the investigation continues, the teen’s identity has not been released to the public. The FBI Dallas office has been contacted for additional details but had not responded as of the time of writing.