17-Year-Old Accused of Plotting Assassination of Texas Congressman

A 17-year-old resident of McKinney, Texas, has been arrested on suspicion of plotting to kill U.S. Representative Keith Self. Campaign officials confirmed the detention to local media, marking a significant development in the ongoing midterm election race for Texas’ third congressional district. The lawmaker is currently seeking a third term in office.

According to the representative’s team, federal agents took the suspect into custody on October 5. The congressional staff was not immediately aware of the detention but learned of it through the U.S. Capitol Police on October 6. Investigators reportedly believed the teenager had been radicalized and was under federal surveillance. The suspect was also allegedly planning a broader terrorist attack on behalf of ISIS. The primary target was a specific event: a chili cook-off fundraiser for veterans scheduled for October 17. This gathering featured former Dallas Cowboys players and other high-profile guests.

Representative Self stated that his background in the military influenced his reaction to the news. He noted that individuals without combat experience often panic upon learning of an assassination plot. However, he described his response as calm because the suspect was already in custody. His focus shifted to determining whether the teen was acting alone. He acknowledged that while he has received threats before, this was the first instance that led to an arrest.

His wife, a military spouse for 25 years, also took the situation seriously. She has supported him through previous deployments and understands the inherent risks of public service. The congressman emphasized that the arrest distinguishes this incident from prior threats, which had not reached the level of formal detention.

Despite the alleged plot, Representative Self attended the chili cook-off as planned. He judged 19 different chilies and three pots of beans at the event. He described the experience as delightful and noted that no incidents occurred. His team increased their situational awareness and security profile after learning of the arrest, though he maintained that he already had a substantial security presence.

The congressman has continued his campaign activities, including poll greeting and voter meetings. He stated that the plot will not deter him from alerting the public to what he views as a significant political ideology. He remains focused on his duties and intends to keep engaging with constituents throughout the state.

This incident occurs against a backdrop of political tension regarding Sharia law. In September, Representative Self introduced a nonbinding concurrent resolution denouncing Sharia law and opposing its implementation in the United States. The resolution asserts that the U.S. Constitution remains the supreme law of the land. His district includes McKinney, where local debates over mosque expansion have drawn considerable attention. In August, the McKinney City Council unanimously approved a site plan for a local mosque expansion, a decision that followed hours of contentious public comment and was later followed by a recall effort for several council members.

Evan Hunt, the representative’s opponent in the midterm election, condemned the alleged plot in a social media post. The teenager’s identity has not been publicly released as the investigation continues. The FBI Dallas office has been contacted for further details but had not responded as of the latest update.