Federal authorities have arrested a 17-year-old Texas teenager accused of plotting to assassinate Rep. Keith Self (R-TX) at a public event while simultaneously planning a terrorist attack inspired by ISIS.
The suspect, whose identity has not been publicly released, was taken into custody October 5 in McKinney, Texas, after federal agents learned he had obtained a firearm.
Investigators believe the teenager intended to carry out the assassination on October 17, when Self was scheduled to attend a chili cook-off as a judge at a Veterans of Foreign Wars post in McKinney.
The alleged plot also involved preparations for a separate terrorist attack in North Texas that same weekend.
According to WFAA, federal law enforcement sources described the teenager as having recently become radicalized through ISIS-related material encountered online.
Agents had reportedly been monitoring his activities before deciding to intervene once he acquired a firearm.
The arrest prevented the alleged attack from taking place.
The teenager remains in federal custody and faces charges related to the assassination plot and alleged terrorism plans.
Federal prosecutors are seeking to have him tried as an adult, a move that could significantly affect how the criminal proceedings unfold.
Authorities have not disclosed additional details about the firearm, the specific charges or the intended location of the broader alleged terrorist attack.
Self, who represents Texas’ 3rd Congressional District, confirmed that he and his family were safe following the arrest.
The Republican congressman, a military veteran who served for 25 years, thanked federal investigators for preventing the alleged assassination attempt.
“I am grateful to the FBI and law enforcement for stopping this threat,” Self said in a statement.
“My family and I are safe, and I remain focused on serving the people of Texas’ 3rd District.”
Self also addressed the apparent ideological motivation behind the alleged plot.
During an interview with WFAA, the congressman was asked whether his public positions concerning radical Islam could have contributed to the teenager’s decision to target him.
Self acknowledged that possibility but emphasized that he could not establish the suspect’s motivation with certainty.
“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.”
The congressman subsequently released a longer statement emphasizing that the threat would not change his approach to public service.
“Preserving our constitutional republic from radical Islam means accepting the costs that come with it — name-calling, threats, and worse,” Self declared.
He drew comparisons between his military service and his responsibilities as an elected official, arguing that protecting American freedoms sometimes requires confronting serious personal risks, per Trending Politics.
“Our Founders believed this country was worth the sacrifice. I served 25 years in the military because defending freedom was worth the sacrifice,” he said.
“This only strengthens my resolve. I will not back down.”
The alleged assassination plot has drawn attention to the dangers associated with online extremist radicalization and threats targeting elected officials.
Investigators reportedly identified the suspect’s interest in ISIS propaganda before he obtained the firearm, allowing agents to intervene ahead of the planned October 17 event.
However, authorities have not publicly established whether the teenager communicated directly with ISIS members or operated independently after consuming extremist content online.
No additional suspects have been identified in the available account.
The FBI and Justice Department had not released further official details concerning the investigation at the time of publication.
The allegations remain subject to criminal proceedings, and the teenager has not been convicted.
For now, Self has indicated that he intends to continue his congressional duties despite the alleged threat against his life.
