Teen Arrested in Plot Against Texas Congressman

A 17-year-old from McKinney has been arrested by the FBI on charges related to a plot targeting North Texas Congressman Keith Self. Campaign officials for the Republican lawmaker confirmed the details of the investigation to NBC 5, stating the arrest took place earlier this month. The incident involves a minor accused of planning to harm a sitting member of Congress who is currently seeking a third term representing Texas' third congressional district.

According to the campaign manager, the individual was taken into federal custody on October 5. Representatives for Self's team learned of the apprehension the following day, October 6, via the U.S. Capitol Police. Investigators reportedly indicated that the teenager had been radicalized and was under surveillance by federal agents. Authorities further stated that the individual was also planning a terrorist attack on behalf of ISIS.

The specific target of the alleged plan was an event scheduled for October 17: a chili cook-off fundraiser for veterans. The gathering was set to feature former Cowboys players and several other high-profile guests. While the FBI's Dallas office has not yet released a public statement regarding the matter, campaign officials have provided details concerning the nature of the alleged threat.

Upon learning of the potential danger, Congressman Self stated that his team immediately increased its vigilance. Although existing security protocols were already in place, the campaign adjusted its situational awareness in response to the reported plot. Self noted that his background as a military veteran influenced his reaction to the news, allowing him to approach the situation with composure rather than alarm.

"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. He emphasized that while he took the matter seriously, particularly regarding whether the suspect operated alone, the situation was not as traumatic for him as it might have been for others. He added that his wife, a military spouse of 25 years, understands the inherent risks involved and is also taking the matter very seriously.

Despite the alleged threat, Self indicated that he has faced threats in the past without escalation to this degree. "We knew there were threats, but nothing has risen to the level of an arrest," Self said, noting that this specific situation was distinct due to its seriousness. He proceeded to attend the scheduled October 17 event as planned, where he participated in judging nineteen chilies and three pots of beans without incident.

The congressman has also continued his campaign activities, including poll greeting to meet voters. He stated that he will not be deterred from his work, which includes alerting the public to political ideologies he opposes. This stance includes his recent introduction of a nonbinding concurrent resolution in September denouncing Sharia law and affirming that the U.S. Constitution remains the supreme law of the land.

The district Self represents encompasses McKinney, a city that has seen significant debate regarding the expansion of a local mosque. In August, the McKinney City Council unanimously approved site plans for this expansion after hours of public comment, a decision that was subsequently followed by efforts to recall several council members. Evan Hunt, Self's opponent in the upcoming midterm election, also addressed the alleged plot, condemning the incident in a social media post.

As the investigation continues, the identity of the 17-year-old suspect has not been publicly released. As of today, October 22, the FBI Dallas office has not responded to requests for additional information.