FBI Detains Teen in Alleged Plot to Kill Texas Congressman Keith Self

North Texas voters will continue to see their representative on the campaign trail despite a federal arrest tied to a planned assassination attempt. Rep. Keith Self confirmed that a 17-year-old from McKinney was taken into custody by the FBI for allegedly plotting to kill him. The lawmaker, who is seeking a third term representing Texas’ third congressional district, said the incident has heightened his security awareness as early voting proceeds across the state.

The timeline of the investigation reveals a rapid escalation. Campaign officials stated that the FBI arrested the teen on Oct. 5. The congressman's team did not learn of the detention until the following day, Oct. 6, when U.S. Capitol Police relayed the information. Investigators told the campaign that the suspect had been monitored by federal agents and believed to be radicalized.

Details regarding the alleged motive and target have emerged from the campaign's discussions with investigators. Officials said the teen was planning a terrorist attack on behalf of ISIS. The specific target was a chili cook-off fundraiser for veterans scheduled for Oct. 17. This event was set to include former Cowboys players and other high-profile guests. The FBI Dallas office has been contacted for further comment but had not responded as of this writing.

Rep. Self described his response to the news as calm, citing his background in combat zones. He noted that his previous deployments helped him manage the situation without panic. He understood that the primary question was whether the teen was operating alone. His wife, a military spouse for 25 years, also took the threat seriously given her long experience with the risks of military life.

The congressman acknowledged that he has received threats in the past, but this is the first time one has led to an arrest. He emphasized the seriousness of the incident based on what his team was told. Despite the alleged plot, Self attended the chili cook-off as planned. He reported judging 19 different chilies and three pots of beans, noting that the event proceeded without incident.

The lawmaker has maintained his schedule, continuing to poll greet and meet with voters. He stated that the plot will not deter him from alerting the American people to the political ideology he is opposing. He remains committed to doing his job and continuing his daily activities while staying aware of his surroundings.

This development 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 is the supreme law of the land. His district includes McKinney, where plans for a new mosque expansion have drawn significant attention. In August, the local city council unanimously approved a site plan for the expansion after a contentious public comment period.

The race has seen reactions from both sides. Evan Hunt, Self's opponent in the midterm election, condemned the alleged plot on social media. The investigation remains active, and the teen's identity has not been released to the public. The case highlights the intersection of local political debates and national security concerns in North Texas.