FBI Arrests Teen Accused of Plotting to Kill North Texas Congressman

Residents of North Texas and constituents of Texas' third congressional district are now aware that federal authorities have taken custody of a local youth accused of targeting their representative. Rep. Keith Self, a Republican seeking his third term in office, confirmed that the plot involved an attempt on his life. In response to the situation, the congressman has adjusted his daily activities to prioritize safety, increasing his vigilance regarding his surroundings while early voting is underway across the state.

Campaign officials for Self stated that the FBI executed the arrest on Oct. 5. The congressman's team was subsequently notified of the apprehension by U.S. Capitol Police the following day, Oct. 6. Investigators told the campaign that the suspect, identified only as a 17-year-old from McKinney, had been radicalized and was under monitoring by federal agents. The teenager is also accused of planning a terrorist attack on behalf of ISIS.

The specific event targeted by the alleged plot was a chili cook-off fundraiser for veterans scheduled for Oct. 17. The campaign was informed that the gathering was expected to feature former Dallas Cowboys players and several other high-profile guests. NBC 5 has reached out to the FBI Dallas office regarding the matter and is currently awaiting a response. The identity of the 17-year-old remains unreleased as the investigation moves forward.

Rep. Self told NBC 5 that the seriousness of the allegations prompted his team to heighten their awareness. "So at that point we upped our profile and we're a little more aware, although I had plenty of security," he said. "So we did change our situational awareness around us." The congressman explained that his background in the military influenced how he processed the news regarding the threat to his safety.

"Having deployed into combat zones several times, I'm happy it happened to me because people who have never dealt with this before tend to freak out when somebody tells you that somebody's trying to kill you," Self stated. He noted that because the arrest had already occurred, his primary concern shifted to determining whether the individual was acting alone. He added that his wife, who served as a military spouse for 25 years, also understands the gravity of the potential risks involved.

While Self acknowledged that his office has received threats in the past, he distinguished this situation by its severity. He noted that previous incidents had not resulted in arrests, whereas this case suggests the potential for a very serious incident. Despite the concerns raised regarding the chili cook-off event, Self confirmed he proceeded with his attendance as planned, where he judged 19 different chilies and three pots of beans.

The congressman also affirmed that he intends to continue his campaign activities without interruption. He has been present at polling locations to greet voters and emphasized that these events will not deter him from his work. He stated that he will continue to alert the public to political ideologies he views as a threat, asserting that he will not be stopped from performing his job.

The arrest arrives during a period when Self has taken a visible stance on specific political issues. In September, he introduced a nonbinding concurrent resolution opposing the implementation of Sharia law in the United States, asserting that the U.S. Constitution remains the supreme law of the land. Self's district encompasses McKinney, a city where plans for a new mosque have recently been the subject of intense debate and a unanimous City Council approval in August.

Self's opponent in the upcoming midterm election, Evan Hunt, also addressed the situation. Hunt issued a statement on social media condemning the alleged plot. The investigation into the teenager's activities is ongoing.