Teen Detained After Plot Targeting Texas Congressman

A 17-year-old is in federal custody after being accused of plotting an assassination against a prominent North Texas legislator.

Representative Keith Self, who is currently running for a third term to represent Texas' third congressional district, confirmed the situation to NBC 5. Campaign officials stated that the teenager was arrested by the FBI on October 5, with the congressman's team alerted to the development through U.S. Capitol Police on October 6.

Investigators informed the campaign that the suspect had been radicalized and was under federal monitoring. Authorities believe the teen was also planning a terrorist attack on behalf of ISIS. The intended target was Self, and the alleged plan involved an event scheduled for October 17: a chili cook-off fundraiser for veterans that featured former Cowboys players and other high-profile guests. NBC 5 has reached out to the FBI Dallas office for additional details and is awaiting a response.

In response to the news, Self increased security protocols as early voting continues across the state. He said his background influenced how he processed the threat. "Having deployed into combat zones several times, 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. "So in my case, it was a little more calm. I understood since the arrest had already taken place, we just needed to be aware of was he a lone wolf or not. So, we took that seriously. But it was not as a traumatic for me as it might have been for some of my colleagues."

Self noted that he has received threats in the past, though none had previously resulted in an arrest. He emphasized that he and his wife, who spent 25 years as a military spouse, are taking the matter seriously due to the potential risks involved.

Despite the alleged threat, the congressman proceeded with his schedule. "I judged 19 different chilies and three different pots of beans," Self said. "It was a delightful time and nothing, of course, happened." He added that he has continued his campaign activities and poll greeting. "This will not deter me from what I think I need to be doing to alert the American people to this political ideology," Self said. "So it won't deter me. We will continue to do our job."

The incident comes as Self has taken a prominent stance against Sharia law. In September, he introduced a nonbinding concurrent resolution denouncing Sharia law and opposing its implementation in the United States. The resolution states that the U.S. Constitution is the supreme law of the land. Self's district includes McKinney, where a debate over plans for a new mosque drew significant attention. In August, the McKinney City Council unanimously approved a site plan for expansion at a local mosque, stating the plans complied with city development rules. That vote followed hours of contentious public comment and was later followed by an effort to recall several council members.

Evan Hunt, Self's opponent in the midterm election, also condemned the alleged plot in a social media post. The teen's identity has not been released as the investigation continues.