Federal Agents Detain McKinney Teen in Alleged Plot to Kill Congressman Keith Self
A 17-year-old was captured by the FBI for allegedly planning an assassination attempt on the North Texas lawmaker during a veterans charity event.
By Kaito Sokolov ·
The Federal Bureau of Investigation arrested a 17-year-old resident of McKinney on October 5 following an alleged plot to assassinate Rep. Keith Self, a Republican representing Texas' third congressional district. Campaign officials for the congressman confirmed the detention to NBC 5, noting that the team was notified of the arrest by U.S. Capitol Police the following day. The incident has raised significant security concerns as Self campaigns for his third term in office.
According to information provided to the campaign, federal investigators believed the teen had been radicalized and was under surveillance by agents. The suspect was reportedly planning a terrorist attack on behalf of the Islamic State group. The primary target was a chili cook-off fundraiser for veterans scheduled for October 17. This event was expected to draw former Dallas Cowboys players and other high-profile guests, creating a crowded environment that investigators deemed vulnerable to an attack.
Rep. Self stated that his team increased their security measures and situational awareness immediately upon learning of the arrest. While he noted that he already had a robust security detail in place, the new threat prompted a more vigilant approach. The congressman acknowledged the gravity of the situation, explaining that his background in the military helped him remain composed. He described his reaction as calm compared to how other colleagues might feel, focusing instead on determining if the suspect was a lone wolf or part of a larger network.
Self also highlighted the support of his wife, who has 25 years of experience as a military spouse. He explained that she understood the inherent risks associated with public service and handled the news with serious attention. The congressman admitted that he has received threats in the past, but this is the first time such a threat led to an arrest. He emphasized that the seriousness of this incident made it distinct from previous warnings, acknowledging that it could have resulted in a major event based on the details provided by investigators.
Despite the planned target date, Rep. Self attended the veterans charity event as scheduled. He reported that he judged 19 different chilies and three pots of beans during the competition. The congressman noted that the event proceeded without incident, describing it as a delightful time. He stated that nothing happened to disrupt the gathering, allowing him to interact with attendees and continue his campaign activities.
The lawmaker has continued his poll greeting efforts throughout the state, meeting with voters daily. He expressed a determination to keep working, stating that the threat would not deter him from alerting the American people to what he views as a significant political ideology. Self emphasized the importance of continuing his job and maintaining visibility with constituents during this critical period of the election cycle.
The alleged plot occurs against the backdrop of Self's prominent stance against Sharia law. In September, he introduced a nonbinding concurrent resolution denouncing the practice and opposing its implementation in the United States. The resolution asserts that the U.S. Constitution remains the supreme law of the land. This legislative move has placed him in the spotlight on several national and local issues.
The congressman's district includes McKinney, a city currently debating plans for a new mosque. In August, the McKinney City Council unanimously approved a site plan for expansion at a local mosque, stating that the designs complied with city development rules. That decision followed hours of contentious public comment and was subsequently followed by an effort to recall several council members. This local context adds another layer to the political landscape in which the alleged plot was conceived.
Evan Hunt, Self's opponent in the upcoming midterm election, condemned the alleged assassination plot in a social media post. While the FBI Dallas office has not yet responded to requests for further information, the teen's identity has not been publicly released as the investigation continues. The case remains active as federal agents work to gather more details about the suspect's motives and connections.
