Congressional Race Security: FBI Detains Teen in Plot Against Texas Lawmaker

A 17-year-old resident of McKinney faces federal charges for allegedly plotting to assassinate Representative Keith Self. This development has shifted the focus of the North Texas political landscape during a critical election cycle.

The Republican lawmaker is currently seeking a third term to represent Texas’ third congressional district. His campaign officials confirmed the details of the incident to NBC 5. Self stated that the threat was significant enough to warrant immediate changes to his security protocol as early voting proceeds across the state. The campaign manager revealed that the FBI took the teen into custody on Oct. 5. The congressional team learned of the detention through U.S. Capitol Police the following day.

Investigators reportedly believed the teen had been radicalized and was under federal surveillance. Officials told the campaign that the suspect was planning a terrorist attack on behalf of ISIS. The intended target was a chili cook-off fundraiser for veterans scheduled for Oct. 17. This event was to feature former Cowboys players and several high-profile guests. The FBI Dallas office has been contacted for further comment but had not responded as of this report.

Self described his response as calculated, drawing on his history in combat zones. He noted that his background helped him maintain composure while assessing whether the suspect was a lone wolf. His wife, a military spouse for 25 years, also supported his approach. The congressman acknowledged that he has faced threats before, but this was the first to result in an arrest. He emphasized the seriousness of the situation given the potential for a major incident.

Despite the heightened security, Self attended the chili cook-off as scheduled. He judged 19 different chilies and three pots of beans at the event. Nothing occurred, and he continued his campaign activities. He reported greeting voters and meeting with constituents regularly. He stated that the plot would not deter him from alerting the public to what he views as a concerning political ideology.

The arrest coincides with Self’s prominent stance against Sharia law. In September, he introduced a nonbinding concurrent resolution denouncing the practice. The district also includes McKinney, where a new mosque expansion has drawn significant attention. The city council unanimously approved the site plan in August following contentious public debate. A recall effort for several council members followed that vote. Evan Hunt, Self’s opponent in the midterm election, condemned the alleged plot on social media. The teen’s identity remains unreleased as the investigation continues.