Keith Self Continues Campaign After FBI Arrests Teen in Assassination Plot

Congressman Keith Self is still out on the campaign trail, continuing his bid for a third term in office. This ongoing effort comes just weeks after the FBI arrested a 17-year-old from McKinney. The teenager is accused of plotting to assassinate the Republican representative from Texas' third district. Self's campaign officials confirmed the details of the incident to reporters, noting that the lawmaker has maintained his schedule despite the threat.

The arrest took place on October 5, according to Self's campaign manager. The congressman's team did not learn about the detention until the following day, October 6, when U.S. Capitol Police reached out to them. Investigators told the campaign that federal agents had been monitoring the teen due to concerns about radicalization. Reports indicated the suspect was planning a terrorist attack on behalf of ISIS and had specifically targeted Self for a chili cook-off fundraiser for veterans.

That fundraiser was originally scheduled for October 17. The event was set to feature former Dallas Cowboys players and several high-profile guests. Self's team received the warning in time to adjust their approach. The congressman said he increased his situational awareness and security measures as early voting continued across the state. He noted that while he always had security, the team became more vigilant about their surroundings.

Self drew on his military background to stay calm during the crisis. He explained that having deployed to combat zones multiple times helped him process the news without panicking. He said that people who have not dealt with such threats before often freak out, but he understood the need to determine if the suspect was a lone wolf. His wife, a military spouse for 25 years, also took the situation seriously, having sent him on several deployments in the past.

The congressman stated that while he has received threats before, this was the first time one resulted in an arrest. He emphasized the seriousness of the incident, acknowledging it could have been a major event based on what investigators shared. Despite the alleged plot, Self attended the chili cook-off as planned. He joked that he judged 19 different chilies and three pots of beans, and the day passed without incident.

Since the arrest, Self has continued his daily activities, including poll greeting and meeting with voters. He said the threat will not deter him from alerting the American people to what he views as a significant political ideology. His team is monitoring the situation but remains committed to finishing their job. The teen's identity has not been made public, as the investigation is still ongoing.

The timing of the arrest coincides with 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 position has been a key part of his campaign message as he seeks re-election.

McKinney, where the suspect is from, is part of Self's congressional district. The city has seen significant debate recently regarding plans for a new mosque expansion. In August, the McKinney City Council unanimously approved a site plan for the expansion, stating it met development rules. That vote followed hours of contentious public comment and was later followed by a recall effort against several council members.

Self's opponent in the midterm election, Evan Hunt, also reacted to the news. Hunt posted on social media to condemn the alleged assassination plot. The FBI Dallas office has been contacted for more information but had not responded as of the latest updates. The case remains under active investigation, with federal agents continuing their work to understand the full scope of the teen's plans.