The FBI has arrested and charged a 17-year-old boy from McKinney for allegedly planning to assassinate U.S. Rep. Keith Self at a local event last Saturday and to carry out a terrorist attack in North Texas on behalf of ISIS.
Federal investigators said the juvenile was arrested Oct. 5 after he acquired a firearm, according to sources cited by WFAA. Agents had been monitoring the teen after he was radicalized recently, and he remains in federal custody. His name has not been publicly released because he is a juvenile.
Self, a Republican who represents Texas’ 3rd Congressional District, said he and his family are safe. In a statement posted on X, he wrote that he is grateful to the FBI and law enforcement for stopping the threat and that the incident only strengthens his resolve.
I am grateful to the FBI and law enforcement for stopping this threat. My family and I are safe, and I remain focused on serving the people of Texas’ 3rd District. Preserving our constitutional republic from radical Islam means accepting the costs that come with it—name-calling, threats, and worse. Our Founders believed this country was worth the sacrifice. I served 25 years in the military because defending freedom was worth the sacrifice. This only strengthens my resolve. I will not back down. https://t.co/FdUMUQ7wk6
— Rep. Keith Self (@RepKeithSelf) October 21, 2026
“Preserving our constitutional republic from radical Islam means accepting the costs that come with it—name-calling, threats, and worse,” Self said. “Our Founders believed this country was worth the sacrifice. I served 25 years in the military because defending freedom was worth the sacrifice. This only strengthens my resolve. I will not back down.”
Self told CBS News Texas that Capitol Police notified him of the threat only after the arrest had already taken place. He said he did not know the exact wording of the threat or how it was communicated, but that law enforcement informed him the teenager planned to “make waves, perhaps try to shoot at me,” and carry out a terrorist attack. Self added that he understood the FBI had known about the teen for some time.
The alleged plot was set for an event in the McKinney area. Self has been outspoken against what he describes as radical Islam and the influence of Sharia law. He co-founded the Sharia-Free America Caucus with Rep. Chip Roy and has introduced legislation and resolutions opposing its implementation in the United States.
No injuries were reported, and authorities have not released additional details about the charges or whether prosecutors will seek to try the teen as an adult. The investigation remains ongoing.
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