Teen Arrested: Alleged Plot Against Texas Congressman
Federal agents apprehended a minor accused of targeting a representative.
By Henry Castro ·

A federal investigation into a threat against a North Texas representative has led to an arrest. Authorities have taken a 17-year-old from McKinney into custody amid allegations of a plot to assassinate Congressman Keith Self.
Campaign officials for Self confirmed the details of the incident, which involves a teenager accused of planning an attack on the Republican lawmaker. The congressman is currently seeking his third term representing Texas' third congressional district.
According to the campaign, the FBI arrested the minor on Oct. 5. Representatives for Self's team were alerted to the situation by U.S. Capitol Police the following day, on Oct. 6.
Investigators reportedly advised the campaign that the individual had been radicalized and was under federal surveillance. The alleged plan involved carrying out a terrorist attack for ISIS. The intended target was a chili cook-off fundraiser for veterans scheduled for Oct. 17, an event that was set to feature former Cowboys players and other high-profile guests.
In response to the threat, Self stated that he adjusted his security posture. He said his team increased their vigilance and modified their situational awareness as early voting proceeded across the state.
Self, who has previous combat experience, commented on his reaction to the news. He said he was glad the arrest had already occurred and that he understood the necessity of determining if the teen was a lone wolf. He added that he has received threats before, but nothing had risen to the level of an arrest.
The congressman attended the scheduled fundraiser as planned, judging 19 chilies and three pots of beans without incident. He also confirmed he has continued his campaign activities, including meeting voters at polling locations, stating that the situation would not deter him. The FBI's Dallas office has not yet released a statement, and the teen's identity remains undisclosed as the investigation continues.
Source: NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth · original report published





