Teen arrested for planning attack on Texas congressman

North Texas residents are watching a congressional race with new intensity this week. A teenager from McKinney was taken into custody by federal agents. The arrest follows an alleged plan to harm a local congressman.

Officials confirmed the news to local reporters on Wednesday. The suspect is 17 years old. He is accused of plotting to assassinate Representative Keith Self. The lawmaker is currently seeking a third term. He represents Texas' third congressional district. His campaign team verified the details of the arrest.

The situation became serious enough to change the congressman's daily routine. He increased his security awareness as early voting proceeds. The arrest happened on October 5. The campaign learned of it the next day. U.S. Capitol Police provided the initial notification. Investigators believed the teen had been radicalized. Federal agents had been monitoring him. The suspect was also planning a broader terrorist attack. That attack was allegedly on behalf of ISIS.

The planned target was a specific public event. The teen intended to strike at a chili cook-off. The fundraiser was for veterans. It was scheduled for October 17. The event featured former Cowboys players. Several high-profile guests were also expected to attend. The FBI Dallas office has been contacted for more details. They had not responded as of the latest reports.

Representative Self said his team responded by staying vigilant. He noted that his previous military background helped him stay calm. He has deployed into combat zones several times. This experience shaped his reaction to the threat. He understood the need to check if the suspect was a lone wolf. He took the situation seriously but avoided panic. His wife also understood the risks. She spent 25 years as a military spouse. She has seen him leave for duty many times.

The congressman acknowledged that he has received threats before. However, this incident stood out. It reached the level of an actual arrest. He described the potential severity of the planned incident. Despite the danger, he attended the chili cook-off as planned. He judged 19 different chilies. He also tasted three pots of beans. He said the event went smoothly. Nothing happened during the gathering.

The lawmaker has continued his campaign activities. He has been polling greeting voters. He met with constituents this morning. He plans to keep going. He believes he must alert the American people to a specific political ideology. He does not intend to let the threat stop his work. He said the team will continue to do their job. They will remain aware of their surroundings.

The arrest coincides with Representative Self's recent stance on religious law. He introduced a resolution in September. The measure denounced Sharia law. It opposed its implementation in the United States. The resolution stated that the U.S. Constitution is the supreme law. His district includes McKinney. That city has seen debate over plans for a new mosque. The City Council approved a site plan for expansion in August. The vote was unanimous. It followed hours of contentious public comment. An effort to recall several council members followed the vote.

The congressman's opponent, Evan Hunt, also reacted to the news. He condemned the alleged plot on social media. The investigation is still ongoing. The teen's identity has not been released to the public. Authorities are keeping the name private for now. The case remains under active federal review.