Federal authorities arrested a 17-year-old Texas boy on Oct. 5 accused of plotting to assassinate Rep. Keith Self, R-Texas, and carry out a separate attack in North Texas on behalf of ISIS, according to a local report from WFAA citing federal law enforcement sources.
The teenager, whose name has not been made public, was taken into custody after acquiring a firearm, the outlet reported. According to WFAA, he allegedly planned to target Self at an event held last Saturday. Investigators also believe he was separately planning an ISIS-linked attack.
Self addressed the arrest in a statement posted on X.
“I am grateful to the FBI and law enforcement for stopping this threat,” Self said. “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,” he continued. “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.”
Speaking to CBS News Texas after the arrest, Self said his knowledge of the case was limited to the moment authorities acted.
“When we knew about it, they had him,” Self said. “The FBI, through the Capitol Police, only tells us so much. I understand that they’ve known about this kid for a while.”
Asked by WFAA whether his public stances against Islamic extremism might explain why he was targeted, Self said he could not be sure.
“If it’s ISIS related, you kind of have to believe that. I can’t prove that. I don’t know that for sure,” Self said.
Self has been an outspoken critic of Sharia law in Congress. Last month he introduced a nonbinding resolution denouncing Sharia law and opposing its implementation in the United States. In 2023 he co-founded the “Sharia-Free America Caucus” with Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, aimed at countering its influence.
Self is running for a third term representing Texas’ 3rd District in the November midterm elections.
Fox News Digital reported that it had reached out to Self’s office and the FBI for comment.
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