October 23, 2026
FBI Foils Alleged ISIS-Linked Plot by 17-Year-Old to Assassinate Rep. Keith Self
Headline card by The Night Desk
FBI Foils Alleged ISIS-Linked Plot by 17-Year-Old to Assassinate Rep. Keith Self
Federal authorities arrested a 17-year-old boy from McKinney, Texas, accused of plotting to assassinate Rep. Keith Self (R-Texas) — and of planning a separate terrorist attack in North Texas on behalf of ISIS, according to a local report citing federal law enforcement sources.
What we know
- The teenager, who has not been publicly identified, was arrested on Oct. 5 after acquiring a firearm, according to federal law enforcement sources cited by Dallas ABC affiliate WFAA.
- Investigators had been monitoring him over concerns he had recently become radicalized by ISIS online propaganda.
- He allegedly planned to target Self at a public event on Oct. 17 — described in reporting as a public cook-off where the congressman was scheduled to appear.
- The suspect remains in federal custody.
- Federal investigators also believe he was planning a separate attack on behalf of ISIS in North Texas.
The story only became public this week. Self said he was first told about the threat by U.S. Capitol Police after the arrest had already been made.
What Rep. Self said
Self, who represents Texas' 3rd Congressional District, posted a statement on X on Oct. 21:
"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."
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"Preserving our constitutional republic from radical Islam means accepting the costs that come with it — name-calling, threats, and worse."
He told CBS News Texas that the FBI, through Capitol Police, "only tells us so much," but added: "I understand that they've known about this kid for a while."
On X, he also wrote: "This only strengthens my resolve. I will not back down."
Why Self was targeted — allegedly
When asked by WFAA whether his public positions on Islamic extremism might explain why he was targeted, Self said he couldn't be certain: "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 is an outspoken opponent of Sharia law in Congress. Last year he co-founded the "Sharia-Free America Caucus" with Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas), and last month he introduced a nonbinding congressional resolution denouncing Sharia law. A 25-year military veteran, he is seeking a third term in Congress in November's midterm elections.
Context
Threats against members of Congress are, as Self put it, "more routine than you would think." What sets this case apart: investigators moved early, made an arrest, and the alleged plan involved a firearm and an identified event — this was not treated as an idle online threat.
All charges are allegations. The teenager has not been convicted of anything and is presumed innocent.
This is a developing story. We'll update as more facts come in.
Source: Fox News — read the original report
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