Rep. Keith Self Continues Campaign After FBI Arrests Local Teen

Rep. Keith Self is back on the campaign trail in Texas. The Republican congressman is running for his third term representing the state’s third district. He is doing so after the FBI arrested a 17-year-old from McKinney. Officials say the teen plotted to assassinate Self. The congressman’s campaign confirmed these details to local news outlets. This development has added a layer of caution to his final push for votes.

The timeline of events began in early October. Federal agents took the teen into custody on Oct. 5. Self’s team learned of the arrest the following day, Oct. 6. They received the news through U.S. Capitol Police. Investigators told the campaign that the teen had been radicalized. The suspect was also being monitored by federal agents. Authorities believed the teen was planning a terrorist attack on behalf of ISIS. The specific target was a chili cook-off fundraiser for veterans. That event was scheduled for Oct. 17.

The fundraiser was a high-profile event. It was set to feature former Cowboys players and other notable guests. Self’s team was told the teen intended to strike during this gathering. Because of the threat, the campaign increased its security measures. They became more vigilant as early voting continued across the state. The team worked to adjust their situational awareness without disrupting their schedule.

Self said his military background helped him manage the situation. He noted that he had deployed to combat zones multiple times. This experience kept him calm when he heard about the plot. He explained that people without this background often panic when they learn someone is trying to kill them. Self understood that the arrest had already happened. His team focused on determining if the teen was a lone wolf. He said his wife, a military spouse for 25 years, also understood the risks involved.

The congressman admitted he has received threats before. However, this was the first time one resulted in an arrest. He acknowledged the seriousness of the incident. His team understood the potential for a major event. Despite the threat, Self attended the chili cook-off as planned. He judged 19 different chilies and three pots of beans. He described the experience as delightful and reported that nothing happened.

Self has not changed his daily routine. He continues to poll greet and meet voters every day. He said the plot will not deter him from his work. He wants to alert the American people to what he sees as a significant political ideology. The campaign is committed to finishing their job. They are watching their surroundings closely but remain active in the district.

This incident comes as Self takes a prominent stance on religious law. In September, he introduced a nonbinding resolution denouncing Sharia law. The resolution opposes its implementation in the United States. It asserts that the U.S. Constitution is the supreme law of the land. The topic is particularly sensitive in his district, which includes McKinney. In August, the McKinney City Council approved a site plan for a local mosque expansion. The vote followed hours of contentious public comment. It was later followed by an effort to recall several council members.

Self’s opponent, Evan Hunt, also reacted to the news. Hunt condemned the alleged assassination plot on social media. The teen’s identity has not been released to the public. The investigation is still ongoing. The FBI Dallas office has not yet responded to requests for more information.

As the midterm election approaches, the focus remains on the race. Self is pushing forward with his campaign. He believes in staying active and visible to voters. The incident has not changed his goal of winning a third term.