Teen Arrested After Alleged Plan to Target Congressman at Chili Cook-Off

New details have emerged regarding the federal arrest of a 17-year-old from McKinney, who is accused of plotting to assassinate North Texas Representative Keith Self. The development was confirmed to NBC 5 by officials from Self’s campaign, marking a significant escalation in the security concerns surrounding the Republican lawmaker as he campaigns for his third term in the U.S. House of Representatives.

The FBI apprehended the teenager on October 5. Self’s team first learned of the detention on October 6 through U.S. Capitol Police. Investigators indicated that the suspect had been monitored by federal agents and was believed to have been radicalized. According to the campaign, authorities also told them the teen was planning a terrorist attack on behalf of ISIS, specifically targeting Self during a chili cook-off fundraiser for veterans scheduled for October 17. The event was set to feature former Cowboys players and other high-profile guests.

Upon learning of the threat, Self’s team immediately heightened their vigilance. Self noted that while he already maintained a security detail, the nature of the plot required a shift in situational awareness. He stated that the situation was serious enough to warrant increased awareness as early voting continued across the state. His campaign manager confirmed that the team was informed the suspect was being monitored and that the arrest had already taken place, which helped shape their response.

Self explained that his background in the military influenced his reaction to the news. He recalled deploying into combat zones multiple times and noted that his experience allowed him to remain calm rather than panic, a reaction he suggested might be common among colleagues without such exposure. He emphasized that the team needed to determine if the suspect was a lone wolf or part of a larger group, treating the threat with seriousness without letting it become traumatic.

The congressman’s wife, who has been a military spouse for 25 years, also took the threat seriously. Self noted that she had seen him off to deployment multiple times and understood the inherent risks involved in public service. He acknowledged that while he had received threats in the past, none had reached the level of a formal arrest, which he said distinguished this incident from previous attempts on his safety.

Despite the alleged plot, Self attended the chili cook-off as planned. He judged 19 different chilies and three pots of beans, describing the event as delightful and noting that nothing happened. He has since continued his campaign activities, including poll greeting and meeting with voters. He stated that the incident would not deter him from alerting the American people to what he views as a significant political ideology, asserting that the team will continue to do its job.

The arrest occurs against a backdrop of Self’s prominent stance against Sharia law. In September, he introduced a nonbinding concurrent resolution denouncing the implementation of Sharia law in the United States, asserting that the U.S. Constitution remains the supreme law of the land. His district includes McKinney, where plans for a new mosque expansion have drawn considerable attention. In August, the McKinney City Council unanimously approved a site plan for the expansion, a decision that followed hours of contentious public comment and was later followed by an effort to recall several council members.

Evan Hunt, Self’s opponent in the midterm election, condemned the alleged assassination plot in a social media post. As of now, the teen’s identity has not been publicly released because the investigation is still ongoing. The FBI Dallas office has been reached for more information but has not yet responded.