FBI Charges McKinney Teen With Plot Against Texas Congressman Keith Self

A 17-year-old from McKinney was arrested on Oct. 5, 2026, by the FBI on suspicion of plotting the assassination of U.S. Rep. Keith Self, a Republican representing Texas' third congressional district. The arrest, confirmed by the congressman's campaign officials, comes as Self campaigns for his third term and as early voting continues across Texas.

According to the congressman's campaign, the teenager was identified as a radicalized individual who was being monitored by federal agents. Investigators believe the teen was also planning a terrorist attack on behalf of ISIS. The specific target of this plot was to be Self, who was scheduled to appear at a chili cook-off fundraiser for veterans on Oct. 17, an event that was to include former Dallas Cowboys players and other high-profile guests.

The congressman's campaign team was made aware of the arrest through U.S. Capitol Police on Oct. 6, a day after the FBI took the teenager into custody. While the FBI's Dallas office has not yet provided additional details, the investigation into the alleged plot is ongoing.

Following the arrest, Self said he and his team increased their security measures. "At that point we upped our profile and we're a little more aware," he stated, noting that his military background, including multiple combat zone deployments, helped him process the threat calmly. "I understood since the arrest had already taken place, we just needed to be aware of was he a lone wolf or not," he explained.

Despite the alleged plot, Self attended the scheduled chili cook-off as planned. He reported that the event proceeded without incident and that he continued his campaign activities, including greeting voters at polling locations, without interruption. "This will not deter me from what I think I need to be doing," he said, referring to his public opposition to Sharia law.

The congressman has been a vocal opponent of Sharia law, having introduced a nonbinding resolution in September that denounced its implementation in the United States. The district Self represents includes McKinney, where the city council recently approved a site plan for a local mosque, a decision that was followed by an effort to recall several council members.

Self's opponent in the upcoming midterm election, Evan Hunt, also condemned the alleged plot on social media. The identity of the 17-year-old suspect has not been publicly released while the investigation continues.