Teen arrested for alleged plot to kill Texas congressman during chili cookoff

Federal agents arrested a 17-year-old boy from McKinney on suspicion of plotting to assassinate U.S. Representative Keith Self. The teenager, who has not yet been named publicly, was taken into custody by the FBI on October 5. Self’s campaign team first learned of the detention through the U.S. Capitol Police on October 6. The alleged scheme targeted the Republican lawmaker, who is currently seeking a third term in Congress for Texas’ third district.

According to information shared with NBC 5 by Self’s team, investigators believed the teen had been radicalized and was under federal surveillance. Authorities told the campaign that the suspect was planning a terrorist attack on behalf of ISIS. The specific target for this operation was a chili cook-off fundraiser for veterans scheduled for October 17. The event was to feature former Dallas Cowboys players and several high-profile guests.

Rep. Self confirmed to NBC 5 that the threat prompted his team to heighten their security measures. He noted that early voting was already underway across the state, adding to the complexity of the situation. The congressman explained that he increased his situational awareness and adjusted his security profile in response to the news. He stated that while he already had adequate protection, the team became more vigilant about their surroundings.

Self, who has deployed to combat zones multiple times in his military career, said his background helped him manage the stress of the situation. He explained that people without prior experience often panic when told someone is trying to kill them. In his case, he remained relatively calm because he understood the arrest had already neutralized the immediate threat. He focused on determining whether the teen was acting as a lone wolf or part of a larger group.

The congressman’s wife, who served as a military spouse for 25 years, also took the threat seriously. Self noted that she had seen him off to deployment several times and understood the risks involved in his line of work. He acknowledged that his team had received threats in the past, but none had resulted in an arrest. He emphasized that this incident was different because of the level of investigation and the specific plan to target him at a public event.

Despite the looming threat, Self attended the chili cook-off as planned. He reported that he judged 19 different types of chili and three pots of beans at the event. He described the time as delightful and confirmed that nothing happened. The congressman has since continued his campaign activities, including poll greeting and meeting with voters daily. He stated that the incident would not deter him from informing the American public about the political ideologies he opposes.

The alleged plot comes as Rep. Self has taken a prominent stance against Sharia law. In September, he introduced a nonbinding concurrent resolution denouncing Sharia law and opposing its implementation in the United States. The resolution asserts that the U.S. Constitution remains the supreme law of the land. This position has drawn attention in his district, which includes McKinney. In that city, the council unanimously approved a site plan for a mosque expansion in August. That vote 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, also condemned the alleged assassination plot. He shared his thoughts on the matter via a post on social media. The FBI Dallas office has been contacted for more information but had not responded as of the latest update. The investigation into the teen continues, and officials have not yet released his identity to the public.

The incident highlights the ongoing security concerns for elected officials, particularly during active election cycles. Self’s team continues to monitor the situation while keeping the congressman engaged with his constituents. The focus remains on ensuring the safety of the representative and his staff while the federal investigation proceeds. The case underscores the intersection of local political debates and national security interests in North Texas.