Texas congressman targeted in alleged ISIS-linked teen assassination plot

Federal authorities arrested a 17-year-old boy from McKinney, Texas, on charges of plotting to assassinate Representative Keith Self and conducting a terrorist attack in North Texas on behalf of ISIS, according to federal law enforcement sources reported by ktsmradio.iheart.com, talk1200boston.iheart.com, and klvi.iheart.com.

The teenager was taken into custody on October 5 after allegedly acquiring a firearm. Authorities say the suspect was inspired by online terrorist propaganda and planned to target Rep. Self at a public cook-off event.

Rep. Self confirmed the arrest in a statement posted to X, expressing gratitude to the FBI and law enforcement for stopping the threat. He said his family is safe and that he remains focused on serving his district.

Rep. Self, who co-founded the 'Sharia-Free America Caucus' and has sponsored legislation denouncing Sharia law, said law enforcement informed him the teenager had planned to possibly shoot at him. Some details about the plot remain unclear.

As of October 22, the FBI has not released an official statement on the case. Rep. Self is currently seeking re-election in November, and the investigation into the alleged plot is ongoing.