Texas Teen Held in Alleged ISIS-Inspired Plot to Kill Rep. Keith Self

LifeZette reports that the FBI arrested a 17-year-old from McKinney, Texas, accused of plotting to assassinate Republican Rep. Keith Self and of planning an ISIS-inspired attack in North Texas. Federal prosecutors are seeking to try the teen as an adult.

Key points

• The arrest: Agents took the teen into custody on October 5, after he got a firearm. His name has not been released, and he remains in federal custody.
• The alleged target: Investigators say the plan centered on an October 17 chili cook-off at a McKinney VFW post where Self was set to be a judge. A wider North Texas attack was allegedly planned for the same weekend.
• Radicalization: Citing WFAA, the outlet says the teen had recently been radicalized by ISIS material online and that federal agents were already monitoring him.
• Self's response: In a statement on X, Self thanked the FBI and law enforcement, said his family was safe, and said the episode "only strengthens my resolve."
• Possible motive: Asked by WFAA whether his public stance on radical Islam made him a target, Self said he thought it possible but could not prove it.

Quick take

LifeZette notes that Self, who represents Texas' 3rd District and says he served 25 years in the military, has spoken publicly against radical Islam and has vowed not to back down after the alleged plot.

Read the full story at LifeZette.