Teen arrested over alleged plot to kill Texas congressman during chili cook-off

Federal agents have arrested a 17-year-old from McKinney, Texas, on suspicion of plotting to assassinate Representative Keith Self. The teenager was taken into custody on October 5, and Self’s campaign officials confirmed the details of the case to news outlets this week. The alleged scheme appeared to target the congressman during a public event held on October 17. As of now, the teen’s identity has not been released to the public because the investigation remains active.

According to the campaign, investigators believed the minor had been radicalized and was being monitored by federal authorities. The plot reportedly involved a terrorist attack on behalf of the Islamic State group. The specific target for the attack was a chili cook-off fundraiser for veterans. This event was scheduled for October 17 and was expected to draw former Dallas Cowboys players and other high-profile guests. Self’s team first learned of the arrest on October 6 through the U.S. Capitol Police. The FBI Dallas office has been contacted for further information but has not yet responded as of this report.

Representative Self said his response to the news was shaped by his military background. He noted that having served in combat zones helped him remain calm when told someone was trying to kill him. He explained that people without that experience often panic, but he understood the need to determine if the suspect was a lone wolf. His wife, who spent 25 years as a military spouse, also took the situation seriously given the history of such risks. The couple agreed that while the threat was significant, it was manageable with proper awareness.

The campaign stated that they increased their situational awareness as early voting continued across the state. Self confirmed that they upped their security profile, although he noted he already had plenty of protection in place. He acknowledged that threats against him were not new, but this was the first time an arrest followed. He described the incident as different from previous threats because of the tangible action taken by law enforcement. The team understood the seriousness of the situation and prepared for a potentially severe incident.

Despite the alleged plot, Representative Self attended the chili cook-off as planned. He stated that he judged 19 different chilies and three pots of beans during the event. He described the experience as delightful and noted that nothing unexpected happened. Following the event, he continued his campaigning schedule without interruption. He has been out poll greeting and meeting with voters every day since the news broke. He emphasized that the threat would not deter him from alerting the American people to what he views as a significant political ideology.

The timing of the arrest coincides with Self’s high-profile 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 is the supreme law of the land. This position has been a central part of his campaign for a third term in the Texas third congressional district. His opponent, Evan Hunt, also condemned the alleged plot in a social media post, adding to the public attention on the case.

The congressman’s district includes McKinney, a city where local debates over religious planning have drawn considerable attention. In August, the McKinney City Council unanimously approved a site plan for the expansion of a local mosque. The council said the plans complied with city development rules. That vote followed hours of contentious public comment. It was later followed by an effort to recall several council members. This local context may have influenced the broader political climate in which the alleged plot was conceived.

Representative Self remains focused on his duties and his re-election bid. He stated that his team continues to watch what is going on around them. The campaign is proceeding with its standard activities while maintaining a higher level of vigilance. The case highlights the intersection of local political tensions and federal security concerns. As the investigation moves forward, the focus remains on the actions of the arrested teen and the measures taken to protect the sitting congressman.