Rep. Keith Self says he 'will not back down' after 17-year-old arrested in alleged assassination plot
FBI reportedly arrests teen in possible threat against Congressman | Dallas News Live
North Texas Congressman Keith Self told us he was the target of an assassination plot. According to the congressman, a radicalized 17 year old was arrested. The FBI has not released any statements or details on the arrest. Steven Dial spoke to the congressman about this case.
DALLAS - U.S. Rep. Keith Self said an alleged assassination attempt by a 17-year-old Islamic terrorist from McKinney will not deter him from his public duties.
What we know:
Self told FOX 4's Steven Dial that he will continue his campaign appearances this week after authorities reportedly arrested a 17-year-old who planned to assassinate him.
Self said that Capitol Police notified his office about the threat several days after the teenager's arrest on Oct. 5.
He and Gov. Greg Abbott claim the suspect was radicalized by ISIS and had a weapon.
What they're saying:
"The FBI stopped this radical Islamic terrorist before he could strike," Gov. Abbott said on social media. "Radical Islamic terrorism has no place in Texas. We will combat radical Islam in all forms and eliminate every threat it poses."
Representative Keith Self, a Republican from Texas, speaks during the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Grapevine, Texas, US, on Saturday, March 28, 2026. The Conservative Political Action Conference launched in 1974 brings together
Self also addressed the situation in a statement on social media. He noted that members of Congress regularly receive threats, but said that most do not result in arrests.
"I am grateful to the FBI and law enforcement for stopping this threat. My family and I are safe, and I remain focused on serving the people of Texas’ 3rd District," Self wrote. "Preserving our constitutional republic from radical Islam means accepting the costs that come with it—name-calling, threats, and worse. Our Founders believed this country was worth the sacrifice. I served 25 years in the military because defending freedom was worth the sacrifice. This only strengthens my resolve. I will not back down."
Despite the reported danger, Self and his team maintain an active public schedule just weeks ahead of the election.
"I've been out poll greeting this morning," Self said during an interview. "I've got confidence in my security team, and we will certainly be more aware of our situation around us."
The other side:
Evan Hunt, Self's midterm opponent for Congress, released a statement also condemning the alleged threat.
"There is no place for violence in our politics. No political disagreement ever justifies threatening someone’s life. Every elected official, their family and their staff deserve to be safe, regardless of party," he said. "I appreciate the FBI and the law enforcement officers working to keep our communities and public servants safe. We must settle our differences through debate and at the ballot box. Political violence must be condemned without hesitation or excuses, no matter who is targeted. It is on all of us to set the example for our youth."
What we don't know:
The FBI would not confirm the details of the plot or the arrest to FOX 4.
Officials have not released the identity of the 17-year-old and likely will not do so because he is considered a minor.
Gov. Abbott said he remains in federal custody.
The Source: The information in this article comes from an interview with Rep. Keith Self, his social media statements, a social media post from congressional candidate Evan Hunt, and a statement from Gov. Greg Abbott.