Texas Congressman Speaks Out After FBI Makes Arrest in Alleged Assassination Plot
"This only strengthens my resolve. I will not back down."
Madison Summers · Oct 22, 2026 · 1 min read
Rep. Keith Self (R-Texas) says he and his family are safe after an arrest was made in an alleged assassination plot.
The FBI arrested and charged a 17-year-old boy from McKinney, Texas, who was allegedly plotting to assassinate Self at a recent event. The suspect was also reportedly planning an attack in North Texas on behalf of ISIS, per authorities. The arrest took place on October 5, according to WFAA.
"Protecting our Constitutional Republic from radical Islam is getting messy," Self told WFAA.
"I served in the military for 25 years with the mindset that defending freedom was worth the sacrifice," he added. "Our elected leaders should govern with that same mindset."
The Texas congressman told CBS News Texas that by the time he knew of the alleged threat, the suspect had been arrested. "It's more routine than you would think with members of Congress," he shared.
"The FBI, through the Capitol Police, only tells us so much," Self said, adding, "I understand that they've known about this kid for a while."
Although he has received threats in the past, it has not been "to this degree and not any that action was taken by law enforcement."
"I am grateful to the FBI and law enforcement for stopping this threat. My family and I are safe," Self wrote on X Wednesday evening.
He continued:
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.