Federal agents arrested a 17-year-old Texas teenager after investigators uncovered an alleged plot to assassinate Republican Representative Keith Self at a public event. The arrest occurred on October 5 in McKinney, according to reports confirmed by Self and his campaign.

The intended target was a veterans fundraiser scheduled for October 17 where Self was set to appear. Investigators reported the threat involved concrete planning, including that the teenager had obtained a firearm and was under federal surveillance.

Self learned of the arrest through U.S. Capitol Police several days after agents detained the juvenile. The congressman stated his team heightened situational awareness but continued campaign appearances.

Self emphasized that threats against members of Congress have become increasingly common, yet this case stood apart because law enforcement made an arrest and prevented harm. He credited federal agencies for stopping the alleged attack.

Governor Greg Abbott noted the suspect had been radicalized by ISIS, possessed a firearm, and remains in federal custody. The FBI has not released detailed information about the case as of Thursday afternoon.

Self publicly stated: “This only strengthens my resolve. I will not back down.”

Abbott’s office confirmed law enforcement prevented the suspected ISIS-inspired attack from occurring.

Both candidates in Texas’ 3rd District condemned the alleged plot. Democratic challenger Evan Hunt stressed that political disagreements should never justify threatening an elected official, their family, or staff. He thanked federal authorities and urged Americans to reject political violence through democratic processes.

A local news organization reported that Self attended the veterans fundraiser without incident after the arrest. The teenager’s identity remains undisclosed due to his minor status, though reports indicate federal prosecutors are seeking to try him as an adult.

Self, a 25-year U.S. Army veteran representing Texas’ 3rd Congressional District, stated he would not be deterred from campaigning or speaking about radicalization risks.

The incident underscores how political violence can escalate rapidly from online radicalization to real-world planning with alarming speed.