The FBI arrested a 17-year-old boy from McKinney, Texas, for plotting to assassinate Representative Keith Self (R-TX), marking another escalation in threats of political violence.
Federal investigators said the boy was also planning to carry out a terrorist attack in North Texas. He now remains in federal custody, and Rep. Self is unharmed.
“I am grateful to the FBI and law enforcement for stopping this threat,” Rep. Self wrote on X. “My family and I are safe, and I remain focused on serving the people of Texas’ 3rd District.”
Rep. Self has been a vocal advocate against Sharia Law, starting the Sharia-Free America Caucus and pushing a non-binding resolution in Congress denouncing it.
Last month, Rep. Self’s district also drew controversy after the McKinney City Council approved the McKinney Islamic Association’s plans for a new mosque, saying they fully complied with local laws. Some citizens called for the removal of council members over this decision.
“Preserving our constitutional republic from radical Islam means accepting the costs that come with it—name-calling, threats and worse,” Rep. Self said.
This threat comes days after Senator Ted Cruz’s (R-TX) Houston office received a letter with suspicious white powder in it, while threats against political figures have steadily increased in the last year.
Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL) said the recent pattern of political violence is severely concerning.
“How many more murders and attempted murders need to happen before people wake up?” she shared on X. “This is NOT NORMAL.”
The Florida Congresswoman is calling on her colleagues to also speak out on this.
“MURDERING or trying to murder Americans because you don’t agree politically is deranged. Every single elected official should be condemning this,” Rep. Luna said.
But Rep. Self said he will continue to advocate for his constituents and won’t be deterred by any threats.
“Our Founders believed this country was worth the sacrifice,” he commented. “I served 25 years in the military because defending freedom was worth the sacrifice. This only strengthens my resolve. I will not back down.”
