McKINNEY, Texas — The FBI has arrested and charged a 17-year-old boy from McKinney for allegedly planning to assassinate U.S. Representative Keith Self at an event last Saturday, October 17, WFAA-TV in Dallas reported, citing federal law enforcement sources. Federal investigators said the juvenile was also allegedly planning to carry out a terrorist attack in North Texas on behalf of ISIS. The suspect is a minor; authorities have not publicly released his name, and this report identifies him only by age and city.
Source: WFAA-TV Dallas, via eExtra News
According to the WFAA report, the suspect was arrested on October 5 after acquiring a firearm. Sources told the station that the 17-year-old had been radicalised recently and was being monitored by federal agents. He remains in federal custody. The allegations have not been tested in court, and no motive for allegedly targeting Self has been officially established.
Source: T-SPAN Texas
Who is Keith Self?
Self, a Republican who represents parts of North Texas including the McKinney area in Congress, is a vocal opponent of Sharia law. Last month he introduced a non-binding resolution in Congress that denounces Sharia law and opposes its implementation within the United States. Last December, he co-founded the 'Sharia-Free America Caucus' along with U.S. Representative Chip Roy of Austin; its stated mission is to oppose the influence of Sharia law in the United States. In August, over the objections of some citizens, the McKinney City Council approved the McKinney Islamic Association's plans for a new mosque, saying the plans were fully compliant with local laws.
Asked whether his positions might be the reason he was allegedly targeted, Self told WFAA: "If it's ISIS related, you kind of have to believe that. I can't prove that. I don't know that for sure. But you have to follow the [old saying] if it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it's probably a duck." In a statement to the station, he said: "Protecting our Constitutional Republic from radical Islam is getting messy. I served in the military for 25 years with the mindset that defending freedom was worth the sacrifice. Our elected leaders should govern with that same mindset." Self's office did not discuss his personal security measures.
The FBI has not released further details of the alleged plot in the reporting available so far, including the specific charges or a court date. Awaaz Punjab will update this story as official information is released.