Texas congressman says he and family are safe after threat

Rep. Keith Self (R-Texas) on Wednesday said he and his family are safe in the wake of an assassination threat from a 17-year-old.

“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 said Wednesday on the social platform X .

“Preserving our constitutional republic from radical Islam means accepting the costs that come with it—name-calling, threats, and worse,” he added. “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.”

Local outlet WFAA reported Wednesday that a 17-year-old was arrested and charged by the FBI for an assassination plot against Self meant for an event over the weekend. Investigators told the outlet the boy had also plotted to undertake a North Texas-based terrorist attack for ISIS.

The 17-year-old was arrested earlier this month in the wake of obtaining a firearm, federal law enforcement sources said, per WFAA. The federal government had custody of the boy, whose name is not public, the outlet reported.

The reported threat against Self follows notable instances of political violence in recent years, including assassination attempts against President Trump and the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.