A 17-year-old man from McKinney, Texas, is in federal custody and authorities accuse him of conspiring to assassinate Rep. Keith Self (R-TX) at an event on Oct. 17 and carrying out terrorist attacks on behalf of ISIS in North Texas.
ABC News affiliate WFAA in Dallas reported that the suspect was arrested on October 5 after obtaining the gun. Sources told the station the teen had recently become radicalized and was under surveillance by federal agents.
While authorities have not publicly identified the suspect or released a specific motive for targeting Self, the congressman said his politics may have played a role.
“If it’s related to ISIS, you have to believe it. I can’t prove it. I’m not sure. But you have to follow [old saying] Asked if his political stance had led to him being targeted, he said: “If it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, then it probably is a duck.”
Self introduced a resolution last month condemning Sharia law and co-founded the Sharia-Free America Caucus with Texas Republican Rep. Chip Roy. The core group says its mission is “Opposes the influence of Sharia law in the United States and claims it is incompatible with the U.S. Constitution and Western values.”
Self-grateful to law enforcement for their efforts and explain The so-called conspiracy only strengthened his resolve.
“Protecting our constitutional republic from radical Islam means accepting the costs that come with it — abuse, threats, or worse,” he said. “Our Founders believed this country was worth the sacrifice. I served in the Army for 25 years because defending freedom was worth the sacrifice. This has only strengthened my resolve. I will not back down. ”
Evan Hunt, the Democrat who challenged Self in November, denounced the alleged conspiracy.
‘There is no place for violence in our politics,’ Hunt explain. “No political disagreement is a reason to threaten someone’s life. Every elected official, their families and staff deserve to be safe, regardless of party affiliation.”
Hunter added, “I appreciate the efforts of the FBI and law enforcement officials to keep our communities and public servants safe. We must resolve our differences through debate and voting. Political violence must be condemned without hesitation or excuse, regardless of who is targeted. “
Self will run for a third term in Congress this November.