Federal authorities arrested a 17-year-old Texas boy from McKinney for allegedly plotting to assassinate Rep. Keith Self and conduct a separate ISIS-inspired terrorist attack in North Texas, the FBI announced Tuesday.

Radicalized Online and Armed

The teenager was recently radicalized through online ISIS propaganda and began planning targeted violence against the Republican congressman, according to federal officials. The FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force intercepted the plot before any attack could be carried out.

Investigators say the suspect acquired materials and developed specific plans for both the assassination attempt and a broader terrorist attack in the region. The nature of the planned secondary attack has not been publicly disclosed, but authorities characterized it as a serious threat to public safety.

Self Targeted for Political Views

Rep. Keith Self, who represents Texas's 3rd Congressional District covering parts of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, was allegedly selected as a target due to his conservative political positions. Self has been a vocal supporter of strong counterterrorism policies and harsh measures against ISIS.

The congressman was informed of the plot by federal authorities and has been briefed on security protocols. His office released a statement thanking law enforcement for their swift action in preventing the attack.

ISIS Continues Inspiring Domestic Threats

Despite ISIS losing its territorial caliphate in Syria and Iraq, the terrorist organization continues to inspire attacks in the United States through online propaganda. The FBI has identified ISIS-inspired terrorism as a persistent domestic threat, particularly among young individuals radicalized through social media.

The National Security Division emphasized its commitment to tracking down and prosecuting ISIS-inspired terrorists within the United States. Officials noted that these cases often involve individuals with no direct contact with foreign terrorist organizations but who adopt their ideology online.

Prevention Through Intelligence

The successful interception demonstrates the effectiveness of FBI monitoring of extremist online activity and early intervention capabilities. The Joint Terrorism Task Force model brings together federal, state, and local law enforcement to identify and stop threats before they materialize.

The teenager faces federal terrorism charges. Due to his age, certain details of the case remain sealed. The arrest comes less than two weeks before the midterm elections, raising questions about potential politically motivated violence during campaign season.

McKinney is located in Collin County, approximately 30 miles north of Dallas. The community has expressed shock at the alleged plot, with local officials praising federal investigators for preventing what could have been a tragic attack.