Terror expert warns ‘lone wolves’ may have wider extremist ties
An 18-year-old Minnesota man is accused of plotting an ISIS-inspired attack on the Mall of America after reportedly being monitored by the FBI for two years, as counterterrorism expert Ryan Mauro warns that so-called lone wolves may be connected to broader extremist networks.
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Federal authorities arrested a 17-year-old Texas boy accused of plotting to assassinate Rep. Keith Self, R-Texas, and carry out a separate terrorist attack in North Texas on behalf of ISIS, according to a local report.
The teenager, who has not been publicly identified, was arrested on Oct. 5 after acquiring a firearm, according to federal law enforcement sources cited by WFAA.
“I am grateful to the FBI and law enforcement for stopping this threat,” Self said in a statement posted on X.
“My family and I are safe, and I remain focused on serving the people of Texasรขยย 3rd District,” he continued. “Preserving our constitutional republic from radical Islam means accepting the costs that come with itรขยยname-calling, threats, and worse.”
MALL OF AMERICA TERROR PLOT THWARTED; SUSPECTED ISIS SYMPATHIZER ARRESTED, FBI ANNOUNCES
Rep. Keith Self, R-Texas, arrives for the House Republican Conference caucus meeting at the Capitol Hill Club in Washington on Wednesday, May 13, 2026. (Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)
“Our Founders believed this country was worth the sacrifice,” Self added. “I served 25 years in the military because defending freedom was worth the sacrifice. This only strengthens my resolve. I will not back down.”
Self spoke about the situation to CBS News Texas following the arrest.
“When we knew about it, they had him,” Self said, admitting he had limited knowledge of what went on.
“The FBI, through the Capitol Police, only tells us so much,” he told CBS, although he did note, “I understand that they’ve known about this kid for a while.”
According to WFAA, the teenager allegedly planned to target Self at an event last Saturday.
Federal investigators also believe the suspect was planning a separate attack on behalf of ISIS, the outlet reported.
When asked by WFAA whether his public positions on Islamic extremism might explain why he was targeted, Self said he could not be certain.
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Federal investigators believe a Texas teenager was planning an attack on behalf of ISIS, according to law enforcement sources cited by WFAA. (Pictures from History/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
“If it’s ISIS related, you kind of have to believe that. I can’t prove that. I don’t know that for sure,” Self said.
Last month, Self introduced a nonbinding congressional resolution denouncing Sharia law and opposing its implementation in the United States.
He also co-founded the “Sharia-Free America Caucus” last year with Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, with the goal of opposing the influence of Sharia law.
Self is seeking a third term in Congress in November’s midterm elections.
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Reps. Chip Roy and Keith Self are creating a new group called the “Sharia Free America Caucus.” (Tom Brenner/Getty Images; Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)
Fox News Digital has reached out to Self and the FBI for comment.
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