In a stark reminder of the persistent threats facing America, the FBI has successfully arrested and charged a 17-year-old with plotting to assassinate a principled Texas Republican lawmaker, U.S. Representative Keith Self, and carry out a "terror attack" on American soil. This chilling plot, federal investigators say, was inspired and guided by the radical Islamist group ISIS.
The target, Representative Keith Self, is a vocal and unwavering opponent of Sharia law and the spread of Islamic extremism within the United States. He represents Texas' 4th Congressional District and has been at the forefront of legislative efforts to protect American values from foreign ideologies. Self notably co-founded the "Sharia-Free America Caucus" with U.S. Rep. Chip Roy, R-Austin, a group that has grown to 38 congressional members from 18 states, bravely standing for the Constitution against encroaching radical ideologies.
Federal law enforcement sources indicate the suspect was apprehended on October 5 after acquiring a firearm, mere days before his intended attack at an event last Saturday. The 17-year-old, whose name has not been released, was reportedly radicalized recently and had been under federal surveillance.
Self addressed the terrifying possibility that his principled stand put a target on his back. "If it's ISIS related, you kind of have to believe that," Self told WFAA. "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." This is the kind of plain-spoken common sense Americans expect from their leaders, not the equivocating of the political class.
The context surrounding this plot further underscores the ongoing struggle. The House Freedom Caucus, a beacon of conservative strength, commendably shared its gratitude for the FBI's intervention, preventing what could have been a tragic loss. Yet, it also brings to mind the disturbing silence from other corners; as RedState previously reported, Senate Democrats disgracefully boycotted an August hearing hosted by Senator Ted Cruz (TX) aimed at condemning radical Islamic groups like the Muslim Brotherhood. The contrast between those who actively confront these threats and those who would rather look away could not be more stark.
Representative Self, a veteran who served 25 years in the military, eloquently articulated the commitment required to defend liberty. "Protecting our Constitutional Republic from radical Islam is getting messy," he said in a statement. "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." This is the America First spirit: understanding that freedom isn't free, and some battles are worth fighting.
This thwarted assassination attempt is a stark warning that the fight to preserve our Republic from radical ideologies, both foreign and domestic, is far from over. It is a testament to the vigilance of our law enforcement and a call for all patriotic Americans to remain steadfast against forces that seek to undermine our way of life and silence those who dare to defend it.
