Terror Expert Raises Concerns Over ‘Lone Wolves’

Authorities have arrested an 18-year-old man from Minnesota for allegedly planning an ISIS-inspired attack on the Mall of America. The FBI had been watching him for two years. Counterterrorism expert Ryan Mauro emphasizes that these so-called lone wolves may indeed have connections to larger extremist groups.

Meanwhile, a 17-year-old boy from Texas has been taken into custody after allegedly plotting to assassinate Rep. Keith Self and execute a separate terrorist act in North Texas. This information comes from a local news source.

The unidentified teenager was arrested on October 5 for obtaining a firearm, according to officials who spoke to the media.

In a statement posted online, Rep. Self expressed his gratitude to the FBI for thwarting this potential threat. “My family and I are safe, and I remain focused on serving the people of Texas’s 3rd District,” he stated. He added that protecting the country from radical Islam includes facing various challenges— insults, threats, and even worse.

After the arrest, Self spoke with CBS News Texas. He mentioned having limited knowledge about the situation, saying, “When we knew about it, they had him.” He acknowledged the FBI had monitored the suspect for some time.

Reports suggest the teenager intended to target Self during a recent event, and there were also plans for another ISIS-related attack.

When asked if his public stance on Islamic extremism could have made him a target, Self seemed unsure, saying, “I can’t be certain.”

He recently introduced a nonbinding resolution in Congress opposing Sharia law, marking his significant position on this issue. He co-founded the “Sharia-Free America Caucus,” aimed at resisting the influence of Sharia law within the country.

Self is currently running for a third term in Congress during the upcoming midterm elections.