On September 12, 2025, U.S. Representative Keith Self issued a stark warning that reverberates across borders: “The radical Islamic takeover of the UK should serve as a warning sign to our country. We must stop Sharia law dead in its tracks. It has no place in America.” This statement, posted on X in response to escalating tensions in the United Kingdom, underscores Self’s ongoing concerns about the influence of radical Islam and Sharia law. As a military veteran and conservative lawmaker, Self’s words carry weight, especially in the context of recent events like the assassination of Charlie Kirk and the wave of violent unrest in UK cities. In this blog, I’ll unpack Keith Self’s warning, the backdrop of societal imbalance in the UK, and share my perspective on why Sharia law is incompatible not just with America and Europe, but with modern societies worldwide.
Keith Self’s Warning: A Call to Protect American Values
Keith Self, representing Texas’s 3rd congressional district since 2023, has consistently opposed the spread of Sharia law, viewing it as fundamentally at odds with the U.S. Constitution. His September 12 statement was triggered by a viral video showing Muslims praying at Westminster Abbey, which he and others see as a symbol of encroaching Islamic influence in a historically Christian nation. Self’s warning ties directly to the unrest gripping UK cities like London, Manchester, and Birmingham, where anti-immigration protests have spiraled into violence since July 2025. These protests, fueled by frustrations over mass migration and cultural shifts, have seen far-right groups clash with authorities, alongside reports of Islamophobic attacks on Muslim communities.
Self’s stance is clear: Sharia law, with its roots in Islamic texts like the Quran and Hadith, threatens the principles of democracy, individual liberty, and equality under the law. He has previously stated, “In America, the U.S. Constitution is the law of the land—not Sharia. The two are completely incompatible and will always be.” His rhetoric aligns with his legislative priorities, including border security (e.g., sponsoring the El Chapo Act to fund border walls with seized cartel money) and protecting constitutional freedoms. For Self, the UK’s struggles—marked by vandalism, assaults, and societal fractures—are a cautionary tale for the U.S. to act decisively against any form of Sharia influence.
The assassination of Charlie Kirk, a prominent conservative figure, on September 10, 2025, at Utah Valley University adds a grim dimension to Self’s warning. Kirk, known for his own critiques of radical Islam, was killed by a rooftop shooter, Tyler Robinson, in an act that has shocked the nation. While the motive remains under investigation, Kirk’s outspoken views on Islamic influence in the West—including calling the UK a “hellhole” due to its cultural shifts—resonate with Self’s concerns. Though Self’s statement predates the assassination by two days, it reflects the same anxieties about radical ideologies gaining ground.
The UK’s Turmoil: A Breeding Ground for Concern
The UK’s recent unrest provides the context for Keith Self’s warning. Since July 2025, anti-immigration protests have erupted across major cities, driven by frustrations over perceived cultural erosion and unchecked migration. These protests have turned violent, with reports of mosque vandalism, assaults on Muslim communities, and clashes with police. A controversial flag campaign has further inflamed tensions, with far-right groups exploiting the chaos to push anti-Islamic narratives. Meanwhile, the UK government’s response—described by some as heavy-handed censorship—has drawn criticism from figures like Nigel Farage, whom Self has praised for defending free speech.
This societal imbalance, as Self sees it, is a warning sign for the U.S. The idea of a “radical Islamic takeover” stems from fears that Sharia-compliant zones or parallel legal systems could take root, as seen in some European cities where Sharia councils handle family disputes. These developments challenge national unity and secular governance, fueling Self’s call to “stop Sharia dead in its tracks.”
My Perspective: Sharia’s Global Incompatibility
I share Rep. Self’s alarm about Sharia law, but I believe its incompatibility extends beyond America and Europe to every corner of the world. Sharia, in its strictest forms, prescribes punishments like stoning for adultery or apostasy, enforces gender-based discrimination (e.g., unequal inheritance rights), and restricts freedoms of speech and religion. These principles clash with universal human rights standards that prioritize equality, justice, and individual autonomy.
In Europe, attempts to establish Sharia councils have sparked debates about parallel legal systems that undermine national cohesion. In the UK, these tensions are evident in the current unrest, where both radical anti-immigrant groups and extremist Islamic elements exacerbate divisions. But this isn’t just a Western issue. In majority-Muslim countries, rigid Sharia interpretations often suppress dissent, limit women’s rights, and marginalize minorities, hindering social progress. For example, laws enforcing dress codes or punishing blasphemy stifle the pluralism needed in a globalized world.
The assassination of Charlie Kirk underscores the stakes. His death, occurring amid heightened global tensions over cultural and ideological conflicts, highlights the dangers of ignoring these incompatibilities. While integration and mutual respect are vital, ideologies that demand dominance—whether through violence or legal overreach—must be rejected.
A Global Call to Action
Keith Self’s warning is a clarion call: The UK’s struggles with radical Islam and Sharia should spur America to safeguard its constitutional values. But I see this as a broader imperative. Sharia law, in its radical form, has no place in any society that values equality, freedom, and justice. From Dallas to Dhaka, we must uphold systems that unite rather than divide.
As we reflect on tragedies like Charlie Kirk’s assassination and the unrest in the UK, let’s commit to defending universal principles while fostering dialogue that bridges divides. Keith Self’s warning isn’t just for America—it’s for the world.
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