FBI arrests woman over alleged plot to bomb New York capitol building
Prosecutors say the Albany woman had pledged allegiance to the Islamic State, and wanted to bomb the statehouse to kill lawmakers.
A woman from New York has been apprehended by the FBI in connection with an alleged scheme to detonate a bomb at the state capitol building in Albany, with the intent of killing lawmakers.
Prosecutors contend that Jessica Bowie, 35, had previously pledged her loyalty to the Islamic State (IS). She faces charges of providing material support or resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization.
Bowie had "repeatedly surveilled the building" prior to the alleged plot, and was found with a fake bomb and a non-functional gun, both of which had been provided to her by undercover agents, according to prosecutors.
"I want to destroy as much of the building as possible and kill the senators," Bowie allegedly told the agents, as detailed in the criminal complaint.
It remains uncertain whether she intends to contest the charges.
Bowie, who resides in Albany, upstate New York, reportedly discussed her plans with FBI informants and spent several weeks interacting with agents who were posing as IS members.
She allegedly chose the New York statehouse in Albany, believing it would be an easier target than the White House, prosecutors stated.
"I want it to have an affect on the American system," she allegedly told agents. Prosecutors assert that she visited the building at least five times for reconnaissance missions in preparation for the attack.
As part of her plan, she intended to conceal her bomb in a food delivery bag, officials reported. The charging documents include an image of the DoorDash bag she brought to the agents.
Agents reportedly also gave Bowie $200 (£147) to purchase bomb-making materials from a local hardware store. They drove her to a Home Depot store, and upon her exit, she allegedly expressed hope that she had acquired the correct type of nails.
"I hope the nails are big enough... because the nails work as shrapnel, right?" she allegedly asked the two undercover operatives.
She was arrested on Wednesday and was also found to be carrying knives and a written oath of allegiance to IS, according to the complaint.
Bowie was also observed taking photographs during a visit to the capitol building before the alleged attack.
She is described as a "frequent social media user" who has utilized these platforms to "espouse anti-American messages," according to a charging document filed by the FBI on Thursday.
The document states that she has been banned from several platforms for violating their terms of service, adding that she had also used social media to commend the 11 September 2001 terror attacks carried out by al-Qaeda.
During the investigation, she allegedly informed agents that she had converted to Islam approximately five years ago. She also reportedly stated that "she went from a little girl waving an American flag after 9/11 to now having stickers of the falling towers."
"I'm grateful to the FBI for leading this investigation and to the New York State Police for their work to apprehend this dangerous individual," New York Governor Kathy Hochul posted on X.
"Earlier this year, amid a rise in political violence and threats against public officials, we took steps to strengthen security at the State Capitol and across state government."