Woman Charged in Alleged ISIS-Inspired Plot to Bomb New York Capitol
ContestedRigor 5524 sources
The Story
The US Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York alleged on Thursday that Jessica Bowie, 35, had pledged allegiance to Islamic State. Investigators alleged Bowie posted extremist messages online, including praise for the 9/11 attacks, and stated she wanted to destroy as much of the building as possible and kill the senators while they are meeting. Bowie was detained on Wednesday after allegedly acquiring what she believed to be an explosive device. The FBI said it thwarted a potential terrorist attack in Albany. Federal prosecutors charged Jessica Bowie, 35, with attempting to provide material support for foreign terrorist organizations. If convicted, she faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000. She allegedly surveilled the state Capitol building on five different occasions, captured on security cameras, and took photographs in preparation. She communicated with an FBI source posing as an ISIS infiltrator, allegedly writing, "I would like to [target] state capitol." She also told another source she was receiving help to plan a major attack and wanted it to have an affect on the American system. The complaint includes an image of Bowie at a Rensselaer Home Depot, buying nails and other supplies for a makeshift bomb. FBI sources met with her, gave her $200 for purchases, and later provided her with a firearm, ammunition, and a non-functional explosive device. She created multiple social media accounts using an honorific Islamic name, which were frequently suspended for violating terms of use. Craig Tremaroli, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Albany field office, said Bowie planned to attack on a day when multiple lawmakers were in attendance and wanted a complete disruption of our government. She allegedly planned to escape to Syria after the attack and then return to commit terrorism in Times Square.
The Spread
Contested
What they agree on
- A woman, identified as Jessica Bowie (also Samantha Bowie), 35, was arrested and charged with an alleged ISIS-inspired plot to bomb the New York State Capitol.
- The alleged plot involved using an explosive device to destroy the building and kill senators during a meeting.
- Bowie allegedly conducted surveillance of the Capitol building on multiple occasions and communicated with an FBI confidential source posing as an ISIS facilitator.
- The FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force in Albany arrested Bowie on Wednesday after she acquired what she believed to be an explosive device.
- Bowie allegedly expressed anti-American messages online, including praise for the September 11, 2001, terror attacks.
Where they split
- The Washington Post identifies the arrested woman as "Samantha Bowie," while most other outlets, including RT, CBS News, and The New York Times, identify her as "Jessica Bowie."
- RedState and The Blaze highlight Bowie's alleged intent to attack the White House and Times Square after fleeing to Syria, details not present in all other reports.
- GB News uses the sensationalist headline "FBI unmasks Islamist plot to bomb New York and 'blow non-Muslim brains out'," which is more charged than the framing in US major outlets like The Washington Post or CNN.
- LiveMint and The Daily Telegraph (AU) provide a more concise overview of the plot and arrest, while outlets like CBS News and NBC News offer more extensive details from the criminal complaint and FBI press conference.
Source Perspectives
Left5 sources