Woman Charged in Alleged ISIS-Inspired Plot to Bomb New York Capitol

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.