Woman Arrested in Alleged ISIS Plot Against New York State Capitol
Jessica Bowie, 35, faces charges after allegedly surveilling the Capitol and purchasing bomb-making materials for an attack targeting state senators.
Image: Eddie Pollard / AI
Carla Rooney
Federal authorities arrested Jessica Bowie, 35, in connection with an alleged ISIS-inspired plot to attack the New York State Capitol.
Bowie appeared in federal court for the first time on Thursday, facing charges related to the alleged plot.
FBI counterterrorism agents observed online accounts linked to Bowie expressing support for terrorism starting around May.
Bowie posted messages online that included, 'Praise be to Allah for September 11th' and 'When I can migrate, I will poison these infidels.'
The Justice Department claims Bowie visited the state’s capitol grounds, taking photographs of the building.
Photos shared by the Department of Justice show Bowie buying bomb materials at a Home Depot and taking reconnaissance photos of the New York State Capitol.
The purchase included a large plastic bin filled with nails, which she later gave to agents at an in-person meeting.
A photo released by authorities showed the suspect conducting reconnaissance while fully covered in what appeared to be a black burka.
Bowie considered Albany City Hall as a target but ultimately focused on the Capitol, specifically targeting state senators.
The FBI claims Bowie planned to bomb the New York State Capitol and New York State Senators, intending to conduct the attack before fleeing to Syria to join others in ISIS-controlled territories.
I want to destroy as much of the building as possible and kill the senators while they are meeting. I want them to lose a lot of important documents as well.
Bowie stated she wanted to 'destroy as much of the building as possible and kill the senators while they are meeting,' adding she wanted them to 'lose a lot of important documents as well.'
She also claimed she wanted to affect the 'American system' and 'destroy some of the taghut,' with the Justice Department claiming she said she wanted the attack to have an “affect on the American system”.
Bowie was found carrying knives and a written oath of allegiance to IS.
Court documents indicate Bowie converted to Islam approximately five years ago.
The New York state legislature has been out of session since June.
Governor Kathy Hochul's office released a statement on Thursday regarding strengthened security measures.
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.
Governor Hochul stated, “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.” Hochul added, “While there is no immediate threat at this time, we will continue working closely with our law enforcement partners to protect New Yorkers and keep our communities safe.”