Federal authorities have arrested Jessica Bowie, a 35-year-old woman from New York, after allegedly plotting with an undercover Federal Bureau of Investigation agent to bomb the New York State Capitol in Albany. Prosecutors charged that Bowie attempted to provide material support to the Islamic State (ISIS) following her efforts to recruit assistance for the attack.
Bowie, who converted to Islam about five years ago, operated multiple social media accounts and posted messages expressing support for terrorism. According to federal prosecutors, she told undercover sources she wanted to attack the state capitol to “harm the enemies of god.”
Investigators say Bowie photographed the Capitol building from numerous locations as part of her surveillance and purchased materials for an explosive device at a hardware store on August 5. Authorities allege that Bowie planned to flee after the attack and potentially return for additional attacks if she avoided arrest.
On Wednesday, undercover agents reportedly provided Bowie with an inert explosive device and a nonfunctional handgun before taking her into custody. Bowie acknowledged that she could face decades in prison.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul praised law enforcement officials: “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.”
Bowie faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted. The alleged plot underscores the ongoing threat posed by ISIS-inspired extremism in the United States and the potential for lone actors to target prominent government institutions.
