FBI says it foiled ISIS-inspired plot to bomb New York Capitol building
Authorities say 35-year-old Jessica Bowie of Albany, NY, who is facing a federal terrorism charge, had been under surveillance for more than a month before her arrest this week.
An Albany woman, Jessica Bowie, 35, has been charged with a federal terrorism offense for allegedly plotting to bomb the New York state Capitol building. Authorities claim she converted to Islam five years ago and had been actively engaged in conversations supporting terrorism online since May. FBI counterterrorism agents began monitoring her activities in July, after discovering her intent to execute an attack on the Capitol.
Bowie reportedly sought the guidance of at least one confidential informant, who was posing as an ISIS facilitator, on how to construct an explosive device. She made multiple visits to the Capitol grounds, engaging in reconnaissance and studying security measures, all while keeping contact with various informants. Bowie also purchased a firearm and ammunition, intending to use them against law enforcement if necessary.
The affidavit revealed Bowie's plans to flee the country post-attack, but she expressed willingness to return to carry out further attacks on the White House or Times Square on New Year's Eve. It is unclear when she intended to execute the attack, as the legislature had been out of session since June. Governor Kathy Hochul's office commented on the situation, stating that the state had recently implemented measures to bolster security across state government in response to a growing trend of political violence and threats against public officials.
Written by urgent.news from Global News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
