US charges woman with IS-inspired plot to blow up New York State Capitol

On Thursday, US authorities announced charges against Jessica Bowie, 35, who allegedly plotted to destroy the New York State Capitol as part of an Islamic State-inspired attack. Located in Albany, the Capitol building houses both houses of the state legislature. Bowie, previously an online supporter of the Islamic State group, allegedly expressed a desire to destroy the Capitol and kill senators, along with damaging important documents during a conversation with an FBI informant.

She sought guidance on manufacturing explosives and covertly observed security measures by having picnics near the Capitol. Additionally, Bowie discussed the possibility of posing as a food delivery driver to access the facility and plant a bomb, before possibly returning to the US to attack other high-profile targets such as New York's Times Square.

After acquiring bomb-making materials, Bowie was arrested on August 19 by FBI agents. She was set to appear in court that day, with her attorney yet to comment on the charges.