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

On Thursday, US authorities charged Jessica Bowie, 35, with a terrorism offense for allegedly conspiring to blow up the New York State Capitol in Albany, according to court filings. The New York State Capitol, situated near the Canadian border, serves as the political epicenter of the state, housing both legislative chambers. The charges stem from Bowie's alleged correspondence with an FBI informant, where she expressed her desire to "destroy as much of the building as possible and kill the senators while they are meeting," according to the criminal complaint.

The woman, who converted to Islam and became a vocal supporter of the Islamic State group online, discussed bomb-making techniques with the informant, aiming to access the Capitol using a disguise as a food delivery driver to plant a bomb, before fleeing to Syria. Prior to her arrest on August 19, Bowie had reportedly arranged picnics near the Capitol to observe security measures and sought advice on manufacturing explosives. Her attorney declined to comment when contacted by the media.