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

US authorities have charged Jessica Bowie, a 35-year-old woman from New York, with attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization. The charges stem from her alleged support for the Islamic State group and her desire to destroy the New York State Capitol in Albany, near the Canadian border. The capitol, located in the state's heart, houses both houses of the state legislature.

Bowie had reportedly converted to Islam and became a vocal online supporter of the Islamic State, posting anti-American messages, including support for the 9/11 attacks. She allegedly sought guidance from an FBI informant on how to manufacture explosives and planned to have picnics near the capitol to learn about security measures.

The accused also mentioned picking up anarchist literature at a social justice center, which she believed could provide useful tips. Bowie expressed her intent to destroy as many documents as possible and kill senators while they were in session. She even contemplated posing as a food delivery driver to access the facility and plant a bomb before fleeing to Syria.

She wanted to return to the US to target high-profile locations like New York's Times Square if her escape was successful. After acquiring bomb-making materials, Bowie was arrested on August 19 by FBI agents. Bowie is due to appear in court, and her attorney has declined to comment.