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

On Thursday, the US government formally charged Jessica Bowie, a 35-year-old woman, with a terrorism offense for allegedly plotting to destroy the New York State Capitol building. The New York State Capitol, situated in Albany near the Canadian border, serves as the epicenter of the state's government, housing both chambers of the state legislature.

According to court documents, Bowie converted to Islam and emerged as a vocal online supporter of the Islamic State group, disseminating anti-American sentiments, including sympathy for the September 11 attackers. She is accused of engaging in discussions with an FBI informant about her desire to inflict damage and kill senators while they were in session, as well as aiming to obliterate critical documents within the building.

Bowie reportedly sought guidance from the informant on how to craft explosives and mentioned her acquisition of anarchist literature from a social justice center, which she believed contained valuable insights. She also contemplated posing as a food delivery driver to gain access to the facility for the purpose of planting a bomb and subsequently fleeing to Syria.

In an attempt to carry out a subsequent assault on high-profile targets, such as New York's Times Square, Bowie allegedly planned to return to the United States. Upon acquiring a DoorDash bag and bomb-making materials, including nails for use as shrapnel, she was apprehended by FBI agents on August 19. During a conversation with the agents, Bowie reportedly expressed a lack of hope, stating, "There's no helping me, you guys know enough."

Her scheduled court appearance took place on Thursday, and her attorney declined to provide any comments.