Woman accused of plotting "major attack" on New York State Capitol building

The FBI thwarted a potential terrorist attack in Albany, New York, where a woman named Jessica Bowie, 35, is accused of plotting a major attack on the state Capitol building. According to federal prosecutors, Bowie allegedly planned to use an explosive device to attack the New York State Capitol and its senators, First Assistant U.S. Attorney John Sarcone reported.

If convicted, Bowie faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000. She lived in Albany and was allegedly radicalized online, spreading messages of hate and violence against Americans. Prosecutors allege she surveilled the Capitol on five occasions and communicated with FBI sources posing as ISIS infiltrators. In one message, Bowie allegedly wrote, "I want to destroy as much of the building as possible and kill the senators while they are meeting...

I want them to lose a lot of important documents as well." She is also alleged to have wanted to kill at least 100 people and convert to Islam five years ago, formally making an oath of allegiance to ISIS in May that year. FBI sources met with Bowie and gave her $200 for a makeshift bomb, which she planned to bring into the Capitol in a DoorDash delivery bag.

She allegedly met with two other confidential sources and expressed a desire to carry out other attacks, including targeting the White House.