Woman charged with planning IS-inspired attack on New York state capitol building

On Thursday, the US justice department announced that Jessica Bowie, a 35-year-old woman from Albany, has been charged with planning an Islamic State-inspired attack on New York's state capitol building in Albany. According to the department, Bowie aimed to deploy an explosive device at the capitol with the intent to kill public officials and inflict significant damage to the building. Assistant Attorney General John A. Eisenberg for national security made this disclosure.

Bowie was apprehended on Wednesday after she was found in possession of what she believed was an explosive device. She had been seen making visits to the capitol grounds and taking photographs of the building. The justice department stated that Bowie targeted the capitol, calling it her primary target, and expressed her desire for the attack to have a significant impact on the American system.

Furthermore, the department reported that Bowie shared anti-American messages online, including celebrating the September 11 attacks where al-Qaida militants hijacked commercial airliners and attacked the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

Following Bowie's arrest, New York Governor Kathy Hochul stated that the state has taken measures to enhance security at the capitol and across government institutions due to a rise in political violence and threats against public officials. Hochul emphasized that while there is no immediate threat, her administration will continue to collaborate closely with law enforcement partners to ensure the safety of New Yorkers and maintain the security of the communities.