ALBANY, N.Y. (Diya TV) — Federal authorities arrested a 35-year-old Albany woman accused of planning an ISIS-inspired attack on the New York State Capitol and state senators.
Jessica Bowie faces a federal charge of attempting to provide material support to ISIS, which the U.S. government designates as a foreign terrorist organization.
According to the FBI, Bowie pledged allegiance to ISIS in audio recordings and conducted surveillance at the State Capitol at least five times, taking dozens of photographs.
Investigators said she later contacted an undercover FBI informant posing as an ISIS facilitator and asked for help obtaining an explosive device. She allegedly discussed attacking the Capitol, targeting lawmakers and escaping afterward.
Prosecutors said Bowie sent photographs of the Capitol and identified areas she wanted to target.
On Aug. 5, Bowie met with two undercover informants and allegedly repeated her plan to attack the Capitol and kill senators during a legislative session.
Investigators said she later purchased materials she believed would be used for the attack and sought a concealed handgun and ammunition.
On Wednesday, Bowie allegedly paid for what she believed were a firearm, ammunition and an explosive device. The weapons and device were inert.
FBI agents arrested her after she left the vehicle carrying the items.
Officials said Bowie had estimated that as many as 200 people could be inside the Capitol during an attack.
John Sarcone, first assistant U.S. attorney for the Northern District of New York, said Bowie had become radicalized online and posted content supporting terrorism and violence.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said security at the State Capitol had already been increased amid rising threats and political violence.
Bowie’s attorney declined to comment.
The federal charge carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a possible $250,000 fine and lifetime supervised release.
The allegations have not been proven in court.
