Federal authorities arrested a 35-year-old Albany woman accused of pledging allegiance to ISIS and plotting to bomb the New York State Capitol, according to a federal criminal complaint.
Jessica Bowie was arrested by the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force after investigators learned of her alleged plans through a confidential source who posed as an ISIS facilitator.
Bowie faces one count of attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization.
According to the complaint, Bowie allegedly expressed support for ISIS online and sought information about constructing explosives. Authorities said she maintained multiple social media accounts, some of which were suspended for violating platform rules.
Investigators alleged that Bowie had posted messages supporting ISIS and recorded herself pledging allegiance to the terrorist organization.
One post attributed to Bowie reportedly praised the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
Federal authorities said the investigation escalated after Bowie began communicating with the confidential source.
According to the complaint, she allegedly told the source that she wanted assistance carrying out an attack against the New York State Capitol, which is located less than two miles from her home.
Authorities alleged that Bowie wanted to attack the building when lawmakers were present.
Craig Tremaroli, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Albany field office, said investigators believe Bowie’s ambitions extended beyond targeting individual lawmakers.
“Miss Bowie didn’t just want to kill lawmakers; she wanted a complete disruption of our government,” Tremaroli told reporters.
Authorities further alleged that Bowie planned to flee the country following the Capitol attack and potentially return to carry out additional attacks in the US.
Tremaroli said Bowie discussed potentially targeting Times Square on New Year’s Eve as well as the White House and the president.
The allegations against Bowie are contained in a criminal complaint and have not been proven in court.
First Assistant US Attorney John A. Sarcone praised authorities for disrupting the alleged plot and said the arrest should send a warning to others considering politically or ideologically motivated violence, per Breitbart News.
Sarcone said federal authorities remain prepared to identify and disrupt potential attacks.
“We are vigilant, we are prepared, and just as we stop this defendant, we will continue to disrupt plots and protect the American people,” he said.
According to authorities, Bowie became radicalized after converting to Islam approximately five years ago. Investigators emphasized alleged support for ISIS and communications surrounding the purported attack as part of their case.
The Islamic State, commonly known as ISIS, is designated by the US government as a foreign terrorist organization.
Bowie was expected to make an initial federal court appearance Thursday afternoon on the material-support charge.
The arrest came before any alleged attack was carried out, with federal officials crediting the confidential source and the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force investigation with uncovering the purported plot.
