The FBI has arrested a 35-year-old woman accused of planning to bomb the state Capitol in Albany and kill lawmakers.
Jessica Bowie, a resident of Albany, has been charged with providing material support to a designated foreign terrorist organisation. Prosecutors allege that she had previously pledged allegiance to Islamic State (IS) and spent weeks discussing an intended attack with undercover FBI agents posing as members of the group.
According to the criminal complaint, Bowie repeatedly conducted surveillance of the New York State Capitol as she prepared for the alleged attack. Investigators say she visited the building at least five times, taking photographs and assessing it as a potential target.
Prosecutors allege she chose the Albany statehouse because she considered it easier to attack than the White House. “I want to destroy as much of the building as possible and kill the senators,” Bowie allegedly told undercover agents, according to court documents.
Undercover Agents Supplied Fake Bomb
Investigators say Bowie was eventually provided with what she believed were materials for carrying out the attack. This included a fake explosive device and a defective firearm supplied by undercover agents. She allegedly planned to conceal the bomb inside a food delivery bag before entering the Capitol.
The investigation also involved agents giving her $200 to purchase materials from a hardware store. FBI agents reportedly drove her to a Home Depot, where she allegedly purchased items after discussing their possible use in an explosive device. “I hope the nails are big enough… because the nails work as shrapnel, right?” she allegedly asked the undercover operatives after leaving the store.
Bowie was arrested on Wednesday. According to prosecutors, she was carrying knives and a written oath pledging allegiance to IS at the time of her arrest.
Prosecutors Point to Online Activity
The FBI also alleges that Bowie had maintained a significant presence on social media. Having used various platforms to promote anti-American views. Court documents say she had been removed from several platforms for violating their rules. Also she had previously praised the 11 September 2001 attacks carried out by al-Qaeda.
During the investigation, Bowie allegedly told undercover agents that she had converted to Islam about five years ago. Prosecutors also cited comments in which she allegedly described a dramatic change in her attitude towards the United States. Further saying she had gone from being a child who waved an American flag after the 9/11 attacks to displaying stickers depicting the falling World Trade Center towers.
Security Concerns at New York Capitol
New York Governor Kathy Hochul welcomed the FBI investigation and praised state police involved in the arrest.
“I’m grateful to the FBI for leading this investigation and to the New York State Police for their work to apprehend this dangerous individual,” Hochul said.
She noted that the state had already taken steps to strengthen security at the Capitol and across state government amid concerns about political violence and threats against public officials.
It remains unclear whether Bowie intends to contest the charges. The allegations against her have not been tested in court, and she is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
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