FBI arrests Albany woman accused of plotting bomb attack on state capitol
A 35-year-old New York woman was detained on charges of planning a bomb attack on the Albany statehouse and providing material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation arrested Jessica Bowie, 35, of Albany, on Wednesday for allegedly plotting to bomb the New York state capitol and kill legislators. Prosecutors say Bowie had previously pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group and was charged with providing material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization.
According to a criminal complaint, Bowie conducted multiple reconnaissance visits to the building, carried a fake explosive device and a defective firearm supplied by undercover agents, and discussed her intentions with FBI informants posing as IS members. She is reported to have told the agents, "I want to destroy as much of the building as possible and kill the senators," and expressed a desire for the attack to affect the American system.
The alleged plan involved concealing a bomb inside a food-delivery bag and purchasing nails to use as shrapnel, with agents providing $200 for the materials. Bowie was also found in possession of knives and a written oath of allegiance to IS. The charging documents note that she frequently used social-media platforms to share anti-American messages and had previously praised the September 11 attacks.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul posted on X, thanking the FBI and New York State Police for their work in apprehending Bowie.