Albany Woman Charged with Attempted Terrorist Support After Plot to Bomb State Capitol

Federal authorities arrested Jessica Bowie, 35, in Albany after she allegedly expressed support for Islamic State and discussed plans to place an explosive device at the New York State Capitol. A criminal complaint filed Thursday details that Bowie met with FBI informants, claiming she wanted to destroy the building and kill legislators. She reportedly possessed a firearm and a dummy explosive, and had previously visited the Capitol five times between late July and early August.

Prosecutors charged Bowie with attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization. She was arraigned before Magistrate Judge Daniel Stewart and ordered detained pending trial. The Federal Defenders office declined to comment on the case.

"That's an attack on democracy itself, and one we will not tolerate," said First Assistant U.S. Attorney John Sarcone, the top federal prosecutor in Albany.

The complaint states Bowie recorded an Arabic message pledging allegiance to Islamic State after converting to Islam about five years ago. She communicated with an informant about acquiring materials such as nails for bomb construction and indicated she intended to place a bomb in a food-delivery bag at the Capitol's Washington Avenue entrance.

Governor Kathy Hochul, whose office is located in the Capitol, thanked the FBI and noted that security measures have been heightened at state government facilities amid a rise in political violence. She said there is no immediate threat but affirmed ongoing cooperation with law-enforcement partners to protect the public.