A middle-class mother from upstate New York has been charged with allegedly supporting an Islamic terrorist organization by donating cryptocurrency to the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), federal prosecutors announced Wednesday. Catherine Beth Washburn, 37, of Irondequoit, near Rochester, is accused of leading an extremist group formed after the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel.
Prosecutors in the Western District of New York stated that Washburn exchanged messages with a PIJ fighter in Gaza, at one point expressing, “I wish every day were October 7.” The group she allegedly led, the Direct Action Movement for Palestinian Liberation, is described by prosecutors as rejecting peaceful protests and encouraging sabotage and property destruction.
Washburn, who identifies as a stay-at-home mom on social media, reportedly sent a total of $30,000 in cryptocurrency to the PIJ through 80 separate transfers. She also allegedly expressed hatred for Jewish people, stating she wished Israel would disappear and that she felt excited by news of Israeli soldiers being killed. In one message, she wrote, “If I lived in Gaza, I would fight alongside the resistance.”
Prosecutors also claim Washburn posted selfies alongside a Hamas flag and two hand grenades and shared the home addresses of individuals identified as “Zionists.” It remains unclear when or if Washburn converted to Islam or the exact timeline of her alleged radicalization.
In November 2025, Washburn allegedly anticipated facing legal consequences, writing in a message that she expected to be imprisoned for a long time due to her fundraising and posting activities, according to the charges.
She faces one count of attempting to provide material support and resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison if convicted. Washburn appeared in federal court in Buffalo on Wednesday and was ordered held without bail.
U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo for the Western District of New York stated that the defendant, driven by her alleged hate for Israel and Jewish people, made significant efforts to financially support terrorist organizations. He added that Washburn's attempts to support violent extremism were stopped by law enforcement.