A New York woman has been arrested and charged with attempting to provide material support to the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), a designated Foreign Terrorist Organization. Catherine Beth Washburn, 37, of Irondequoit, near Rochester, is accused of funneling more than $30,000 in cryptocurrency to a PIJ fighter.
According to the Justice Department, Washburn led the Direct Action Movement for Palestinian Liberation (DAMPL), a radical group formed after the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attacks on Israel. The group reportedly rejects peaceful protests in favor of "direct action," including property destruction and sabotage against entities associated with Israel.
Federal investigators recovered communications in which Washburn allegedly expressed extreme anti-Israel and anti-Jewish sentiments. In one exchange, she is quoted as writing, "I wish every day were October 7th," and stated she would "fight alongside the resistance" if she lived in Gaza. She also allegedly expressed excitement over news of Israeli soldier deaths.
Financial records indicate Washburn made approximately 80 cryptocurrency transfers totaling over $30,000 to an account linked to the PIJ fighter. U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo stated that Washburn took "great lengths" to finance violence, motivated by her alleged hatred of Israel and Jewish people.
If convicted, Washburn faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine. The FBI has stated that individuals providing assistance to violent organizations will be held accountable.