A 35-year-old New York woman, Jessica Bowie, has been arrested and charged with attempting to provide material support to ISIS for allegedly plotting to bomb the New York State Capitol and target state senators. The FBI stated that Bowie scouted the capitol building while disguised in a burka and took photographs of the structure.
According to a complaint filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of New York, Bowie, of Albany, was taken into custody on Wednesday after purchasing what she believed to be an explosive device and a firearm. She appeared in Federal District Court in Albany on Thursday.
Investigators learned that Bowie intended to carry out the attack before fleeing to Syria to join ISIS-controlled territories. The complaint alleges she made multiple visits to the New York State Capitol grounds between July 21 and August 9, taking photos and observing security measures. A photo released by authorities shows the suspect surveilling the building in a black burka.
Bowie allegedly expressed her intentions online, posting messages such as, "Praise be to Allah for September 11th" and "When I can migrate, I will poison these infidels." She is accused of telling an FBI informant posing as an ISIS facilitator that she wanted to "destroy as much of the building as possible and kill the senators while they are meeting" and "lose a lot of important documents." Bowie also stated a desire to affect the "American system" and "destroy some of the taghut," an Islamic term referring to the worship of anything other than God.
An FBI informant began communicating with Bowie on July 16. She reportedly told the informant about her plans and her desire for assistance in making explosives, identifying herself as an "Islamic State supporter" and pledging allegiance in an audio message. She sent the informant pictures of the State Capitol on July 18, indicating she took them "from the observation hall near by" and marking a portion of the building on a circled photo.
Bowie suggested an attack "perhaps onna [sic] day when we know senators will be meeting," and described a plan to disguise the bomb in a bag to appear as food delivery. After the alleged explosion, she intended to flee to Syria.
On August 5, Bowie met with informants who provided instructions for constructing a bomb and $200 to purchase materials at a Home Depot in Rensselaer. A photograph in the complaint shows Bowie buying items, including a "large plastic bin full of nails," to be used as shrapnel. After the purchase, she reportedly remarked, "I hope the nails are big enough... Because the nails work as shrapnel, right?"
She also claimed to have a "DoorDash bag" for the bomb. By August 13, Bowie allegedly escalated her plans, asking the informant if they "knew anyone who can meet me to sell me a handgun and bullets," seeking something concealable to potentially "shoot back" at law enforcement. She reportedly stated she would "rather die than go to prison."
During an in-person meeting on Wednesday, Bowie allegedly purchased an inert firearm, a magazine, and ammunition from the informants. During this encounter, she reiterated her desire to attack the State Capitol and kill at least 100 people. Upon leaving the meeting, she was arrested by the FBI. Bowie allegedly told agents during an interview that "there's no helping me, you guys know enough."
FBI Special Agent in Charge Craig L. Tremaroli stated that Bowie "wanted a complete disruption of our government." New York Governor Kathy Hochul said her administration has increased security at state government buildings due to a rise in political violence and threats.
Bowie is currently being held at the Schenectady County Jail pending a detention hearing. The Federal Public Defender's Office, representing Bowie, declined to comment on the active litigation.