A New York woman has been arrested and charged with attempting to provide material support to ISIS, according to an FBI complaint. Authorities allege that Jessica Bowie, 35, of Albany, planned to bomb the New York State Capitol and target state senators.
Bowie was taken into custody on Wednesday as she "gained possession of what she believed to be an explosive device," the Department of Justice stated in a press release. She appeared in federal court for the first time on Thursday.
Investigators learned that Bowie allegedly intended to carry out the attack before fleeing to Syria to join ISIS-controlled territories. The complaint states that Bowie was observed making multiple visits to the New York State Capitol grounds, taking photographs of the building. A photo released by authorities appears to show the suspect conducting reconnaissance while wearing a black burka.
Bowie allegedly expressed intentions to "destroy as much of the building as possible and kill the senators while they are meeting." She also reportedly 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.
According to the complaint, Bowie posted messages online that included, "Praise be to Allah for September 11th" and "When I can migrate, I will poison these infidels."