A New York woman has been arrested and charged with attempting to provide material support to ISIS for allegedly plotting to bomb the New York State Capitol and kill state senators. Jessica Bowie, 35, of Albany, was taken into custody on Wednesday after purchasing what she believed to be a bomb and a firearm.
According to a complaint filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of New York, Bowie scouted the Capitol building on multiple occasions, sometimes while wearing a burqa, and took photographs of the structure. She allegedly expressed her intent to conduct the attack before fleeing to Syria to join ISIS-controlled territories. Bowie appeared in Federal District Court in Albany on Thursday.
Investigators learned of Bowie's alleged plot through an FBI informant who posed as an ISIS facilitator. Their communications began on July 16, during which Bowie reportedly detailed her plan to attack the building and requested assistance with making explosives. She identified herself as an Islamic State supporter and pledged allegiance to the group in an audio message.
Between July 18 and August 9, Bowie allegedly sent the informant photos of the Capitol, noting she took them from a nearby observation area. She suggested an attack could occur on a day when senators were known to be meeting. The complaint states Bowie mentioned having picnics near the Capitol to observe security and drink coffee in the observation hall, to gather information about the building's security.
Authorities allege that Bowie walked around the Capitol building at least five times between July 21 and August 9. Her plan reportedly involved disguising the bomb in a bag to appear as if she were a food delivery person. She reiterated her desire to attack the Capitol and kill senators, aiming to destroy as much of the building as possible and cause disruption to the "American system."
On August 5, Bowie met with two other informants. They allegedly provided her with instructions and $200 to purchase bomb-making materials from a Home Depot store in Rensselaer. A photograph included in the complaint shows Bowie purchasing items, including a large plastic bin filled with nails, which she reportedly believed would function as shrapnel. After leaving the store, Bowie allegedly commented, "I hope the nails are big enough... Because the nails work as shrapnel, right?"
Her plot escalated on August 13 when she inquired about purchasing a handgun and ammunition, seeking a weapon that was concealable and powerful enough to potentially engage with law enforcement. The complaint states Bowie expressed a preference for dying rather than going to prison.
During a meeting on Wednesday, Bowie allegedly purchased a firearm, which was inert, along with a magazine and ammunition, from the same informants. During this encounter, she reportedly reiterated her intention to attack the State Capitol building and kill at least 100 people. Following this meeting, Bowie was arrested by the FBI. During an interview, she allegedly told agents she would spend the rest of her life in prison and that "there's no helping me."
Federal magistrate judge Daniel J. Stewart ordered Bowie detained pending a hearing. New York Governor Kathy Hochul stated that her administration has increased security at the State Capitol and other state government buildings in response to a rise in political violence and threats against public officials. The Federal Public Defender's Office, representing Bowie, declined to comment on the active litigation.