A New York woman has been charged with providing material support or resources to a foreign terrorist organization for allegedly plotting to bomb the New York State Capitol building and kill lawmakers. Authorities announced the federal terrorism charge Thursday against Jessica Bowie, 35, of Albany.
According to a criminal complaint, Bowie had been under surveillance for over a month and communicated with confidential informants posing as ISIS facilitators. FBI operatives provided her with money to buy ingredients for a nail bomb and, on Wednesday, supplied her with a gun, ammunition, and an inert explosive, along with instructions on their use. She was arrested by FBI agents as she left a meeting with these items.
During an interview with FBI agents after her arrest, Bowie indicated she expected to go to prison, stating, "There's no helping me, you guys know enough," according to an FBI agent's account in the complaint.
John Sarcone, first assistant U.S. attorney for the Northern District of New York, described the alleged plot as "an attack on democracy itself and one we will not tolerate."
Court documents indicate Bowie converted to Islam approximately five years ago. The affidavit of probable cause states that FBI counterterrorism agents observed online accounts linked to Bowie expressing support for terrorism starting around May. Beginning around July 16, agents became aware of Bowie's desire to attack the state Capitol.
Authorities allege Bowie sought instruction from an informant on building an explosive device and made at least five trips to the Capitol grounds to plan potential detonation sites and observe security measures. She was also in contact with multiple informants during this planning phase. The affidavit includes photographs of Bowie conducting reconnaissance at the Capitol and purchasing bomb-making ingredients, including nails for shrapnel, at a hardware store. She also arranged to purchase a firearm and ammunition, intending to use it against police or security if necessary.
"Ms. Bowie did not just plan to kill lawmakers, she wanted a complete disruption of our government," said Craig L. Tremaroli, special agent in charge of the FBI's Albany Field Office. Tremaroli added that Bowie intended to flee the country after the attack but expressed willingness to return for future attacks on the White House or Times Square.
While Bowie had considered Albany City Hall as a target, she ultimately focused on the Capitol, specifically targeting state senators, whom she believed enacted laws offensive to Islam. The state legislature has been out of session since June.
In response to a rise in political violence and threats against public officials nationally, Gov. Kathy Hochul's office stated that the state had implemented enhanced security measures across government operations, including at the Capitol, earlier this year. "While there is no immediate threat at this time, we will continue working closely with our law enforcement partners to protect New Yorkers and keep our communities safe," the governor's office said.