A New York woman was arrested Wednesday in Albany in connection with an alleged plot to bomb the state Capitol, according to federal authorities. Jessica Bowie, 35, is accused of planning to detonate an explosive device inside the Capitol building with the aim of destroying it and killing lawmakers. The FBI foiled the alleged plot after tracking Bowie for five weeks.
According to a criminal complaint, Bowie, who reportedly converted to Islam five years ago and used the name Aisha Saif, told an FBI informant that she had transformed from a child who once waved an American flag after 9/11 to someone who celebrated the terror attacks. The complaint stated, "She went from a little girl waving an American flag after 9/11 to now having stickers of the falling towers."
During meetings with informants on the day of her arrest, Bowie allegedly provided $150 in cash to purchase an inert handgun, a magazine, and ammunition. She also allegedly gave $200 to an informant to donate to a bombmaker to fund the construction of more explosive devices, expressing a desire to "fund a big operation."
Authorities stated that Bowie had purchased components for an explosive device at a Home Depot on August 5, while wearing a burqa. An FBI informant showed her an inert explosive device constructed with these components. Bowie also allegedly told an informant that she would kill her roommate quietly if the roommate discovered the bomb components, emphasizing she would have to cut her.
Upon her arrest, Bowie was found to be in possession of knives and a handwritten "bayah," or oath of allegiance to ISIS. The complaint states she had monitored the Capitol for weeks, taking photographs from various vantage points, including an observation hall.
Bowie allegedly communicated her intentions to an informant on July 29, stating, "I want to destroy as much of the building as possible and kill the senators while they are meeting." She also expressed a desire for "a complete destruction of our government."
Federal authorities stated that Bowie had become radicalized online and created multiple social media profiles to promote anti-American messages. An account linked to her reportedly posted "Praise be to Allah for September 11th" on May 28. According to the complaint, she indicated that after carrying out the attack, she planned to escape to Syria. She also allegedly told an informant that if the plot was successful, she could return to the U.S. to plan further attacks, such as targeting "New Year's Eve in Times Square."