Federal law enforcement officials have arrested an Albany woman on charges of attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terror organization following an Nbcnews investigation into an alleged plot against the New York State Capitol building.
Federal Authorities Foil ISIS-Inspired Bomb Plot Targeting New York State Capitol
According to a criminal complaint filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of New York, 35-year-old Jessica Bowie of Fox News allegedly pledged allegiance to ISIS and planned to detonate an explosive device while state senators were meeting. Investigators stated that Bowie discussed disguising a bomb inside a DoorDash delivery bag and sought to maximize casualties inside the building.
Investigation Details and Surveillance of the Albany Building
The 21-page charging document details a month-long operation in which Bowie communicated with a confidential human source working with the FBI who posed as an ISIS facilitator. Court filings show that Bowie converted to Islam five years prior and used social media accounts under the honorific Islamic name “Aisha Saif.”
Investigators stated that Bowie’s home was less than two miles away from the target. Between July 21 and August 9, surveillance teams observed Bowie photographing the Capitol area on approximately five separate occasions. Court documents allege she communicated with the undercover source between July 16 and August 17 to acquire bomb-making instruction and assistance.
I want to destroy as much of the building as possible and kill the senators while they are meeting,
one message included in the complaint stated.
Purchases of Materials and Subsequent Arrest
According to the criminal complaint, a confidential source provided Bowie with $200. On August 5, she went to a Home Depot in Rensselaer to purchase materials she believed would be used to build the bomb, including a large container of nails. She delivered DoorDash bags to the confidential sources the next day to serve as concealment for the device.
Later in the month, Bowie met again with confidential sources and paid $150 for what she believed was a handgun, magazine, and ammunition. Investigators stated she sought the firearm to shoot back at police if law enforcement intercepted her during the operation.
Reactions from New York State Leadership
New York Governor Kathy Hochul issued a statement following the announcement of the arrest.
Today, the U.S. Department of Justice and FBI announced the arrest of an individual who allegedly plotted an attack on the New York State Capitol,
Gov. Hochul said. I’m grateful to the FBI for leading this investigation and to the New York State Police for their work to apprehend this dangerous individual.
Hochul added that amid a rise in political violence and threats against public officials, the state had taken steps earlier in the year to strengthen security at the State Capitol and across state government, noting that there was no immediate threat following the arrest.
