Federal authorities say an Albany woman planned to use an explosive device against the Capitol and kill lawmakers, but agents arrested her during an undercover operation.
ALBANY, N.Y. — Federal authorities say they stopped a planned terrorist attack against the New York State Capitol before anyone was hurt. Jessica Bowie, 35, of Albany, was arrested Wednesday and charged with attempting to provide material support to ISIS, which the United States lists as a foreign terrorist organization. Bowie appeared in federal court Thursday and was ordered held while the case continues. The charge is an accusation, and she is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
According to a federal criminal complaint, investigators began watching online accounts linked to Bowie after she allegedly expressed support for ISIS and other extremist violence. Authorities say that by mid-July, she had begun discussing an attack on the Capitol and was communicating with people she believed were connected to ISIS. Some of those people were actually confidential sources working with the FBI.
Federal officials say Bowie made at least five trips to the Capitol grounds to study the building and its security. Investigators said she took photographs and looked for a place where an explosive could cause serious damage. The complaint also says she bought materials that could be used in a bomb, including long nails that authorities say were intended to act as shrapnel.
Security footage of the same woman buying supplies for the attack at Home Depot according to the FBI.
The FBI says Bowie told the undercover sources that she wanted to damage as much of the Capitol as possible and kill state senators while they were meeting. Authorities also say she wanted the attack to disrupt the American government. However, the New York Legislature has been out of regular session since June, meaning lawmakers were not meeting in their normal session when she was arrested.
On Wednesday, undercover operatives gave Bowie what she believed was a working explosive device, along with a firearm and ammunition, according to prosecutors. The explosive was not real. Agents arrested her after she took possession of the items. Because the device was controlled by law enforcement, officials say the public was never exposed to an active bomb during the operation.
Investigators also allege that Bowie planned to leave the United States after the attack and travel to territory controlled by ISIS. FBI officials said she discussed the possibility of returning later to attack other locations, including the White House or Times Square on New Year’s Eve. Those statements are allegations contained in government filings and have not been tested at trial.
The Justice Department says Bowie had recorded an oath of allegiance to ISIS and shared anti-American messages online. Officials also allege that she praised the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. The government has not accused her of being directed by an actual ISIS commander, and much of the alleged planning described in court papers took place while she was communicating with FBI informants.
Craig Tremaroli, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Albany office, said investigators considered the alleged plot serious and dangerous. The case was handled by the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force with help from the Secret Service, Homeland Security Investigations, New York State Police, the Albany County Sheriff’s Office and Albany police.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul thanked law enforcement for stopping the alleged plot. She said New York had already increased security at the Capitol and other state government buildings because of growing threats of political violence against public officials. Hochul said officials were not aware of any immediate threat following Bowie’s arrest.
If convicted of attempting to provide material support to ISIS, Bowie could face up to 20 years in federal prison, a fine of up to $250,000 and potentially lifetime supervised release. Prosecutors have not announced additional charges. The investigation remains active.
