Federal agents arrested an Albany woman after prosecutors said she took possession of what she believed was a bomb for an ISIS-inspired attack on the New York State Capitol aimed at killing lawmakers and disrupting state government.
Authorities arrested Jessica Bowie, 35, on August 19. She appeared the next day before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daniel J. Stewart. He ordered her detained pending further proceedings on one count of attempting to provide material support to ISIS, a designated foreign terrorist organization.
The 21-page federal complaint contains allegations, not proof of guilt. Bowie faces up to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and lifetime supervised release if convicted.
FBI National Security Branch Operations Director Matt Fodor said in a statement: “The FBI detected and stopped an alleged plot to attack the New York State Capitol and kill elected officials.” Prosecutors also allege Bowie planned to damage as much of the building as possible before fleeing to ISIS-controlled territory in Syria.
Delivery bag allegedly central to bomb plan
Investigators allege Bowie visited the Capitol grounds five times between July 21 and August 9, photographed the building and studied security near a Washington Avenue entrance. She allegedly planned to conceal an explosive device inside a food delivery bag and detonate it while state senators met.
Bowie allegedly wrote: “I want to destroy as much of the building as possible and kill the senators while they are meeting.” She also allegedly said she wanted important documents destroyed.
On August 5, investigators say two confidential sources met Bowie and took her to a Home Depot after discussing bomb construction. She allegedly bought nails intended as shrapnel, a 9-volt battery, electrical tape, acetone and other materials listed in the complaint.
Bowie also allegedly sought a handgun to fire at police or security officers. On August 19, confidential sources gave her what she believed was an explosive device and a firearm. The complaint says both items were inert. Prosecutors say she threatened to kill her roommate if the roommate discovered the device. Agents arrested her after the handoff, before any attack occurred.
Alleged allegiance to ISIS
The complaint links Bowie to social media accounts that promoted ISIS and anti-American violence, including a post praising the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Investigators also allege she recorded and distributed a bayah, or formal oath of allegiance, to ISIS.
Authorities say Bowie intended to flee to Syria after the Capitol attack. She also allegedly discussed returning for attacks on the White House or the New Year’s Eve gathering in Times Square.
The allegations follow another suspected ISIS-inspired attack in New York. The Dallas Express previously reported on the March arrest of two men accused of throwing improvised explosive devices near Gracie Mansion during competing demonstrations. The devices injured no one.
Trump administration credits federal resources
First Assistant U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III credited the Trump administration’s enforcement posture. Sarcone said in a statement: “This administration has deployed the necessary resources for law enforcement to identify, investigate, and disrupt plots of terror well before harm can occur.” The release also credits the FBI-led task force with stopping the alleged plot.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) thanked investigators and said authorities had strengthened security at the Capitol and other state facilities amid rising threats against public officials. “While there is no immediate threat at this time,” Hochul said, according to a report.
The FBI is leading the investigation with assistance from the U.S. Secret Service, Homeland Security Investigations, New York State Police, the Albany County Sheriff’s Office and the Albany Police Department.
Provided by Dallas Express
