Federal authorities arrested Jessica Bowie, a 35-year-old resident of Albany, New York, on charges of attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization. Bowie allegedly planned an attack on the New York State Capitol, having pledged allegiance to ISIS and purchased bomb-making materials earlier this month. According to an FBI criminal complaint filed on Thursday, she intended to pose as a food delivery worker to carry out the attack.
Bowie was arrested on Wednesday and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. First Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, John Sarcone, stated that the allegations are serious, although he noted there is no immediate threat to the public. New York Governor Kathy Hochul emphasized the importance of collaboration with law enforcement to ensure community safety.
The complaint details that Bowie converted to Islam five years ago and used social media to express anti-American sentiments. She allegedly conducted surveillance of the Capitol multiple times and purchased materials for a bomb, including nails intended for shrapnel. Bowie reportedly expressed intentions to cause significant damage and casualties during the attack.
Upon her arrest, Bowie was found with knives and later stated to investigators, "There’s no helping me. You guys know enough. I’m going to prison for the rest of my life." FBI Director Kash Patel noted that Bowie’s plans were in advanced stages and highlighted the agency's efforts to prevent such attacks, citing over 400 disrupted attacks in 2026 alone.