The FBI arrested Jessica Bowie, 35, for allegedly planning to bomb the New York State Capitol building in Albany, inspired by the Islamic State group. Bowie faces federal charges for attempting to provide material support to ISIS after an informant reported her request for assistance in making explosives.
Assistant U.S. Attorney John Sarcone stated that the arrest serves as a warning to individuals being radicalized. According to the criminal complaint, Bowie converted to Islam five years ago and expressed support for terrorism on social media, including praising the September 11 attacks.
Investigators found audio files of Bowie pledging allegiance to ISIS and communicating with an informant about her plans to target the state capitol. She allegedly conducted surveillance on the building and intended to use a delivery bag to detonate a bomb, aiming to cause significant damage and casualties. Bowie was arrested on August 20 and faces up to 20 years in prison for her actions. She is scheduled for her first court appearance shortly.