<p>The case of a New Yorker charged with plotting a bombing reflects a trend of American citizens becoming alleged Islamic State group terrorists, according to a study from the National Counterterrorism Innovation, Technology, and Education Center (NCITE).</p>
<p>Since 2014, federal prosecutors have charged 280 individuals with ISIS-related crimes, including 212 U.S. citizens. The most recent notable case involves Jessica Bowie, an Albany woman arrested in August for allegedly discussing plans to attack the New York State Capitol with undercover FBI sources.</p>
<p>The 212 U.S. citizens charged expands on a study released by NCITE on the justice system’s handling of ISIS supporters since the group declared a caliphate in 2014. The data indicates that the U.S. has become a breeding ground for a significant number of individuals linked to ISIS.</p>
<figure><blockquote>Attorney General Todd Blanche tweeted, "Thanks to the great work of @FBI and our law enforcement partners, an alleged terrorist plot to attack the New York State Capitol was prevented last night." The defendant allegedly swore allegiance to ISIS and planned to carry out a deadly attack.</blockquote></figure>
<p>Out of the total ISIS-linked defendants, 200 were U.S. citizens, while 12 were dual citizens, and 19 were permanent legal residents. Most cases involved material support for terrorism charges, with 239 individuals, or 85.3%, receiving convictions.</p>
<p>NCITE, based at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, is one of the Department of Homeland Security’s “Centers of Excellence” focused on national security research.</p>
<h1>New York’s Latest Case</h1>
<p>The FBI arrested Bowie after undercover operatives provided her with what she believed to be an explosive device intended to kill New York state lawmakers. She is charged with attempting to materially support a foreign terrorist organization.</p>
<p>Bowie converted to Islam about five years ago, adopted the name “Aisha Saif,” and gained attention by posting messages on social media that included threats against individuals. The FBI claims she also posted an audio clip reciting a loyalty pledge to ISIS.</p>
<p>Bowie’s attorney did not respond to requests for comment. A judge ordered her held without bail on August 20, and discussions regarding a plea agreement are ongoing.</p>
<p>She is accused of planning to kill legislators for offending Islam, having scouted the New York Capitol building and purchased bomb-making supplies. Authorities released photos allegedly showing her at the Capitol and a Home Depot store in an Islamic burqa.</p>
<p>Bowie reportedly expressed interest in using “anarchist literature” for bomb-making tips and allegedly stated, “We definitely want to make sure the senators get killed for sure.”</p>
<p>She also speculated about justifications for killing various groups during the attack, claiming it would be a significant act against “huge enemies of God.”</p>
<h1>What’s Driving This?</h1>
<p>ISIS, an offshoot of al-Qaeda, was considered defeated by military strikes during Donald Trump’s presidency but has seen a resurgence of violence globally. The group’s strategy now includes using the internet to incite violence among supporters.</p>
<p>Jihadist groups are reportedly tailoring their propaganda to appeal to Western audiences through narratives of oppression, according to a March threat assessment from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI).</p>
<p>The ODNI found that while al-Qaeda and ISIS intend to target the U.S., the most likely terrorist attack scenario involves U.S.-based lone offenders.</p>
<p>One example cited was a man who drove a truck through a crowd in New Orleans in January 2025, killing 14 people before being shot by police. The attacker was a U.S. citizen who had previously served in the U.S. Army in Afghanistan.</p>