'I want to destroy.' Woman charged for allegedly plotting ISIS-inspired attack on NY capitol
According to the criminal complaint, Jessica Bowie, 35, allegedly disclosed information about her plot to FBI informants, who she conspired with to build the explosive.
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An Albany woman is accused of plotting an ISIS-inspired attack on the New York State Capitol, according to federal officials.
Jessica Bowie, 35, allegedly intended to use an explosive device in the attack and stated, in part, "I want to destroy as much of the building as possible and kill the senators while they are meeting."
According to the criminal complaint, Bowie allegedly disclosed information about her plot to FBI informants, who she conspired with to build the explosive. They met with Bowie shortly before her arrest and provided the inert explosive device along with instructions on how to detonate it.
Investigators say the informants also gave Bowie a gun, one magazine and ammunition and showed her how to load the weapon.
The FBI and DOJ provided a photo of Bowie allegedly buying materials to build the explosive at a Home Depot. She was also pictured taking photographs of the Capitol building, which she allegedly walked around five separate times between July 21 and Aug. 9.
According to court documents, Bowie previously posted anti-American messages online, including "Praise be to Allah for September 11th” and “When I can migrate, I will poison these infidels.”
“The FBI detected and stopped an alleged plot to attack the New York State Capitol and kill elected officials. According to the criminal complaint, the defendant in this case swore allegiance to ISIS and wanted to follow up with additional horrific acts of terrorism," said Operations Director Matt Fodor of the FBI National Security Branch.
Prosecutors say Bowie allegedly planned to flee to Syria after the attack, to live in ISIS-controlled territories.
FBI agents took Bowie into custody on Thursday after the informants gave her the weapon and the inert explosive, which she was carrying at the time of her arrest.
During an interview following her arrest, Bowie allegedly stated, "There's no helping me, I'm... going to prison for the rest of my life."
Gov. Kathy Hochul issued a statement that read in part, “While there is no immediate threat at this time, we will continue working closely with our law enforcement partners to protect New Yorkers and keep our communities safe.”
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani expressed gratitude for the federal and state law enforcement response in a post on X.
