Albany woman faces federal charges over alleged ISIS Capitol attack plan.
A 35-year-old woman from Albany, New York, has been charged in federal court after investigators say she planned an attack on the New York State Capitol and intended to kill state lawmakers. Jessica Bowie appeared in federal court on Thursday, August 20, one day after federal agents arrested her while she was taking possession of what she believed was an explosive device. According to the criminal complaint, Bowie allegedly planned to place the device at the state Capitol while senators were inside. Investigators said she wanted the attack to cause deaths, damage the building and destroy important government records. After the planned attack, Bowie allegedly intended to leave the United States and travel to Syria, where she planned to join ISIS.
Federal prosecutors charged Bowie with attempting to provide material support to ISIS, which is listed by the United States as a foreign terrorist organization. The charge comes after an investigation involving the FBI, U.S. Secret Service, New York State Police and Albany Police Department. Investigators said Bowie made several trips to the Capitol grounds before her arrest. During those visits, she reportedly took photographs of the building and studied the location. Authorities said the visits were part of preparations for the planned attack. The complaint also describes statements that investigators say Bowie made about the intended attack. Prosecutors allege she wanted to destroy as much of the Capitol as possible and kill senators while lawmakers were meeting. She also discussed wanting the attack to have an effect on the American government.
Authorities said Bowie had posted anti-American material online. Investigators identified an online account that belonged to Bowie and contained statements praising the September 11 terrorist attacks. Another post reportedly referred to poisoning people described as enemies. Investigators also said Bowie recorded and shared a video showing an oath of loyalty to ISIS.
The arrest took place August 19 as investigators said Bowie obtained what she believed was an explosive device. The arrest prevented the alleged plan from moving forward, according to federal officials. The Department of Justice (DOJ) said the investigation had allowed law enforcement to identify the suspected threat before anyone was hurt.
Bowie now faces a federal criminal case in the Northern District of New York. The case is being handled by prosecutors from the DOJ’s National Security Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York. Federal officials credited cooperation between several law enforcement agencies for stopping the alleged plot. FBI officials said the case shows the role of investigators in finding suspected terrorist threats and taking action before an attack can happen.
The investigation remains connected to national security concerns because of the alleged ties to ISIS and the reported plan to attack a government building and kill elected officials. Federal authorities have not reported any injuries connected to the plot to date, and the case remains open.
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