ISIS Supporter Arrested In Plot To Bomb New York State Capitol

A woman who allegedly pledged allegiance to ISIS was arrested after plotting to bomb the New York State Capitol in Albany, federal prosecutors announced Thursday.

Jessica Bowie, 35, was charged with attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization after allegedly communicating with an undercover FBI source posing as an ISIS facilitator and seeking assistance in carrying out an attack.

According to a federal criminal complaint, Bowie converted to Islam roughly five years ago and subsequently created numerous social media accounts using an Islamic honorific. Several of those accounts were allegedly suspended for violating platform rules, according to NBC News.

Between May and July, accounts linked to Bowie allegedly posted messages expressing support for terrorism. Beginning in July, Bowie allegedly began communicating with an FBI confidential source about her plans.

Bowie allegedly told the source that she wanted to attack the New York State Capitol because she wanted to “harm the enemies of god.” The Capitol was less than two miles from where Bowie lived, according to prosecutors.

Investigators allege that Bowie conducted surveillance of the Capitol, taking photographs from multiple vantage points, including a nearby observation hall. She allegedly purchased materials that could be used to construct an explosive device from a hardware store on Aug. 5.

The complaint says Bowie wanted to carry out the attack and then escape. If she successfully avoided arrest, she allegedly planned to return and conduct additional attacks.

On Wednesday, undercover sources allegedly provided Bowie with an inert explosive device and a nonfunctional handgun, along with instructions for detonating the device according to documents reviewed by ABC News.

She was subsequently arrested. During an interview with federal agents, Bowie allegedly acknowledged that she was facing a lengthy prison sentence.

“There’s no helping me, you guys know enough,” she allegedly said. “I’m … going to prison for the rest of my life.”

She allegedly added: “Material support is up to 20 years in prison, I already Googled it before, I know I’m going to jail.”

Bowie is expected to appear in federal court Thursday afternoon. If convicted of attempting to provide material support to ISIS, she faces up to 20 years in prison.

New York Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul praised federal and state law enforcement for stopping the alleged plot.

“I’m grateful to the FBI for leading this investigation and to the New York State Police for their work to apprehend this dangerous individual,” Hochul wrote on X. “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.”