The FBI says it stopped an ISIS-inspired attack on the New York State Capitol before a bomb could be planted inside the building.
Jessica Bowie, 35, of Albany was arrested Wednesday and charged with attempting to provide material support to ISIS.
Federal prosecutors allege Bowie spent more than a month planning an attack meant to kill state lawmakers and throw New York’s government into chaos.
The New York Post broke down the developing case Thursday:
This was not described as vague online chest-thumping.
According to the federal allegations, Bowie repeatedly visited the Capitol grounds, photographed the area, studied security measures and asked an FBI confidential source—whom she believed was an ISIS facilitator—to teach her how to build an explosive device.
The Associated Press reports that agents had Bowie under surveillance for more than a month after online accounts linked to her began expressing support for terrorism. Investigators say they learned around July 16 that she wanted to attack the Capitol.
The affidavit says Bowie made at least five reconnaissance trips to the grounds between July 21 and August 9. Investigators also photographed her buying items on a bomb-making list at a hardware store, including long nails allegedly intended to become shrapnel.
Authorities say she arranged to obtain a gun and ammunition so she could fire at police or security officers if they challenged her.
The alleged plan was developing while the state Legislature was out of session. Prosecutors say Bowie wanted to strike when senators returned and were gathered inside, turning the timing of the legislative calendar into part of her operational planning.
She was arrested Wednesday, weeks before the anniversary of the September 11 attacks. No defense attorney was listed in the initial court record reviewed by the AP, and the federal public defender’s office did not immediately return the outlet’s request for comment.
The ideological motive described by federal agents is chilling.
Court documents say Bowie converted to Islam about five years ago and later used the name “Aisha Saif.” The FBI linked several social-media accounts to her that allegedly praised terrorism, celebrated the September 11 attacks and pledged allegiance to ISIS in English and Arabic.
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Prosecutors say she chose the Capitol because state senators passed laws she considered offensive to Islam. Albany City Hall was reportedly considered as another potential target.
The alleged delivery method was designed to look ordinary: hide the bomb inside a DoorDash food-delivery bag and bring it into the Capitol while senators were meeting.
The New York Post reports that Bowie allegedly discussed maximizing bloodshed and using the attack to send shockwaves through the American political system. The complaint describes preparations involving reconnaissance, bomb components and a backup firearm.
Agents did not give Bowie a functioning bomb. Federal officials say they intervened before any immediate threat remained.
But the target allegedly in Bowie’s sights was not limited to Albany.
Authorities say she told the confidential source that her ideal target would have been the White House with President Trump inside. FBI Albany Special Agent in Charge Craig Tremaroli said she also discussed fleeing the country and possibly returning for attacks on the White House or Times Square on New Year’s Eve.
Tremaroli said Bowie allegedly planned to kill lawmakers and cause a complete disruption of government.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul thanked the FBI and New York State Police, saying there is no immediate threat and that the state will continue working with law enforcement to protect New Yorkers and public officials.
The case is a reminder of what counterterrorism work is supposed to do: identify a developing threat, document it, cut off the path to violence and make the arrest before innocent people are killed.
Bowie faces a single federal charge of attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization. The allegations have not been proven in court, and she is presumed innocent unless convicted.
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