A 35-year-old New York woman has been charged with allegedly plotting an ISIS-inspired attack on the New York State Capitol in Albany, where she planned to use an explosive device to kill senators and cause extensive damage to the building, the FBI said.

Jessica Bowie of Albany was arrested on Wednesday after investigators said she took possession of what she believed was an explosive device. She appeared in federal court on Thursday on a charge of attempting to provide material support to ISIS, a designated foreign terrorist organisation. The allegations against her have not been proven in court.

Capitol Targeted In Alleged Attack Plot

According to the US Justice Department, Bowie allegedly discussed plans to attack the State Capitol with confidential sources working with the FBI. Investigators said she had also pledged allegiance to ISIS and expressed support for terrorism through online posts.

Bowie allegedly told an FBI source that she wanted to attack the Capitol and had visited the building several times, including to photograph its grounds. The criminal complaint alleges that she wanted to carry out the attack when the largest possible number of senators were present.

“I want to destroy as much of the building as possible and kill the senators while they are meeting,” Bowie allegedly said, according to a Justice Department statement.

She also allegedly wanted the attack to “have a affect on the American system”. After the planned attack, Bowie allegedly intended to flee to Syria and seek out ISIS-linked groups. The Capitol was located less than two miles from her home, according to the complaint.

Investigators Cite Radical Online Posts

Investigators said Bowie converted to Islam approximately five years ago and was subsequently radicalised online. She allegedly operated several social media accounts, some of which were later suspended for violating platform rules.

The Justice Department said one account linked to Bowie posted, “Praise be to Allah for September 11th”, referring to the September 11, 2001, attacks in the United States that killed 2,977 people.

Another post allegedly stated, “When I can migrate, I will poison these infidels.”

Investigators also said Bowie recorded and shared a formal oath of allegiance, or “Bayah”, to ISIS. She allegedly expressed the belief that “jihad is an obligation” and told an FBI source that she wanted to “harm the enemies of god”.

FBI Sources Allegedly Helped Foil Plot

The alleged operation unfolded over several weeks as Bowie communicated with confidential FBI sources posing as ISIS facilitators.

Investigators said one source provided Bowie with $200 to purchase materials for an explosive device. She allegedly bought the items at a Home Depot on August 5 before handing them over to the sources.

Bowie later allegedly sought a handgun and ammunition, telling investigators that she wanted a weapon in case police approached her during the planned attack.

On August 19, investigators said Bowie was arrested after taking possession of what she believed was an explosive device. The complaint states that both the explosive device and firearm supplied by investigators were inert.

FBI Says Plot Was Stopped Before Attack

“The FBI detected and stopped an alleged plot to attack the New York State Capitol and kill elected officials,” said Matt Fodor, operations director of the FBI National Security Branch.

The investigation involved the FBI, US Secret Service, New York State Police and Albany Police Department, according to federal authorities.

Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg said Bowie allegedly intended to attack the Capitol, kill public officials and then escape to ISIS-controlled territory in Syria.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul thanked the law enforcement agencies involved in preventing the alleged attack.

“Earlier this year, amid a rise in political violence and threats against public officials, we took steps to strengthen security at the State Capitol and across state government,” Hochul said.

Charge Carries Up To 20 Years In Prison

Bowie faces a charge of attempting to provide material support to ISIS. The offence carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000 and a potential lifetime term of supervised release.

Federal authorities said the investigation remains ongoing. The allegations against Bowie are accusations, and she is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

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