Jessica Bowie Arrested in Alleged ISIS Plot to Bomb New York State Capitol in Albany, New York

ALBANY, N.Y. — Jessica Bowie, a 35-year-old Albany woman, has been arrested and charged in an alleged ISIS-inspired plot to bomb the New York State Capitol, kill lawmakers and destroy as much of the building as possible.

Federal authorities arrested Bowie on Wednesday, August 19, after she allegedly received what she believed was a functioning explosive device. Officials publicly announced the case on Thursday.

Alleged plan to target state senators

Investigators allege Bowie wanted to carry out the attack when the largest possible number of state senators would be inside the Capitol.

Court documents say she discussed using a powerful explosive to kill lawmakers and severely damage the building, which she described as a major political center for New York.

Bowie allegedly considered targeting Albany City Hall before choosing the State Capitol. Authorities said she wanted the attack to disrupt the government and affect the American political system.

FBI informants monitored the alleged plot

Bowie had reportedly been monitored for more than a month while communicating with confidential FBI informants whom she believed were connected to ISIS.

Authorities allege that she requested instructions for constructing an explosive device and visited the Capitol grounds at least five times to photograph the building, examine security measures and determine where a bomb could cause the greatest damage.

She also allegedly purchased materials that could be used to build an explosive, including long nails intended to serve as shrapnel.

Arrest followed weapons meeting

Shortly before her arrest, Bowie allegedly paid $150 for a handgun, ammunition and a magazine. Investigators said she wanted the firearm to confront police or security personnel during the planned attack.

She was also given a fake explosive device inside a briefcase by an informant she believed was assisting with the plot.

Authorities arrested her before any attack occurred.

Federal terrorism charge filed

Bowie is charged with attempting to provide material support or resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization.

Investigators allege she had pledged allegiance to ISIS, posted messages supporting terrorism and intended to flee to Syria after attacking the Capitol.

She also allegedly discussed returning to the United States for possible future attacks against prominent locations, including the White House and Times Square.

New York officials said there is no immediate threat and that security has been strengthened at the State Capitol and other government facilities.

The allegations remain accusations, and Bowie is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.