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Albany woman planned to bomb State Capitol, federal prosecutors say
Gothamist • • nation
Key Points:
- Jessica Bowie, a 35-year-old Albany woman, was arrested after allegedly pledging support to Islamic State and discussing plans to bomb the New York State Capitol with undercover federal agents.
- Bowie was found with a gun and a dummy explosive device during a meeting with informants she believed would assist her attack; she faces charges of attempting to provide material support to a designated terrorist organization.
- Surveillance footage shows Bowie visited the State Capitol multiple times and communicated intentions to place a bomb to kill senators and damage the building, aiming to impact the American political system.
- Governor Kathy Hochul acknowledged increased security measures at the Capitol amid rising political violence and expressed gratitude to the FBI for preventing the threat.
- Bowie admitted awareness of potential legal consequences, stating she expected to go to prison for her actions, with material support charges carrying up to 20 years of incarceration.
