Archive · 21 Aug 2026
Alleged ISIS-Inspired Plot to Bomb New York Capitol Disrupted
US officials say they stopped a suspected plan to attack New York’s state legislature.
They arrested Jessica Bowie, who is accused of supporting the Islamic State.
Investigators say she looked at several government buildings before choosing the Capitol.
She allegedly wanted to damage the building and kill state senators during a meeting.
She reportedly planned to hide an explosive inside a food-delivery bag.
Investigators gave her a harmless device and a fake gun while pretending to help her.
Police arrested her near the Capitol after she received them.
She also allegedly discussed possible attacks in Times Square and against the White House.
These are accusations that will be addressed in court.
Jessica Bowie, 35, was arrested near the New York State Capitol and charged with attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization.
The FBI alleges Bowie expressed support for extremist violence, the September 11 attacks, and the Islamic State’s leader.
Investigators say she surveyed Albany government buildings before selecting the Capitol and allegedly targeting state senators during a meeting.
Authorities allege Bowie planned to disguise an explosive in a food-delivery bag and received an inert device and fake gun from undercover informants.
The case follows the June arrest of Catherine Beth Washburn over an alleged $30,116 cryptocurrency transfer to a designated terrorist organization.
- Who
- Jessica Bowie, 35, was arrested and charged by federal authorities.
- What
- She is accused of attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization and planning an attack on the New York State Capitol.
- When
- She was arrested on Thursday after receiving an inert device and fake gun on Wednesday; the articles give no specific date.
- Where
- Near the New York State Capitol in Albany, New York.
- Why
- According to the FBI complaint, she allegedly wanted to cause extensive damage and kill state senators while they were meeting.
- Suspect
- Jessica Bowie, 35, an Albany woman who used the name Aisha Saif after converting to Islam.
- Charge
- Attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization.
- Alleged target
- The New York State Capitol, which houses the New York State legislature.
- Alleged method
- Concealing an explosive in a food-delivery bag.
- Investigation
- FBI informants allegedly posed as supporters, supplied an inert explosive and fake gun, and helped authorities make the arrest.
- Other alleged targets
- Bowie allegedly discussed Times Square during New Year’s Eve celebrations and the White House.
- Related case
- Catherine Beth Washburn was arrested in June over an alleged $30,116 cryptocurrency transfer to the Direct Action Movement for Palestinian Liberation.
Sources
New York Capitol Terror Plot Foiled: Woman Arrested For Allegedly Planning Islamic State-Inspired Bomb Attack To Kill Lawmakers | Video
US officials disrupt Islamic state follower’s plot to attack New York State legislature
