Archive · 21 Aug 2026
Woman Charged Over Alleged ISIS-Inspired New York Capitol Plot
Authorities arrested Jessica Bowie over an alleged plan to attack New York’s Capitol building.
The Capitol is in Albany, where New York lawmakers meet.
Prosecutors say she wanted to use a bomb to kill senators and damage the building.
They also allege that she wanted to destroy important government documents.
Investigators say Bowie supported the Islamic State and shared anti-American messages online.
The FBI says she visited the Capitol to study its security.
She allegedly collected bomb-making materials and considered disguising herself as a food delivery worker.
Bowie was arrested after receiving something she thought was an explosive device.
Officials said security was increased and that there was no immediate danger.
Jessica Bowie, 35, of Albany, was charged with attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization.
Court filings allege Bowie planned to bomb the New York State Capitol, kill senators during a legislative meeting and destroy government documents.
Authorities say Bowie supported the Islamic State, posted anti-American messages and expressed support for the September 11, 2001 attacks.
The FBI alleges she studied Capitol security, sought bomb-making guidance, obtained explosive components and considered posing as a food delivery worker.
Bowie was arrested on August 19, 2026, after obtaining what she believed was an explosive device; officials said Capitol security was strengthened and there was no immediate threat.
- Who
- Jessica Bowie, 35, of Albany, was charged by U.S. authorities following an FBI investigation.
- What
- She is accused of attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization and planning an explosive attack on the New York State Capitol.
- When
- Bowie was arrested on August 19, 2026; reports said she was due to appear in court on August 21.
- Where
- The alleged target was the New York State Capitol in Albany, New York.
- Why
- Authorities allege the plan was connected to Bowie’s support for the Islamic State and anti-American views, with the stated aims of killing senators, damaging the building and destroying documents.
- Suspect
- Jessica Bowie, 35, of Albany
- Charge
- Attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization
- Alleged target
- The New York State Capitol in Albany, which houses both chambers of New York’s legislature
- Alleged objectives
- Kill senators during a legislative meeting, destroy important documents and damage as much of the building as possible
- Alleged preparations
- Visits and photographs at the Capitol, security observation, a DoorDash bag and bomb-making components including nails that could be used as shrapnel
- Arrest
- August 19, 2026, after Bowie allegedly obtained what she believed was an explosive device
- Security status
- New York Governor Kathy Hochul said security was strengthened; officials reported no immediate threat
Sources
US charges woman over alleged IS-linked plot to blow up New York State Capitol
ISIS-Inspired Woman Charged Over Plot To Attack New York Capitol Building
'Kill Senators, Destroy Building': Woman Arrested Over IS-Inspired Plot To Bomb New York Capitol
'I want to destroy...': FBI charges 35-year-old woman with ISIS-inspired plot to bomb New York Capitol, 'kill the senators'
