- US authorities arrested and charged a New York woman with planning an Islamic State-inspired attack on the state’s capitol building in Albany, the justice department said on Thursday.
- Jessica Bowie, 35, of Albany, was charged with planning to deploy an explosive device at the state capitol with the intention of killing public officials and destroying “as much of the building as possible” before fleeing to IS-controlled territory in Syria, according to John A Eisenberg, assistant attorney general for national security.
- Bowie was apprehended on Wednesday after she gained possession of what she thought was an explosive device.
- The department said she was seen making visits to the state’s capitol grounds and taking photographs of the building.
- While describing the building as her target, according to the justice department, Bowie said she wanted the attack to have an affect on the American system.
- Following Bowie’s arrest, the governor, Kathy Hochul, said the state had taken steps to strengthen security at the capitol and across government amid a rise in political violence and threats against public officials.
- Hochul stated: “While there is no immediate threat at this time, we will continue working closely with our law enforcement partners to protect New Yorkers and keep our communities safe.”
Jessica Bowie, 35, was arrested for allegedly planning an Islamic State-inspired attack on the New York state capitol in Albany. The Justice Department reported that she intended to use an explosive device to kill public officials and destroy the building.12
Bowie was apprehended after acquiring what she believed was an explosive device. She had been observed visiting the capitol grounds and photographing the building, indicating her intent to target it. According to the Justice Department, she expressed a desire for the attack to have an “affect on the American system.”5
Bowie had previously shared anti-American sentiments online, including celebrating the September 11 attacks. Following her arrest, New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced enhanced security measures at the capitol and across government facilities, citing a rise in political violence and threats against public officials. “While there is no immediate threat at this time, we will continue working closely with our law enforcement partners to protect New Yorkers and keep our communities safe,” she stated.6
The case highlights ongoing concerns regarding domestic terrorism and the influence of extremist ideologies within the United States.
“Bowie, 35, was apprehended after taking possession of what she thought was an explosive device, and had been seen photographing the capitol. Governor Kathy Hochul said the state has strengthened security amid a rise in political violence, noting there is no immediate threat.”
The Guardian
