Suspect Swore Allegiance to ISIS and Planned to Bomb New York State Capitol
The FBI has thwarted a terrorist plot to bomb the New York State Capitol building in Albany and target lawmakers. The suspect, 35-year-old Jessica Bowie, allegedly swore allegiance to ISIS and planned the attack for weeks.
The FBI has thwarted a terrorist plot to bomb the New York State Capitol building in Albany and target lawmakers, according to a criminal complaint filed on Thursday. The suspect, 35-year-old Jessica Bowie, a resident of Albany, allegedly swore allegiance to the terrorist organization ISIS and planned the attack for weeks.
According to court documents, Bowie, who converted to Islam about five years ago, conducted reconnaissance in the area of the Capitol building as part of the preparations for the attack. At the same time, she purchased materials intended for the construction of an explosive device and examined ways to disguise it.
Among other things, the criminal complaint notes that the suspect discussed the possibility of hiding the device inside a bag from the food delivery company DoorDash, with the goal of infiltrating the Capitol area and harming lawmakers.
During the planning of the attack, Bowie communicated with an FBI source who posed as an ISIS member. According to court documents, she asked him to assist her in preparing explosives for the execution of the plot.
On Wednesday, Bowie met with sources from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, who handed her a neutralized explosive device and a handgun. Shortly after she received the items, she was arrested. The details of the plot were revealed in the criminal complaint, which outlined the preparations she allegedly made and the connection she maintained with someone she believed to be an ISIS member.
