New York Woman Arrested Over ISIS Plot to Bomb State Capitol and Kill Lawmakers
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New York (Terror Monitor) — The FBI has arrested a 35-year-old New York woman accused of planning to bomb a state Capitol building and kill lawmakers, federal prosecutors said.
Prosecutors allege that Jessica Bowie had previously joined the Islamic State and is charged with providing material support to a foreign terrorist organization.
According to court documents, Bowie allegedly visited the Capitol building several times while discussing an attack with undercover FBI agents posing as members of the Islamic State. Investigators say she identified the building as a potential target because she believed it would be easier to attack than the White House.
Prosecutors allege that Bowie told undercover agents she wanted to cause significant damage to the building and kill senators, adding that she wanted the attack to have an impact on the U.S. government.
Authorities said Bowie allegedly planned to conceal a bomb inside a food-delivery bag. Court documents also state that undercover agents provided her with a fake explosive device and a disabled firearm during the investigation.
According to prosecutors, agents also gave Bowie $200 to purchase materials that could be used in making a bomb and accompanied her to a Home Depot store.
Bowie was arrested on Wednesday. Authorities said she was carrying knives and a written pledge of allegiance to the Islamic State at the time of her arrest.
Court documents allege that Bowie had posted anti-American messages on social media and had expressed approval of the September 2001 al-Qaeda attacks. Prosecutors also allege that she told undercover agents she had converted to Islam five years ago.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul thanked the FBI and New York Police Department for the investigation and arrest, describing Bowie as a dangerous individual.
Bowie’s position on the charges against her was not immediately clear.
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