In brief
Federal agents arrested Jessica Bowie of Albany after a months‑long investigation revealed she planned to detonate a bomb at the New York statehouse. Witnesses say Bowie carried a fake bomb, a defective gun, and a food delivery bag to hide explosives. Prosecutors allege she pledged allegiance to ISIS, surveilled the building repeatedly, and obtained nails for shrapnel from a local hardware store. The case underscores rising political violence and secures new safety measures across state government sites.
FBI Arrests Woman Allegedly Plotting to Bomb New York State Capitol
The Federal Bureau of Investigation detained Jessica Bowie, a 35‑year‑old from Albany, after a months‑long investigation uncovered evidence she had intended to detonate a bomb at the New York statehouse.
Prosecutors say Bowie pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group and repeatedly surveilled the statehouse. She was carrying a fake bomb, a defective weapon, and a food delivery bag that she used to conceal explosive materials.
Undercover agents provided her with $200 and guided her to a local hardware store to secure nails that would serve as shrapnel. Capture footage shows her taking photographs near the capitol building before the alleged attack.
Bowie’s social media activity included anti‑American posts, praise for the 9/11 attacks, and a self‑depicted evolution from a pro‑America youth to a jihadist.
Governor Kathy Hochul praised the FBI and state police for the operation and highlighted new security measures at state government sites.
More details will be released as the case progresses.
