Albany Resident Accused of Plotting Attack on New York State Capitol

Jessica Bowie, a 35-year-old resident of Albany, is facing serious allegations from federal authorities. She stands accused of pledging allegiance to ISIS and planning a bomb attack on the New York State Capitol.

An FBI complaint obtained by Newsweek reveals that Bowie converted to Islam approximately five years ago, adopting the name “Aisha Saif.” She maintained multiple social media accounts that promoted extremist views. Over recent weeks, she allegedly conducted reconnaissance around the Capitol.

Investigators report that Bowie discussed the use of explosives, sought out a firearm, and identified lawmakers as targets. Her arrest took place on August 19. She is formally charged with attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization.

Newsweek reached out to the FBI and the office of New York Governor Kathy Hochul for comments on Thursday afternoon. Several social media accounts linked to Bowie had posted messages indicating support for terrorism from May to July, as noted in the criminal complaint unsealed on Thursday.

Praise be to Allah for September 11th,

an account believed to be linked to Bowie reportedly posted on May 28. Another account associated with her allegedly expressed intentions to poison these infidels, according to the complaint.

A source from the FBI, posing as an ISIS operative, communicated with Bowie using encrypted messages in mid-July. During these exchanges, Bowie discussed plans to attack the New York State Capitol building in Albany over a two-week period, as outlined in the complaint.

She reportedly conducted surveillance of the Capitol around five times between July 21 and August 9, sending numerous images of the building to an FBI informant.

I want to destroy as much of the building as possible and kill the senators while they are meeting,

Bowie allegedly wrote on July 29, expressing her desire to impact the American system.

On August 5, with $200 provided by an informant, Bowie is accused of purchasing materials from a Home Depot to construct an explosive device. These materials included nails, electrical tape, a 9-volt battery, and acetone, according to the complaint.

I hope the nails are big enough … because the nails work as shrapnel, right?

Bowie allegedly questioned FBI informants after returning from the hardware store.

This is a developing story and further updates will follow as more information becomes available.