Federal authorities arrested Jessica Bowie, a 35-year-old Albany resident, on August 19 after an FBI investigation alleged she plotted to bomb the New York State Capitol building in Albany, according to a criminal complaint filed Thursday.
The complaint, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of New York, charges Bowie with attempting to provide material support to ISIS, a designated foreign terrorist organization. Prosecutors allege she pledged allegiance to the group, conducted reconnaissance of the Capitol, and discussed acquiring explosives and firearms to carry out an attack targeting lawmakers during legislative sessions.
Key developments in the case
- Bowie allegedly communicated with an FBI source posing as an ISIS facilitator between July 16 and August 17, expressing her intent to detonate a bomb at the Capitol and harm state senators.
- She is accused of surveilling the Capitol, purchasing bomb-making materials at a Home Depot on August 5, and discussing disguising explosives in a DoorDash delivery bag.
- The complaint states she hoped to evade capture after the attack and return to strike additional targets if successful.
Background and alleged motives
According to the complaint, Bowie converted to Islam approximately five years ago and adopted the name "Aisha Saif" on social media. Investigators allege she maintained multiple accounts promoting extremist content, which were frequently suspended for violating platform policies. She allegedly expressed support for terrorism in online posts between May and July.
The complaint further claims Bowie initially considered targeting the White House but opted for the Capitol due to perceived feasibility. She allegedly told the FBI source, “I want to destroy as much of the building as possible and kill the senators while they are meeting” and “harm the enemies of God.”
Legal proceedings and official response
Bowie is scheduled to appear in court Thursday afternoon on the single charge of attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terror organization. A press conference with federal and state officials is scheduled for 3 p.m. ET to address the case.
The FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York are expected to provide further details during the briefing. The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities reviewing Bowie’s communications, purchases, and online activity.