New York woman charged over alleged Capitol bomb plot
AM730 · 2 SOURCESabout 1 hour ago2 MIN
Summary
A 35-year-old woman from Albany, New York, has been arrested and charged in federal court over an alleged plot to bomb the New York State Capitol in Albany. Prosecutors said Jessica Bowie tried to provide material support to Islamic State and planned to detonate a bomb at the building, kill public officials and cause as much destruction as possible. Investigators said she had been under FBI surveillance after posting anti-American views online and pledging allegiance to Islamic State in May. She was arrested after meeting an undercover federal agent while carrying a newly purchased firearm and explosive device components, according to the complaint
Key Points
- Court documents say Bowie, 35, is from Albany and appeared in federal court after being charged with a federal terrorism offence.
- The FBI said she converted to Islam five years ago and recorded an Arabic-language message pledging loyalty to the Islamic State leader.
- Investigators alleged she began planning the attack in mid-July, believing the state legislature had passed laws offensive to Muslims.
- Authorities said she visited the State Capitol five times between July 21 and August 9, taking photos and scouting entrances.
- Prosecutors said she discussed hiding a bomb in a takeout bag near an entrance and wanted senators killed during a meeting
Why It Matters
For Hong Kong readers, the case is a reminder that lone-actor extremist plots can develop through online radicalisation, surveillance of public buildings and contact with covert investigators before an attack is carried out. It also shows why governments keep legislatures and other symbolic public sites under close protection even when they are not in session.