A 35-year-old resident of Albany, Jessica Bowie, faces serious accusations from federal authorities. She is charged with plotting a bomb attack on the New York State Capitol and expressing allegiance to ISIS.
An FBI complaint obtained recently outlines Bowie’s conversion to Islam around five years ago, during which she adopted the name “Aisha Saif.” Bowie is accused of operating multiple social media accounts that promoted extremist ideologies. She allegedly conducted detailed reconnaissance around the Capitol for weeks prior to her arrest on August 19.
Bowie reportedly discussed explosives, sought firearms, and pinpointed lawmakers as potential targets. She faces charges of attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization.
Newsweek contacted the FBI and New York Governor Kathy Hochul’s office for comments.
The complaint details that several of Bowie’s social media accounts posted messages supporting terrorism from May to July. A post dated May 28 allegedly praised the events of September 11.
Another post linked to Bowie hinted at intentions to “poison these infidels.” Authorities state that an FBI source, posing as an ISIS operative, communicated with Bowie via encrypted messages in mid-July. Bowie reportedly shared her plans to target the New York State Capitol over two weeks.
Between July 21 and August 9, Bowie conducted surveillance of the building approximately five times, sending numerous images to an FBI informant. On July 29, she allegedly expressed her desire to destroy as much of the building as possible and harm the lawmakers attending meetings, aiming to impact the “American system.”
Following the acquisition of $200 from an informant, Bowie is said to have purchased bomb-making materials at a Home Depot on August 5. The purchases allegedly included nails, electrical tape, a 9-volt battery, and acetone.
“I hope the nails are big enough … because the nails work as shrapnel, right?” Bowie reportedly asked an informant after the hardware store visit.
This article covers an ongoing investigation. Further updates will be provided as new information becomes available.