New York Woman Charged with Supporting Palestinian Terrorist Group

A New York resident, Catherine Beth Washburn, is facing serious charges for allegedly supporting a terrorist group. Washburn, 37, from a suburb of Rochester, is accused of supplying financial aid to the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), a group recognized as a Foreign Terrorist Organization. If found guilty, she might be sentenced to 20 years in federal prison and fined $250,000.

Washburn was a leader of the Direct Action Movement for Palestinian Liberation (DAMPL), a militant group founded after the Hamas attacks on Israel in October 2023. The Justice Department states DAMPL opposes peaceful protest, favoring property destruction and sabotage against entities linked with Israel.

The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force unearthed communications where Washburn expressed strong anti-Jewish sentiments and support for anti-Israeli violence. She expressed hatred for Jewish people and a desire for Israel’s destruction. In one message, she mentioned wishing for daily events like October 7, referring to the attacks she supports.

“I wish every day were October 7th.”

In another message, she relayed excitement over the news of Israeli soldiers’ deaths. The federal complaint also reveals she transferred over $30,000 through approximately 80 cryptocurrency transactions to an account managed by a PIJ fighter.

U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo highlighted that Washburn’s actions were driven by her animosity towards Israel and Jewish people. Acting Assistant Director of the FBI Counterterrorism Division, Coult Markovsky, affirmed the FBI’s commitment to stopping financial assistance to terrorist groups. He warned that anyone aiding such organizations will face justice.

Additional insight into Washburn’s activities includes communications where she joked about potential imprisonment due to her illegal actions. She acknowledged her previous fundraising efforts with a laugh, indicating awareness of the legal repercussions.

Alexandra Koch, an editor with Fox News Digital, focuses on significant national events. Her past coverage includes major crises such as the L.A. wildfires and the Texas Hill Country floods.