Woman Charged Over Alleged IS-Inspired Bomb Plot Against New York State Capitol

US authorities have filed charges against a 35-year-old woman accused of attempting to provide material support to a foreign group designated as a terrorist organisation. Jessica Bowie is alleged to have plotted to bomb the New York State Capitol in Albany, the building that houses the state government and both chambers of the legislature.

According to court filings, Bowie had reportedly converted to Islam and become an active online supporter of the Islamic State group, posting anti-American content, including messages expressing support for the perpetrators of the September 11, 2001 attacks.

The criminal complaint states that she disclosed her support for the banned organisation to an FBI informant and sought advice on manufacturing explosives. She allegedly planned to visit the area around the Capitol under the guise of having picnics, in order to observe the building's security arrangements. On an encrypted messaging app, she reportedly said she had obtained anarchist literature from a social justice centre that could offer useful guidance.

The complaint quotes her as saying she wanted to destroy as much of the building as possible and kill senators while they were in session, as well as destroy important documents. Bowie allegedly considered posing as a food delivery driver to gain access to the building and plant an explosive device, before fleeing to Syria. She reportedly suggested that, should her escape succeed, she might return to the US to target other high-profile locations, including Times Square in New York.

After obtaining a DoorDash delivery bag and bomb components, including nails intended for use as shrapnel, Bowie was arrested by FBI agents on August 19. During her arrest, she allegedly told agents there was no point in trying to help her, since they already knew enough. Bowie was scheduled to appear in court on Thursday. Her attorney has not responded to a request for comment.