In brief
The FBI arrested Jessica Bowie, a 35‑year‑old from Albany, who allegedly sought to bomb the state house to kill lawmakers. Prosecutors say Bowie pledged allegiance to the Islamic State and had surveyed the building multiple times. She reportedly carried a fake bomb and a defective gun, and used a food delivery bag to hide a real explosive. Officials also seized knives, a pledge of allegiance, and bomb‑making materials. The case highlights rising threats to public officials and the role of social media in radicalisation.
The FBI has arrested a New York woman who was allegedly planning to bomb the state capitol building in Albany to kill lawmakers.
Jessica Bowie, 35, is charged with providing material support to a designated foreign terrorist organisation and was said to have pledged allegiance to the Islamic State.
Prosecutors claim Bowie had repeatedly surveilled the building before being intercepted by undercover agents who fed her a fake bomb and a defective gun.
The plan reportedly involved hiding a real explosive in a food delivery bag and using nails as shrapnel – details surfaced from a photo of the DoorDash bag used during her reconnaissance.
Arrest footage shows Bowie carrying knives and a written oath of allegiance to the Islamic State, while officials report she spent weeks confiding in FBI operatives posing as IS members.
The case underscores a growing concern over political violence and the role of social media in radicalisation.
Governor Kathy Hochul praised the FBI and state police for their efforts to curb threats against public officials.
