FBI foils ISIS-inspired bomb plot, federal police arrest woman over plan to attack New York State Capitol
Federal agents arrested a 35-year-old Albany woman accused of plotting to detonate an explosive device inside the New York State Capitol and kill elected officials in the name of ISIS, according to a criminal complaint unsealed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of New York.
Jessica Bowie was arrested by the FBI‘s Joint Terrorism Task Force in Albany and appeared in court the following day on one count of attempting to provide material support or resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization.
Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg said Bowie planned to deploy an explosive device at the Capitol, kill public officials and destroy “as much of the building as possible” before fleeing to ISIS-controlled territory in Syria.
FBI and national security officials react
FBI Director Kash Patel wrote on X that “the FBI arrested an individual – Jessica Bowie – who allegedly swore allegiance to ISIS and planned to carry out a deadly attack with explosives on the New York State Capitol.”
Matt Fodor, operations director of the FBI’s National Security Branch, said the bureau “detected and stopped an alleged plot to attack the New York State Capitol and kill elected officials.”
Fodor said Bowie had allegedly sworn allegiance to ISIS and “wanted to follow up with additional horrific acts of terrorism,” describing the case as an example of the FBI’s ability to identify threats and stop plots before they cause harm.
Eisenberg said the National Security Division and its law enforcement partners remain committed to preventing similar attacks and securing convictions against those who attempt them.
Surveillance and sting operation
According to court documents, an FBI confidential source began communicating with Bowie after posing online as an “ISIS facilitator” to learn about her plans. Investigators say Bowie then conducted repeated surveillance of the Capitol.
Prosecutors allege Bowie visited the building five times between July 21 and August 9, taking photographs from multiple vantage points, including an observation hall near the Capitol.
The FBI says Bowie discussed concealing a bomb inside a DoorDash delivery bag and carrying out the attack while state senators were meeting inside the building. Investigators also say photographs show Bowie at a Home Depot purchasing items believed to be bomb-making components.
According to prosecutors, undercover sources later met with Bowie and provided her with an inert explosive device and an inert handgun, along with instructions for detonating the device. She was arrested after taking possession of what she believed was a live explosive, the Justice Department said.
Bowie’s alleged radicalization
Court records allege Bowie converted to Islam about five years before her arrest and adopted the name “Aisha Saif.” Investigators say she maintained social media accounts promoting extremist views and swore allegiance to ISIS in multiple audio recordings in English and Arabic.
Craig Tremaroli, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Albany field office, said at a news conference that Bowie once wrote online, “Praise be to Allah for September 11.”
Tremaroli said Bowie expressed a desire to attack the New York State Capitol after obtaining what she believed was an explosive device. He also said Bowie “wanted a complete disruption of our government.”
Prosecutors detail the charge
John Sarcone, first assistant U.S. attorney for the Northern District of New York, said Bowie faces one count of attempting to provide material support or resources to ISIS.
Sarcone said Bowie was arrested by the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force in Albany.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Bellis also addressed the case at a news conference following Bowie’s court appearance, though the specific remarks were not detailed in the Justice Department’s publicly released complaint.
After her arrest, Bowie told agents, “There’s no helping me. You guys know enough, there’s no helping me, I’m … going to prison for the rest of my life,” according to the complaint.
Governor Kathy Hochul responds
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said in a statement posted to X that the Justice Department and FBI had announced the arrest of a woman who allegedly plotted an attack on the New York State Capitol.
Hochul said there was no immediate threat and that state authorities would continue coordinating with federal and local law enforcement to protect New Yorkers.