US authorities have charged a 35-year-old Albany woman over an alleged ISIS-inspired plot targeting the New York State Capitol. The Justice Department says Jessica Bowie intended to use an explosive device against the building, kill public officials and later travel to Syria. She is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Jessica Bowie ISIS plot charge
Jessica Bowie, 35, made her first federal court appearance on August 20 on a charge of attempting to provide material support to ISIS, which the United States designates as a foreign terrorist organization. She had been apprehended a day earlier, on August 19, according to the Justice Department.
Federal prosecutors allege Bowie planned to attack the New York State Capitol in Albany using an explosive device. The building houses the New York State Legislature and is one of the most important government sites in the state.
The single material-support charge carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000 and potentially lifetime supervised release if she is convicted. The allegations remain unproven.
NY Capitol plot allegedly targeted lawmakers
According to the criminal complaint summarized by the Justice Department, Bowie allegedly conducted reconnaissance around the Capitol grounds, visiting the location several times and photographing the building.
Prosecutors say she discussed wanting to destroy a large portion of the Capitol and kill state senators while they were meeting. Authorities allege she also wanted the attack to damage important government records and have a wider impact on the American political system.
Investigators further allege that Bowie planned to carry out the attack before travelling to Syria to join people in ISIS-controlled territory.
FBI terror case followed online activity
The government says investigators identified online activity associated with Bowie that included anti-American statements and praise for the September 11 attacks. Prosecutors also allege she recorded and distributed a “Bayah,” or oath of allegiance, to ISIS.
The Justice Department has not presented those allegations as proven facts. They form part of the evidence prosecutors intend to use as the case proceeds through federal court.
The FBI led the investigation with assistance from the US Secret Service, New York State Police, Albany Police Department and other law-enforcement agencies.
Arrest came during alleged explosive operation
Authorities say Bowie was taken into custody on August 19 as she obtained what she believed was an explosive device intended for use against the Capitol and state senators. That operation allowed investigators to intervene before any alleged attack could occur.
Assistant Attorney General for National Security John Eisenberg said prosecutors allege that Bowie intended to deploy the device, kill public officials and then flee to ISIS-controlled territory.
The case is being prosecuted by the Justice Department’s National Security Division and the US Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York.
Material support case now moves to federal court
Bowie appeared before US Magistrate Judge Daniel J. Stewart on August 20 and was ordered detained pending further proceedings.
The case will now test whether prosecutors can prove that the alleged preparation, statements, reconnaissance and actions amount to an attempt to provide material support to ISIS under federal law.
Because the case is still at the complaint stage, reporting should continue using terms such as “alleged,” “accused” and “according to prosecutors.” The Justice Department explicitly states that the charge is only an accusation and that Bowie is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
