FBI arrests woman accused of plotting ISIS-inspired attack on New York Capitol

The FBI arrested Jessica Bowie, a 35-year-old Albany resident, on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, for allegedly planning an ISIS-inspired bombing attack on the New York State Capitol. She was formally charged on Thursday with attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization, a crime carrying a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine Source: CNN, infobae.

The plot

According to the criminal complaint, Bowie swore allegiance to ISIS in multiple audio recordings and conducted surveillance of the Capitol at least five times between July 21 and August 9, taking photographs and analyzing security Source: CNN, ABC. She allegedly told an undercover FBI informant posing as an ISIS facilitator that she wanted to "destroy as much of the building as possible and kill the senators while they are in session" Source: CNN, clarin. Bowie reportedly purchased materials to build an explosive device and discussed hiding a bomb in a DoorDash delivery bag Source: El Nacional, infobae.

The arrest

On August 19, undercover agents provided Bowie with what she believed to be an explosive device, an inert firearm, and ammunition. She was arrested shortly after taking possession of these items near a McDonald's close to the Capitol Source: clarin. FBI Special Agent Craig Tremaroli stated that the plot was "serious" and "dangerous," but was "thwarted" thanks to the Joint Terrorism Task Force Source: CNN.

The reaction

Governor Kathy Hochul thanked the FBI and local police, noting that security at the Capitol had been reinforced earlier this year amid a rise in political violence. She emphasized that there is no immediate threat to the public Source: El Nacional, diariolibree. Bowie's defense attorney has not commented on the charges Source: clarin.