A New York woman planned an attack on the New York State Capitol, targeting state senators, as outlined in a criminal complaint. The FBI arrested Jessica Bowie, a 35-year-old from Albany, who is charged with attempting to provide material support to ISIS. According to the complaint, Bowie pledged allegiance to the terror group and discussed disguising a bomb in a DoorDash delivery bag.
Bowie, who converted to Islam five years ago and adopted the name “Aisha Saif,” communicated with an FBI source pretending to be an ISIS supporter. She began plotting the Capitol attack around mid-July. Investigators reported that she surveilled the building five times between July 21 and August 9, taking photos and examining area security.
Praise be to Allah for September 11th.
This statement was reportedly made by Bowie on social media under the username “nusaybahsaif.” She expressed a desire to damage the Capitol and harm lawmakers with the help of explosives, with the goal of striking when senators were in session.
Bowie purchased materials for the bomb, including nails, at a Home Depot on August 5, funded by $200 supplied by a confidential source. On August 6, she provided DoorDash bags to conceal the device. She later met with sources to obtain a firearm and viewed an explosive device made from the materials she acquired. Both items were inert.
Authorities arrested Bowie on August 19 while she left a meeting with the fake weapon and explosive. A search of her possessions revealed knives and a written pledge of allegiance to ISIS. Bowie reportedly expressed to agents a wish to flee to Syria post-attack.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul commented on the situation, thanking the FBI and law enforcement for their roles in apprehending Bowie. She assured the public of ongoing efforts to enhance security at the State Capitol amid rising political violence. There is no immediate threat, but cooperation with law enforcement will continue to safeguard the community.
Governor Hochul plans to address the media regarding the incident at a scheduled press conference in the afternoon. Fox News Digital has requested a statement from the FBI.