The US Department of Justice announced an indictment against Jessica Bowi, 35, of Albany, for allegedly planning an ISIS-inspired bomb attack on the New York State Capitol. According to the indictment, Bowi intended to plant an explosive device in the building to kill elected officials and cause maximum destruction, then flee to territory controlled by ISIS in Syria. She was arrested Wednesday after obtaining what authorities say was an explosive device.
The US Department of Justice on Thursday filed an indictment against Jessica Bowi, a 35-year-old Albany resident, for allegedly plotting an ISIS-inspired bomb attack on the New York State Capitol. According to the criminal complaint, Bowi planned to place an explosive device in the building with the goal of killing lawmakers and inflicting maximum damage, then escape to Syria to join the Islamic State.
The indictment builds on the arrest earlier this week and follows an FBI affidavit detailed by The Zioneer on August 20, which revealed that Bowi had pledged allegiance to ISIS, scouted the Capitol building on multiple occasions, and purchased what she believed was an explosive device from undercover agents. Bowi was arrested Wednesday after taking possession of the device, authorities said.
The case highlights ongoing efforts by US law enforcement to disrupt domestic terrorist plots inspired by foreign terror groups. Bowi faces federal charges including attempted use of a weapon of mass destruction and attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization.
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