A U.S. Department of Justice press release confirmed the thwarting of a plot targeting the New York State Capitol building.
According to the release, Jessica Bowie, 35, allegedly planned to bomb the Capitol in an attempt to kill lawmakers and destroy critical documents before fleeing to ISIS-controlled territory in Syria.
Bowie reportedly pledged allegiance to ISIS and posted anti-American messages that included “Praise be to Allah for September 11th.” She also expressed a desire to carry out further terrorist acts against New Year’s Eve celebrations in New York City and the White House.
The criminal complaint states that Bowie was documented running reconnaissance on the Capitol building multiple times. Surveillance footage shows her scanning items at a Home Depot, including nails, which were allegedly part of an explosive device she intended to use.
Bowie was arrested Wednesday after being apprehended near her residence on Sherman Street. She made her initial appearance in federal court Thursday and faces charges of providing material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization. If convicted, she could be sentenced to up to 20 years in prison and fined $250,000.
In communications with an informant, Bowie stated: “I want to destroy as much of the building as possible and kill the senators while they are meeting. I want them to lose a lot of important documents as well.” She also said her goal was to “have an effect on the American system” and “destroy some of the taghut,” which the agent described as anything that diverts attention from Allah.
