New York, August 21, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
US authorities have arrested a 35-year-old Albany woman accused of plotting an ISIS-inspired attack on the New York State Capitol and targeting state lawmakers, the US Justice Department said.
Jessica Bowie was arrested on August 19 after investigators said she took possession of what she believed was an explosive device intended for an attack on the Capitol. She appeared in federal court in Albany on Thursday and was ordered detained pending further proceedings. She faces a charge of attempting to provide material support to ISIS, a designated foreign terrorist organisation.
According to the federal criminal complaint, Bowie had allegedly expressed support for ISIS and posted anti-US statements online. Investigators said she had also recorded and shared a formal oath of allegiance, or “bayah”, to the terrorist organisation.
Authorities alleged that Bowie conducted reconnaissance of the New York State Capitol, including taking photographs of the building, and discussed an attack intended to kill lawmakers and cause extensive damage. She allegedly planned to flee to ISIS-controlled territory in Syria after the attack.
The investigation involved FBI agents and assistance from the US Secret Service, Homeland Security Investigations, New York State Police, Albany County Sheriff’s Office and Albany Police Department.
The Justice Department said undercover sources were involved in the investigation. Bowie allegedly discussed obtaining explosive materials and disguising their delivery as food. Authorities ultimately provided her with a device that she believed was an explosive, but which was incapable of detonating, before arresting her.
FBI Albany Special Agent in Charge Craig Tremaroli said the alleged plot was serious and dangerous and was disrupted before it could be carried out.
The charge against Bowie is an allegation, and she is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court. The material-support charge carries a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, according to the US Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York.
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