Federal authorities have arrested Jessica Bowie, a 35-year-old Albany woman, on charges of attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization. According to a federal criminal complaint, Bowie is accused of pledging allegiance to ISIS and plotting to bomb the New York State Capitol. The arrest was made by the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force following an investigation that utilized a confidential source posing as an ISIS facilitator.
"Miss Bowie didn't just want to kill lawmakers; she wanted a complete disruption of our government." — Craig Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge, FBI's Albany Field Office
The criminal complaint details how investigators learned of Bowie’s alleged plans. Authorities stated that Bowie maintained multiple social media accounts, some of which had been suspended for violating platform rules, where she allegedly expressed support for ISIS. She is accused of posting messages endorsing the terrorist organization and recording herself pledging allegiance to ISIS. One post attributed to Bowie reportedly praised the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
The investigation intensified after Bowie began communicating with the confidential source. According to the complaint, she allegedly sought assistance from this source to carry out an attack against the New York State Capitol, which is located less than two miles from her residence. Authorities further alleged that Bowie intended to target the building when lawmakers were present. Craig Tremaroli, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Albany field office, emphasized the severity of the alleged plot. "Miss Bowie didn't just want to kill lawmakers; she wanted a complete disruption of our government," Tremaroli told reporters.
Investigators also alleged that Bowie's ambitions extended beyond the New York State Capitol. She reportedly discussed plans to flee the country after the alleged attack and potentially return to carry out additional acts of terrorism in the United States. Tremaroli stated that Bowie discussed potentially targeting Times Square on New Year’s Eve, as well as the White House and President Donald Trump.
The FBI’s investigation included surveillance, with authorities stating that Bowie scouted the New York State Capitol approximately five times. Images shared by Fox News reportedly show Bowie surveilling the Capitol and purchasing materials for the alleged attack, including a visit to a Home Depot on August 5.
According to authorities, Bowie became radicalized approximately five years ago after converting to Islam. The Islamic State, commonly known as ISIS, is recognized by the U.S. government as a foreign terrorist organization.
The arrest occurred before any alleged attack could be carried out, with federal officials crediting the confidential source and the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force investigation for uncovering and disrupting the purported plot. First Assistant U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone praised the authorities for their work and issued a warning to others contemplating politically or ideologically motivated violence. "We are vigilant, we are prepared, and just as we stop this defendant, we will continue to disrupt plots and protect the American people," Sarcone said.
The allegations against Bowie are contained within a criminal complaint and have not yet been proven in a court of law. Bowie was expected to make her initial federal court appearance on Thursday afternoon to face the material-support charge. The incident underscores ongoing concerns about domestic radicalization and the persistent threat of terrorism.
