Woman Charged in ISIS-Inspired Plot to Bomb New York State Capitol

Federal authorities have charged Jessica Bowie, a 35-year-old Albany resident, with an ISIS-inspired plot to detonate an explosive device at the New York State Capitol building. Bowie allegedly intended to kill public officials and cause extensive damage to the building. This comes after an FBI investigation involving confidential informants who posed as ISIS facilitators and communicated with Bowie for over a month.

According to court documents, Bowie conducted surveillance of the Capitol on multiple occasions and expressed a desire to harm state senators and disrupt the American system. She was arrested on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, after receiving what she believed to be an explosive device from undercover FBI agents.

Bowie, who reportedly converted to Islam five years ago and became radicalized online, faces charges of attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization. If convicted, she could face up to 20 years in prison. Officials emphasized that the FBI successfully thwarted the dangerous plot, preventing any harm to the public.