Federal agents arrested a New York woman Wednesday after she purchased what she believed to be an explosive device to attack the state capitol building, hoping to kill senators in session and then flee the country to join ISIS.

The Plot to Bomb Albany

Jessica Bowie, 35, faces federal charges for attempting to provide material support to ISIS after buying materials for an explosive device intended to destroy the New York State Capitol. FBI Special Agent Craig Tremaroli revealed that Bowie pledged allegiance to the terrorist organization through multiple audio recordings and conducted at least five surveillance trips to the Capitol, photographing potential targets. She told undercover agents she wanted to destroy as much of the building as possible and ensure senators were killed during the attack.

According to the criminal complaint, Bowie arranged to have an explosive device constructed and personally purchased several required materials. She planned to disguise herself as a food delivery worker, placing the bomb in a delivery bag to avoid suspicion. After the attack, she hoped to board a plane and escape to Syria to join ISIS forces overseas, investigators stated.

FBI Informants Document Preparations

Between May and July, social media accounts traced to the Albany woman sent messages supporting terrorism, prosecutors said. By mid-July, an undercover FBI informant posing as an ISIS facilitator began communicating with Bowie. She requested help making explosives and sent photographs of the Capitol with targeted locations circled. During a recorded meeting on August 5, Bowie told two informants she wanted to maximize casualties, stating that killing only two or three people would not justify the risk she was taking.

That same day, informants drove Bowie to a Home Depot store and provided her with $200. She purchased supplies including a large plastic bin filled with nails to create shrapnel. Later, she messaged an informant requesting a handgun and ammunition, explaining she wanted something powerful yet easy to conceal so she could shoot back if police approached during the operation. On Wednesday, she paid $150 for what she believed was a functional firearm before FBI agents moved in and arrested her.

Security Response and Official Statements

Governor Kathy Hochul confirmed that security measures at the State Capitol had been strengthened earlier this year amid rising political violence and threats against public officials. State senators had adjourned for recess in June, meaning the building was not in active session during the investigation. First Assistant US Attorney John Sarcone said Bowie had been radicalized online and spread messages of hate and violence against Americans. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani called the alleged plot deeply alarming, stating there is no place for terrorism or political violence anywhere in the country.