Albany Woman Arrested in ISIS Plot to Bomb Capitol

Federal prosecutors say Jessica Bowie recruited support for an ISIS-inspired attack on the New York State Capitol, including reconnaissance of Capitol grounds and a plan to disguise the assault as a delivery-service operation. She photographed the Capitol multiple times and considered slipping a device inside a package to maximize casualties and target state lawmakers. Bowie allegedly acquired materials to construct an explosive and, in undercover exchanges, interacted with an FBI informant posing as an ISIS facilitator; she also posted online in support of ISIS. The FBI arrested Bowie after she obtained what she believed to be an explosive device, and communications indicated she intended to flee to Syria following the attack. Officials described the case as a direct threat to democracy and said security at state facilities has been heightened. Charges include providing material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization, with prosecutors emphasizing online radicalization and intent to maximize casualties.