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

A 35-year-old Albany woman has been charged in an alleged ISIS-inspired plot to attack the New York State Capitol and kill state senators, federal officials announced Thursday.

Jessica Bowie was arrested Wednesday by FBI agents after investigators say she purchased what she believed was an explosive device and expressed her desire to carry out an attack at the Capitol.

Bowie is charged with attempting to provide material support or resources to ISIS, a designated foreign terrorist organization. If convicted, she faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.

According to federal officials, Bowie pledged allegiance to ISIS through multiple audio recordings and conducted surveillance of the Capitol at least five times. Investigators say she took dozens of photographs of the building and discussed ways to carry out an attack.

The criminal complaint alleges Bowie communicated with an undercover FBI informant posing as an ISIS facilitator beginning in July. She allegedly asked for assistance making explosives and later sent photographs of the Capitol, including images showing areas she intended to target.

Officials say Bowie discussed disguising a bomb as a food delivery and fleeing to Syria after the attack.

Investigators also allege she purchased materials at a Home Depot and later sought a handgun and ammunition. The firearm ultimately provided to her by an informant was inert, officials said.

On Wednesday, Bowie allegedly paid for the firearm, ammunition and an inert explosive device that she believed was operational. She was arrested by FBI agents after leaving the vehicle with the items.

Federal officials say Bowie had discussed killing as many senators as possible and allegedly talked about future attacks, including an attack in Times Square and against the White House.

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said security measures had already been strengthened at the Capitol earlier this year amid concerns about political violence and threats against public officials. She said there was no immediate threat following Bowie’s arrest.

The FBI said the alleged plot was stopped through cooperation among members of its Joint Terrorism Task Force.

Bowie's attorney declined to comment.

CNN contributed to this report.

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