FBI Arrests Albany Woman Suspected of Plotting Statehouse Bombing

Sun Sep 06 2026 02:09:16 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

The FBI apprehended a 35‑year‑old woman in Albany who allegedly planned to bomb the New York state capitol building, citing ties to ISIS and staged reconnaissance.

An undercover sting revealed Jessica Bowie, 35, had pledged allegiance to the Islamic State and plotted a suicide attack on Albany’s statehouse. She repeatedly surveilled the building, used a fake bomb and a food‑delivery bag to conceal explosives, and carried knives upon arrest. FBI operatives supplied her with weapons and bomb‑making materials, even providing a $200 stipend. Bowie’s social‑media history shows anti‑American posts, hotel mentions of 9/11, and prior bans from multiple platforms. Prosecutors allege she intends to "destroy as much of the building as possible" and kill lawmakers.

FBI Arrests Albany Woman Suspected of Plotting Statehouse Bombing

In a sting that spanned several weeks, the Federal Bureau of Investigation arrested 35‑year‑old Jessica Bowie of Albany for allegedly planning a terrorist attack on the New York state capitol building.

Woman in a shopping trolley buying bomb parts — Police mounted evidence that Bowie was seen buying bomb‑making supplies at a local hardware store.

Prosecutors claim Bowie pledged allegiance to the Islamic State and had carried out repeated reconnaissance missions around the statehouse. She allegedly carried a fake explosive device and a defective handgun provided to her by undercover agents.

In a recorded conversation, Bowie reportedly told agents she wanted to “destroy as much of the building as possible and kill the senators.” Documents also show her using a delivery bag to hide a bomb and receiving a $200 stipend to purchase “war‑related” hardware.

Known for anti‑American posts on social media, Bowie had been banned from several platforms for praising the 9/11 attacks and supporting extremist causes. Her online activity also reflected a conversion to Islam about five years ago, with posts that shifted from waving an American flag to prominently displaying photos of the World Trade Center towers.

The New York State Police and the FBI claim they worked together to take action before a potential attack could unfold. Governor Kathy Hochul issued a statement praising the investigation and noting increased security measures following rising political violence.