‘Deeply Disturbing’: Woman Accused of Plotting ISIS-style Attack on State Government Building

 

An Albany woman who was “radicalized online” allegedly plotted to bomb the New York State Capitol, said authorities, who called the plan to attack the local government “deeply disturbing.”

Jessica Bowie allegedly wanted to kill state legislators while they were meeting, according to federal authorities who announced her arrest Thursday.

Bowie, 35, converted to Islam five years ago and told a confidential informant she supported ISIS, NBC News reported.

She told undercover investigators she wanted to have an “affect on the American system,” authorities said.

“I want to destroy as much of the building as possible and kill the senators while they are meeting,” one message Bowie allegedly sent to the undercover officers said. “I want them to lose a lot of important documents as well.”

“I don’t want to take this kind of risk and have it kill what, two or three people. What good is that?” Bowie allegedly said in another message.

The plot apparently developed over the course of a few weeks, said authorities, who included a photo of a woman in a store with her face obscured allegedly buying materials to make a bomb.

Bowie was arrested Wednesday by the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force and charged with attempting to provide material support or resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization. She faces a maximum of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 as well as supervised release.

“I want the American people to know this,” John Sarcone, the First Assistant United States Attorney for the Northern District of New York, said in a news conference.

“Today’s announcement will have a chilling effect on anyone in this country who is being radicalized or considering acts of violence, and on our enemies whose governments support death to America,” Sarcone said.

“We are vigilant, we are prepared. And just as we stopped this defendant, we will continue to disrupt plots and protect the American people.”

Bowie repeatedly swore her allegiance to ISIS in recordings in both English and Arabic, according to Craig L. Tremaroli, the special agent in charge of the FBI’s Albany Field Office.

The suspect allegedly wanted a gun that was “powerful but easy enough to conceal. So if the cops do get towards me during the operation, I can shoot back,” according to Tremaroli who called Bowie’s actions “serious” and “dangerous.”

Watch above via CNN.

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