FBI thwarts bomb attack plot against New York State Capitol

The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) announced that 35-year-old Jessica Bowie has been taken into custody for allegedly planning a bomb attack on the New York State Capitol. It was stated that Bowie, who lives in Albany, aimed to carry out the attack while senators were present in the building.

According to the investigation file, Bowie came under the surveillance of security units after sharing content on her social media accounts that constituted propaganda for the terrorist organization ISIS. It was reported that the suspect, who is believed to have radicalized about five years ago, was caught in an operation monitored by the FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force.

According to authorities, Bowie, who made contact with undercover agents posing as ISIS intermediaries, visited the New York State Capitol building at least five times in July and August to take photographs. It was stated that the suspect used 200 dollars received from the agents to purchase materials from a hardware store that could be used in bomb-making.

It was also reported that Bowie requested a handgun and ammunition in case of a potential confrontation with police, and was detained at a meeting arranged for the delivery of these weapons.

FBI Albany Field Office Special Agent in Charge Craig Tremaroli said that the suspect had pledged allegiance to ISIS in audio recordings. The criminal complaint included allegations that Bowie discussed targeting Times Square and the White House if she could escape after the attack, and that she expressed a desire to kill Trump and senators.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul thanked the FBI and State Police teams for the operation. Hochul announced that security measures at the state capitol had already been increased due to political violence and threats against public buildings, and that there is no immediate threat to the public.