FBI arrests woman over alleged plot to bomb New York capitol building

What the report says

The FBI has arrested a woman from Albany, New York, in connection with an alleged plot to attack the state capitol building and kill lawmakers, according to BBC World News. Prosecutors say Jessica Bowie, 35, had pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group and is accused of providing material support to a designated foreign terrorist organisation. Officials allege she repeatedly scoped out the statehouse, discussed the plan with FBI informants and undercover agents, and carried items including a fake bomb and a defective gun supplied during the investigation.

BBC reported that Bowie allegedly described wanting to cause maximum damage to the building and target senators. Investigators say she chose the Albany capitol because she viewed it as easier to attack than the White House. The complaint also says she used a food-delivery bag to conceal the supposed bomb and was given money to buy materials from a hardware store, including nails intended to act as shrapnel.

She was arrested on Wednesday and was also found with knives and a written oath of allegiance to IS, the article said. BBC added that the charging documents portray her as an active social media user who posted anti-American messages and praised the 11 September attacks. New York Governor Kathy Hochul said the case underscored the need for heightened security at the State Capitol and across state government. The allegations are at an early stage and court proceedings are expected to determine how the case develops.