Federal authorities say Jessica Bowie, 35, allegedly planned an ISIS-inspired bombing of the New York State Capitol in Albany. Investigators accuse her of surveying the building, purchasing materials she believed would be used in an explosive device and discussing attacks against lawmakers and other targets. Bowie was arrested on Aug. 19, 2026, after meeting undercover FBI sources and was later charged with attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization.
A newly released booking photograph shows Bowie following her arrest, while an FBI affidavit describes an alleged progression from online extremist statements to plans for a mass-casualty attack. The allegations have not been proven in court.
| Number | Subheading |
|---|---|
| 1) | Investigation and arrest |
| 2) | Alleged radicalization and online activity |
| 3) | Surveillance of the state Capitol |
| 4) | Materials and alleged attack preparations |
| 5) | Charges and potential future targets |
Investigation and arrest
The FBI began communicating with Bowie through a confidential source posing as an ISIS facilitator on July 16, according to the affidavit. Authorities say the discussions developed into an alleged plan to attack the state Capitol in Albany, New York. Bowie was arrested on Aug. 19 after leaving a meeting with undercover sources carrying an inert handgun and a purported explosive device that investigators said had been assembled for the operation.
Agents also said they found knives and a handwritten pledge of allegiance to ISIS on her. Bowie appeared in federal court on Aug. 20 and was formally informed of the felony material-support charge. The case remains an allegation, and court proceedings will determine the evidence and legal outcome.
Alleged radicalization and online activity
The affidavit says Bowie converted to Islam about five years ago and adopted the name “Aisha Saif.” Investigators allege that she maintained more than a dozen social media accounts, several of which were suspended for violating platform rules. By May 2026, authorities said accounts linked to her were sending messages that expressed support for terrorism.
The FBI also alleges that Bowie repeatedly pledged bayah, or allegiance, to ISIS and sent audio recordings of those pledges to online contacts. Prosecutors describe the online activity as part of a shift toward support for violence, although the allegations will be tested in court.
Surveillance of the state Capitol
Between about July 21 and Aug. 9, Bowie allegedly visited the New York State Capitol roughly five times. Investigators say she photographed the building and surrounding areas while studying security and identifying ways to remain near the site without attracting attention.
According to the affidavit, she sent dozens of images to a confidential source and discussed spending time near the building to learn more about its layout. She allegedly identified lawmakers meeting inside as the primary targets and wanted the attack to cause extensive damage and a large loss of life.
Materials and alleged attack preparations
On Aug. 5, investigators say Bowie used $200 provided by an undercover source to buy materials at a Home Depot in Rensselaer, New York. The FBI said she spent about 28 minutes in the store and purchased items that included a large container of nails, which she allegedly understood could function as shrapnel.
Authorities also say Bowie discussed disguising the device in a food-delivery bag and delivered DoorDash bags to the confidential sources the next day. On Aug. 13, she allegedly sought a concealed handgun to use against police. The weapon later provided to her was inert, as was the explosive device displayed during the final meeting.
Charges and potential future targets
The affidavit says Bowie discussed fleeing to Syria after the alleged bombing and mentioned possible future violence, including an attack in Times Square around New Year’s Eve. She also allegedly referred to the White House as an ideal but more difficult target.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York charged Bowie with attempting to provide material support or resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization. Federal authorities arrested her before an actual explosive attack occurred. Investigators have not alleged that the Capitol was damaged or that anyone was injured.
“I want to destroy as much of the building as possible and kill the senators while they are meeting,” Bowie allegedly told an undercover source, according to the affidavit.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | Bowie is accused of planning an ISIS-inspired attack on the New York State Capitol. |
| 2 | The FBI says she repeatedly surveyed the Capitol between July and August. |
| 3 | Investigators allege she bought materials and sought weapons through undercover sources. |
| 4 | She was arrested before an actual explosive attack took place. |
| 5 | Bowie faces a federal material-support charge and remains accused, not convicted. |
Summary
Federal authorities say the investigation uncovered an alleged plan targeting New York’s state Capitol, supported by online extremist activity, physical surveillance and preparations involving undercover FBI sources. Bowie was arrested before the alleged plot reached execution, and the federal charge will now proceed through the court system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Jessica Bowie?
Jessica Bowie is a 35-year-old Albany, New York, woman accused by federal authorities of planning an ISIS-inspired attack against the New York State Capitol.
When was Bowie arrested?
The FBI arrested Bowie on Aug. 19, 2026, after she left a meeting with confidential sources carrying inert weapons and a purported explosive device.
What charge does she face?
Bowie was charged with attempting to provide material support or resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization. The charge is an allegation, and she has not been convicted.
