Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
A 35-year-old New York woman has been charged with plotting an ISIS-inspired attack on the New York State Capitol in Albany, where she planned to use an explosive device to kill senators and damage the building, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) said.
Jessica Bowie of Albany was arrested on Wednesday (local time) after investigators say she took possession of an explosive device as part of the alleged plot. She made her initial appearance in federal court on Thursday on a charge of attempting to provide material support to ISIS, which is a designated foreign terrorist organisation.
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According to the US Justice Department, Bowie had allegedly discussed carrying out the attack with confidential sources working with the FBI. Investigators said she had also pledged allegiance to ISIS and expressed support for terrorism in online posts.
CAPITOL TARGETED IN ALLEGED PLOT
Bowie allegedly told an FBI source that she wanted to attack the state Capitol and had visited the building several times while taking photographs of the grounds. The complaint alleges she wanted to strike when the maximum number of senators were present.
“I want to destroy as much of the building as possible and kill the senators while they are meeting,” Bowie allegedly said, according to Justice Department statement. She also wanted the attack to “have a affect on the American system”.
Bowie wanted to flee to Syria after carrying out the alleged attack and seek out ISIS-linked groups. The Capitol was less than two miles from her home, according to the criminal complaint.
RADICAL POSTS AND AN ISIS OATH
According to investigators, Bowie converted to Islam about five years ago and was radicalised online. She used multiple social media accounts, some of which were suspended for violating platform rules.
The Justice Department said one account linked to Bowie posted, “Praise be to Allah for September 11th”, which an reference to the September 11, 2001, attacks in the US that killed 2,977 people.
Another post stated, “When I can migrate, I will poison these infidels.”
Investigators also said Bowie recorded and shared a formal oath of allegiance, or “Bayah”, to ISIS. She discussed her belief that “jihad is an obligation” and told an FBI source that she wanted to “harm the enemies of god”.
FBI INFORMANTS HELPED STOP PLOT
The alleged operation unfolded over several weeks as Bowie communicated with confidential sources posing as ISIS facilitators. Investigators said one source gave her $200 to buy materials for an explosive device. Bowie purchased the items at a Home Depot on August 5 before handing them over to the sources.
She later sought a handgun and ammunition, saying she wanted a weapon in case police approached her during the planned attack. On August 19, investigators said Bowie was apprehended after taking possession of what she believed was an explosive device.
The device and firearm provided by investigators were inert, according to the complaint.
“The FBI detected and stopped an alleged plot to attack the New York State Capitol and kill elected officials,” said Matt Fodor, operations director of the FBI National Security Branch.
Federal authorities said the investigation involved the FBI, US Secret Service, New York State Police and Albany Police Department. Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg said Bowie allegedly intended to attack the Capitol, kill public officials and then flee to ISIS-controlled territory in Syria.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul thanked law enforcement agencies for preventing the attack.
“Earlier this year, amid a rise in political violence and threats against public officials, we took steps to strengthen security at the State Capitol and across state government,” Hochul said.
The charge carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000 and a potential lifetime term of supervised release. The allegations against Bowie have not been proven in court.
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SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
