A New York woman was charged after sending thousands of dollars to try to help the Palestine Islamic Jihad (PIJ) carry out attacks against Israel, the Justice Department said.
Catherine Beth Washburn faces charges related to providing material support for terror. Federal prosecutors said Washburn was a leader of the Direct Action Movement for Palestinian Liberation (DAMPL) which formed after the Oct. 7, 2023 attacks in Israel.
The George Washington University Program on Extremism called the “Direct Action Movement” a domestic extremist group involved in “vandalism, intimidation and incendiary attacks.”
The FBI said Washburn sent over $30,000 in cryptocurrency to a suspected PIJ fighter in Gaza. That fighter allegedly helped carry out attacks against Israel.
“I wish every day were October 7,” Washburn allegedly wrote.
“This defendant, fueled by her self-described hate of Israel and Jewish people, went to great lengths to attempt to provide financial support to terrorist organizations,” said U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo.
Calls to the Federal Defenders Office in New York were not immediately returned. A message was left at Washburn’s home in an effort to speak with a family representative.
The Justice Department released a photo of Washburn pictured with two grenades in front of a Hamas flag (above). The department said she also posted a laughing emoji after joking she will face life in prison for her past activities including fundraising.
DAMPL has openly voiced support for Hamas rhetoric. Member have used social media to help spread its message.
Washburn faces up to 20 years in prison of convicted on the terror-related counts.