ALBANY, N.Y. — Sen. Joe Griffo, R, C-Rome, is thanking law enforcement for protecting politicians and civilians from an alleged plot to bomb the Capitol building in Albany.
Authorities said Thursday, Aug. 20, that Jessica Bowie, 35, of Albany, had been plotting to bomb the New York State Capitol building because she believed laws were being passed that were an affront to Islam. Authorities caught Bowie in an FBI sting operation, and she is now facing a federal terrorism charge.
Law enforcement officials had placed Bowie under surveillance for over a month after she allegedly communicated with at least one confidential informant posing as an ISIS facilitator, according to a criminal complaint.
The individual arrested indicated she wanted to kill senators and ‘destroy as much of the building as possible, the FBI said.
“I am deeply grateful for the FBI, State Police and all those involved in foiling an attack on the New York State Capitol building in Albany,” Griffo said.
The individual arrested was reportedly inspired by ISIS and wanted to allegedly destroy as much of the building as possible. She allegedly targeted the New York State Senate and indicated she wanted to kill the senators while they are meeting.
“Our law enforcement professionals work hard every day to keep us safe and are to be commended for preventing this horrific act and protecting the people who work in and visit the Capitol,” Griffo said.