ALBANY, N.Y. (WRGB) —
Federal investigators say an Albany woman tried to provide material support to ISIS from July 16 through August 19, 2026.
Jessica Bowie, 35, of Albany, is accused of planning an attack on the New York State Capitol. Investigators say Bowie also discussed Albany City Hall, but allegedly said the State Capitol was a “better” target.
The allegations are detailed in a federal affidavit filed Aug. 20.
“As alleged in the complaint, Miss Bowie swore her allegiance to ISIS through multiple audio recordings in both English and Arabic,” said Craig Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Albany Field Office.
Investigators say Bowie communicated with an FBI confidential source who was posing as an ISIS facilitator. According to an affidavit, Bowie discussed attacking the State Capitol while senators were present. Officials did not disclose a specific attack date or identify a particular lawmaker as a target.
Investigators say Bowie repeatedly visited the Capitol area to conduct surveillance at least five times, took dozens of photos of the building and surrounding area, and sent images to the confidential source.
In a July 29 exchange, Bowie allegedly said, “I want to destroy as much of the building as possible and kill the senators while they are meeting.”
Investigators say Bowie met with two additional FBI confidential sources on August 5. She believed they were connected to ISIS.
According to the affidavit, Bowie again discussed bombing the Capitol and killing senators. She then went with the sources to buy materials using government-provided funds.
The next day, Bowie allegedly delivered delivery-service bags she had discussed using in connection with the planned attack.
READ THE FULL AFFIDAVIT DETAILING BOWIE’S ARREST
Then, on August 13, Bowie allegedly asked the confidential source about obtaining a concealable handgun.
“She requested a gun she intended to use on any law enforcement officer who tried to stop her,” said Tremaroli.
On August 19, the affidavit says Bowie met again with the sources. She provided $150 for a firearm, magazine and ammunition. The filing says the firearm was inert.
“She paid the agreed upon price for the gun and when asked to make a donation to the purported bomb maker, she provided another $200,” said Tremaroli.
The affidavit says Bowie was also shown an inert explosive device purportedly built using components she had purchased earlier.
Sarcone said he believed Bowie was arrested near a McDonald’s in Albany, not far from the Capitol, after leaving the vehicle with the inert firearm, magazine, ammunition and inert explosive device.
After her arrest, investigators say they found knives and a handwritten pledge of allegiance on her.
Investigators say Bowie praised the 9/11 attacks, talking about going from waving an American flag after 9/11 to now having stickers of the fallen towers.
“You’ll see in the court documents that she once wrote, quote, praise be Allah for September 11th,” said Tremaroli.
Federal investigators say Bowie converted to Islam about five years ago. Separately, Tremaroli said investigators believe her radicalization progressed more recently.
“Within the last four to six months, we believe that radicalization turned to mobilization,” said Tremaroli.
Investigators say Bowie also discussed future attacks beyond Albany.
“Miss Bowie didn’t just want to kill lawmakers. She wanted a complete disruption of our government,” said Tremaroli.
That included an alleged plan for an attack in Times Square on New Year’s Eve. Investigators say she also discussed attacking the White House and the president.
“Even stating she would come back to attack the White House and the president, but only after she bombed the State Capitol,” said Tremaroli.
Since Bowie’s arrest, investigators obtained a search warrant. They’re examining electronic devices and looking into whether anyone else may have been involved.
“We haven’t gotten all the evidence back. And, you know, we’re going to be pursuing all of it,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney John Sarcone, who added that includes Bowie’s phone and who she may have come in contact with.
One thing investigators have not said yet is how the investigation began.
“I’m not going to get into national security revelations of how this was detected,” said Sarcone.
However, Sarcone warned that people who are radicalized and considering working with U.S. enemies to commit terrorism are being watched.
“We’re going to get you before you execute,” he said.
Bowie is charged with one count of attempting to provide material support or resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization.
Federal officials said the charge against Bowie carries a statutory maximum prison term of 20 years, a fine of up to $250,000 and a lifetime term of supervised release.
She is now being held in the Schenectady County Jail.
Jessica Bowie, 35, of Albany, is accused of planning an attack on the New York State Capitol. (FILE / WRGB)