A New York woman planned an attack on the New York State Capitol, with the intent to kill state senators inside. She is accused of surveying the building multiple times and purchasing materials for an explosive device before the FBI apprehended her.
Jessica Bowie, aged 35 and residing in Albany, faces charges of attempting to provide material support to ISIS. According to the FBI, she expressed allegiance to the terror group and discussed concealing a bomb in a DoorDash delivery bag. She intended to execute the attack when state senators convened.
Approximately five years ago, Bowie converted to Islam and adopted the name “Aisha Saif.” An affidavit revealed that on May 28, 2026, she used the username “nusaybahsaif” on a social media site and communicated in Arabic, expressing approval of the September 11 attacks.
The alleged plot developed over about a month as Bowie spoke with an FBI source posing as an ISIS facilitator.
Starting in mid-July, Bowie informed the source of her desire for assistance in creating explosives and identified the Capitol as her target. She aimed to harm the building and endanger lawmakers’ lives.
Investigators reported that she visited the Capitol on five separate occasions from July 21 to August 9. During these visits, she took photographs and surveyed the surrounding area and security measures.
She informed the FBI source of her intention to destroy as much of the Capitol as possible and wanted to disguise the device as a food-delivery item.
On August 5, according to investigators, Bowie visited a Home Depot in Rensselaer using money provided by a confidential source to buy materials for the bomb. The items included a large container of nails.
The following day, she provided DoorDash bags for concealing the device.
On August 19, she met with confidential sources again, paying for what she believed was a firearm, ammunition, and an explosive device crafted from the materials she bought. Authorities noted these were inert.
Following the meeting, the FBI arrested Bowie. Agents discovered knives and a handwritten pledge of allegiance to ISIS in her possession. Bowie allegedly conveyed to undercover agents her wish to flee to Syria post-bombing.
Gov. Kathy Hochul expressed gratitude to the FBI for their investigation. She noted actions had been taken to enhance security at the State Capitol due to rising political violence. While there is no immediate threat, collaboration with law enforcement continues to ensure safety.