Woman arrested for planned bombing of New York Capitol
Photo: REUTERS
US Department of Justice announced on Thursday that federal law enforcement officers arrested and charged Jessica Bowie,35, resident of Albany, for planning a bombing of the New York State Capitol.
According to John A Eisenberg, assistant attorney general for National Security, the suspect planned to detonate an explosive device at the facility. Her plan aimed to assassinate public officials and destroy “as much of the building as possible” before she escaped to ISIS-controlled territory in Syria.
Federal agents apprehended Bowie on Wednesday immediately after she took possession of an object that she believed was a live bomb. The Justice Department revealed that investigators had previously observed her scouting the Capitol grounds and taking photographs of the structure.
When discussing her target, Bowie stated that she wanted her assault to have an “effect on the American system.” DOJ said Bowie published anti-American statements online, which included praising the terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001.
During those events, al Qaeda operatives hijacked commercial passenger planes and crashed them into the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania.
Bowie’s defense attorney did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the charges. Following the arrest, New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced that the state has reinforced security protocols at the capitol and other government buildings.
This action addresses a broader rise in political violence and threats targeting public officers. “While there is no immediate threat at this time, we will continue working closely with our law enforcement partners to protect New Yorkers and keep our communities safe,” Hochul said in an official statement.
Source: Reuters (adapted)
