Woman Plots to Bomb New York Capitol and Kill Lawmakers (Video)

Federal authorities say they stopped a chilling ISIS-inspired terror plot aimed at blowing up New York’s State Capitol, killing lawmakers and potentially setting the stage for future attacks on Times Square and even the White House.

Jessica Bowie, 35, of Albany, was arrested Wednesday by the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force after investigators say she spent weeks discussing plans for a bombing, scouting the Capitol and obtaining materials she believed could help carry out the attack.

Bowie is charged with attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization. If convicted, she could face up to 20 years in federal prison, a $250,000 fine and potentially lifetime supervised release.

According to a federal criminal complaint, Bowie allegedly told an FBI confidential source posing as an ISIS facilitator that she supported the terrorist organization and wanted help learning how to build explosives.

Authorities say the alleged plot quickly grew more disturbing.

“I want to destroy as much of the building as possible and kill the senators while they are meeting,” Bowie allegedly wrote in one message cited by investigators.

Federal officials say Bowie converted to Islam about five years ago and later became radicalized online. Investigators allege she operated several social media accounts, some of which were repeatedly suspended for violating platform rules.

Between May and July, accounts allegedly linked to Bowie posted messages supporting terrorism, according to the complaint.

Craig Tremaroli, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Albany field office, said Bowie also recorded herself pledging allegiance to ISIS in English and Arabic.

In one particularly disturbing post cited by federal authorities, she allegedly wrote, “Praise be to Allah for September 11.”

Investigators say Bowie began communicating with an FBI confidential source on July 16 and continued through Aug. 17.

During those conversations, she allegedly discussed targeting the New York State Capitol, which sits less than two miles from her Albany home.

According to the complaint, Bowie said she wanted to “harm the enemies of god” and have an “affect on the American system.”

Authorities say she visited the Capitol five times between July 21 and Aug. 9, with surveillance teams allegedly watching her photograph the area.

Bowie reportedly told undercover sources she wanted to strike on a day when the greatest number of state senators would be inside.

Federal agents say her alleged ambitions did not stop in Albany.

“Miss Bowie didn’t just want to kill lawmakers; she wanted a complete disruption of our government,” Tremaroli said Thursday.

He said Bowie allegedly planned to flee the country after the Capitol attack and return later to carry out additional attacks.

Among the possible future targets she allegedly discussed were Times Square on New Year’s Eve, the White House and the president.

“Ideally it would be the White House with the president, but like, that’s an even harder job,” Bowie allegedly told one confidential source.

Investigators also questioned what Bowie believed about innocent people potentially being killed, including Muslims, children and pregnant women.

According to the complaint, Bowie acknowledged that such deaths would bother her but allegedly said she hoped Allah would forgive her.

The FBI says agents allowed the alleged plot to continue under controlled conditions while closely monitoring her actions.

One confidential source allegedly gave Bowie $200 to purchase bomb-making supplies. Authorities say she bought items at a Home Depot on Aug. 5 and later turned them over during meetings with FBI sources.

Then, last week, the alleged plan became even more dangerous.

Bowie reportedly asked about obtaining a handgun, saying she wanted it so she could shoot at police officers if they approached her during the planned attack.

“So if the cops do get towards me during the operation I can shoot back,” she allegedly said.

Authorities say she met confidential sources Wednesday believing she was going to purchase a gun and ammunition.

Instead, she was arrested.

Federal officials portrayed the case as an example of law enforcement disrupting a potential terror attack before Americans were placed in immediate danger.

First Assistant U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone issued a forceful warning following the arrest.

“Today’s announcement will have a chilling effect on anyone in this country who is being radicalized or considering acts of violence,” Sarcone said.

“We are vigilant, we are prepared, and just as we stop this defendant, we will continue to disrupt plots and protect the American people.”

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul also praised the FBI and New York State Police for their work.

“Earlier this year, amid a rise in political violence and threats against public officials, we took steps to strengthen security at the State Capitol and across state government,” Hochul said.

She added that authorities believe there is currently no immediate threat.

The allegations come as federal officials continue warning about the threat posed by online radicalization and individuals inspired by foreign terrorist organizations.

In this case, investigators say an alleged plan that began with extremist messages online ultimately progressed to surveillance of a government building, the purchase of suspected bomb-making materials and efforts to obtain a firearm.

Thanks to the FBI operation, authorities say it ended with an arrest instead of an attack.