United States authorities have charged a 35-year-old woman with attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organisation after she allegedly told an FBI informant that she wanted to attack the New York State Capitol buildings and kill lawmakers.
Jessica Bowie was charged with the terrorism-related offence on Thursday, according to court documents.
The New York State Capitol, located in Albany near the Canadian border, houses the state legislature and serves as a major centre of government.
According to the criminal complaint, Bowie had converted to Islam and allegedly became an outspoken supporter of the Islamic State group online. Investigators said she posted anti-American material, including messages expressing support for those responsible for the September 11, 2001, attacks.
Court documents alleged that Bowie discussed her support for the group with an FBI informant and sought advice on making explosives.
She allegedly told the informant that she planned to visit the Capitol area under the guise of having picnics so she could study its security arrangements.
“I want to destroy as much of the building as possible and kill the senators while they are meeting. I want them to lose a lot of important documents as well,” Bowie allegedly wrote in an encrypted messaging application.
The complaint further alleges that Bowie told the informant she had obtained anarchist literature from a social justice centre, saying it “could have some good tips.”
Investigators also alleged that she considered disguising herself as a food delivery worker to gain access to the Capitol and plant an explosive before escaping to Syria.
According to the complaint, Bowie also discussed the possibility of returning to the United States to carry out attacks against other prominent locations, including Times Square in New York City, if she successfully reached Syria.
Authorities alleged that Bowie subsequently obtained a DoorDash delivery bag and materials that could be used to construct an explosive device, including nails that investigators said were intended to serve as shrapnel.
She was arrested by FBI agents on August 19.
“There’s no helping me; you guys know enough,” Bowie allegedly told investigators following her arrest.
The allegations are contained in the criminal complaint filed against her, and the case remains subject to court proceedings.
Bowie was scheduled to appear before a federal court on Thursday.