Plus-size Muslim woman, 35, plotted ISIS bombing of NY State Capitol after scouting building in burka, FBI says

By WILKO MARTÍNEZ-CACHERO, US REPORTER Published: 22:53, 20 August 2026 | Updated: 22:57, 20 August 2026 A New York woman allegedly planned to bomb the New York State Capitol and scouted the building clad in a burka ahead of the ISIS-inspired plot, the FBI said. Jessica Bowie, 35, was arrested on Wednesday and charged with attempting to provide material support to ISIS, according to a complaint filed in federal court. She appeared in court for the first time on Thursday. Bowie, of Albany, was arrested as she 'gained possession of what she believed to be an explosive device,' according to a press release from the Department of Justice. She stands accused of planning to target the New York State Capitol and New York State Senators. Investigators learned that Bowie had intended to conduct the attack before fleeing to Syria to join others in ISIS-controlled territories, per the complaint. She was allegedly observed making several visits to the New York State Capitol grounds and taking several photographs of the building. A photo released by authorities showed the suspect doing reconnaissance while fully covered and dressed in what looked like a black burka. Bowie posted messages online that included, 'Praise be to Allah for September 11th' and 'When I can migrate, I will poison these infidels,' per the complaint. Jessica Bowie, 35, was arrested on Wednesday for allegedly plotting to bomb the New York State Capitol. A photo showed her surveilling the building while dressed in all black Bowie, of Albany, was charged with attempting to provide material support to ISIS, according to a complaint filed in federal court Bowie stands accused of planning to target state senators. She was arrested after obtaining what she thought to be an explosive device Bowie allegedly said that she wanted 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,' she allegedly added. Bowie also claimed that wanted to affect the 'American system' 'destroy some of the taghut,' an Islamic term that refers to the idea of worshipping anything other than God. This is a breaking news story. More to come.