US charges woman with Isis-inspired plot to blow up New York State Capitol

US authorities have charged Jessica Bowie, 35, with attempting to provide material support to designated foreign terrorist organizations after she allegedly expressed a desire to destroy the New York State Capitol building in Albany. According to court filings, Bowie, who had converted to Islam and became a vocal online supporter of the Islamic State group, told an FBI informant that she wanted to bomb the capitol and kill senators before fleeing to Syria. She allegedly sought guidance on manufacturing explosives and discussed posing as a food delivery driver to plant a bomb. The criminal complaint also states that Bowie planned to observe security measures by having picnics near the capitol. The arrest was announced by First Assistant US Attorney John Sarcone III during a press conference in Albany on Thursday. The New York State Capitol, located near the Canadian border, houses both houses of the state legislature and is a symbol of state government. This case highlights ongoing concerns about domestic terrorism and the influence of extremist ideologies.