The FBI has arrested a 35-year-old New York woman accused of plotting to bomb the state Capitol in Albany and kill lawmakers, prosecutors say.
Jessica Bowie allegedly pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group.
She spent weeks discussing her plans with undercover FBI agents posing as IS supporters.
She reportedly chose the Albany Capitol because she believed it would be easier to attack than the White House.
How serious was the alleged plot? Prosecutors say Bowie repeatedly surveilled the building, visiting at least five times while planning her attack.
According to the criminal complaint, she told undercover agents she wanted to “destroy as much of the building as possible and kill the senators.”
Bomb Plot Suspect Arrested
She allegedly planned to conceal a bomb inside a food-delivery bag and bought materials from a hardware store with money provided by agents.
The FBI says she was ultimately arrested carrying a fake bomb and a defective firearm supplied during the investigation.
She was also carrying knives and a written oath of allegiance to IS.
Prosecutors also allege Bowie had praised previous terrorist attacks and posted anti-American messages online.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul thanked investigators, saying authorities had strengthened security amid rising threats against public officials.
The case now moves to court, where allegations must still be proven.
