New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani condemned an alleged ISIS-inspired plan to attack the New York State Capitol with an explosive device following the arrest of an Albany woman accused of participating in the plot.
Mamdani described the allegations as “deeply alarming” in a message posted Thursday on X. His reaction accompanied a statement from New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announcing heightened security measures at the Capitol.
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“There is no place for terrorism or political violence, in our city, our state or anywhere in our country,” Mamdani wrote.
Hochul said state officials had strengthened security at the Capitol earlier in the year amid increasing political violence and threats against elected officials. Although authorities had identified no immediate danger, the governor said the state would continue coordinating with its law enforcement partners to protect New Yorkers.
Federal authorities identified the suspect as Jessica Bowie, 35, of Albany. She was arrested Wednesday after investigators said she accepted what she believed was an explosive device intended for an attack targeting the Capitol and state senators.
Bowie was charged in federal court with attempting to provide material support to ISIS, which the United States has designated as a foreign terrorist organization.
According to federal officials, Bowie allegedly pledged allegiance to ISIS in audio recordings and conducted surveillance of the Capitol on at least five occasions. Investigators said she photographed the building while preparing for the purported attack.
FBI Special Agent in Charge Craig Tremaroli said Bowie allegedly intended “to destroy as much of the building as possible and kill the senators while they are meeting.”
Authorities also accused Bowie of obtaining materials she believed could be used to construct an explosive device. Investigators said she had been radicalized online and had published anti-American messages.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI with assistance from the U.S. Secret Service, New York State Police and the Albany Police Department.
John Sarcone, first assistant U.S. attorney for the Northern District of New York, said Bowie could face up to 20 years in federal prison if convicted. She could also receive a fine of as much as $250,000 and be placed under supervised release for life.
The charge remains an allegation. Bowie is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the assistance of artificial intelligence tools and was reviewed and published by El Faro Latino.
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