The FBI has arrested Jessica Bovee, 35, on charges of plotting to kill lawmakers and carry out a major attack at the New York State Capitol building. The US Department of Justice stated that she was arrested for pledging allegiance to the international militant group ISIS and providing material support to the organization. Al Jazeera reported this news.
According to the criminal complaint filed in court, Bovee, a resident of Albany, propagated extremist ideologies on social media. Last July, she established contact with an FBI confidential informant via an encrypted messaging app. During these interactions, she expressed an interest in acquiring materials to build a bomb for the purpose of destroying the State Capitol building and assassinating senators. She subsequently used funds provided by the undercover informant to purchase bomb-making components and a firearm from a hardware store. Investigators also obtained evidence that she had conducted reconnaissance of the Capitol area in preparation for the attack.
The FBI stated that Bovee planned to flee to Syria after inflicting massive damage on the building. However, she was arrested red-handed on Wednesday before any attack could take place. During initial questioning, Bovee admitted she was aware that the crime could carry a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. Notably, human rights organizations have long criticized US counter-terrorism operations that involve undercover stings or “entrapment,” where individuals may be lured into committing a crime. If convicted, Bovee could face a lengthy prison term.
