Federal authorities say they have stopped an alleged ISIS-inspired terrorist attack targeting the New York State Capitol in Albany. A 35-year-old woman was arrested after allegedly conducting surveillance, obtaining materials for an explosive device, and communicating with an undercover FBI source about her plans.
Have you taken your place on the wall?
From The Daily Wire:
Bowie allegedly told the source that she wanted to attack the New York State Capitol because she wanted to “harm the enemies of god.” The Capitol was less than two miles from where Bowie lived, according to prosecutors.
Investigators allege that Bowie conducted surveillance of the Capitol, taking photographs from multiple vantage points, including a nearby observation hall. She allegedly purchased materials that could be used to construct an explosive device from a hardware store on Aug. 5.
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On Wednesday, undercover sources allegedly provided Bowie with an inert explosive device and a nonfunctional handgun, along with instructions for detonating the device according to documents reviewed by ABC News.
According to the federal complaint, Bowie’s alleged plans were considerably more developed than simply expressing support for ISIS online. Authorities say she wanted to attack the New York State Capitol while lawmakers were inside, maximize casualties, and escape afterward. She allegedly discussed targeting the White House but considered the Capitol a more achievable target because she lived nearby.
Investigators say Bowie repeatedly conducted reconnaissance around the Capitol and photographed the building from multiple locations. She allegedly considered concealing an explosive device inside a DoorDash delivery bag to avoid attracting attention and purchased materials including nails, tape, a battery, and acetone. According to the additional reporting, Bowie referred to the planned attack as “Operation Give Taghut the boot,” using an Islamic term commonly referring to illegitimate or idolatrous authority.
The complaint also contains disturbing statements prosecutors attribute to Bowie that suggest her alleged plot was motivated by ISIS ideology. She allegedly praised the September 11 terrorist attacks, pledged allegiance to ISIS leadership, spoke about poisoning “infidels,” and said that ISIS supporters would “make god’s law supreme.” Authorities allege that she wanted an explosive powerful enough to kill far more than “two or three people” and hoped to kill a substantial number of those inside the Capitol.
Bowie also allegedly sought a concealed handgun that could be used against law-enforcement officers if they intervened. Prosecutors say she discussed fleeing after the bombing and carrying out additional attacks if she successfully escaped. The FBI ultimately provided her with an inert explosive device and nonfunctional firearm through undercover sources before taking her into custody.
The case raises renewed concerns about ISIS-inspired radicalization inside the United States. Bowie’s alleged statements are significant because prosecutors say she explicitly invoked ISIS, pledged allegiance to the terrorist organization, and framed her intended violence in religious terms. Understanding how individuals become radicalized—and whether they are influenced primarily online, through personal relationships, or through extremist networks—remains an important question for investigators seeking to prevent future attacks.
For intercessors, the allegations are a sobering reminder of the spiritual and physical threats facing our nation. Let’s thank God that authorities disrupted this alleged attack before lives were lost, and pray that law enforcement will uncover the full story behind Bowie’s radicalization. Pray also that those vulnerable to violent extremist ideologies would encounter truth instead, and that God would protect our elected officials, law-enforcement officers, and communities from terrorism.
Share your prayers and scriptures for the protection of America from terrorism in the comments.
(Excerpt from The Daily Wire. Photo Credit: DanielPenfield – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=86105684)
