Gov. Kathy Hochul on Thursday addressed an alleged plot to attack the New York State Capitol in Albany and kill state senators.
An Albany woman was arrested this week and is facing a federal terrorism-related charge.
Hochul says no active threat to Capitol
Hochul said there was no active danger to the State Capitol after federal authorities arrested Albany resident Jessica Bowie
, 35, who is accused of plotting an attack on the building.Bowie appeared in federal court Thursday and was charged with attempting to provide material support to ISIS, a designated foreign terrorist organization, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
"Political violence has no place in our state, and I believe this suspect should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law," Hochul said.
She thanked
the FBI and New York State Police for their roles in the investigation and arrest and said there are currently no "specific, credible threats" against the Capitol.
"The Capitol is the center of our government," Hochul said. "It's a place where people come to work ... to do the work of the people."
The building is visited daily by lawmakers, their staffs, journalists, members of the public and tourists.
State strengthened Capitol security
Hochul said New York had already taken steps to strengthen security at the Capitol and throughout state government following what she described as a rise in political violence and threats against public officials earlier this year.
The state will continue working with federal, state and local law enforcement agencies as the investigation proceeds, she said.
"Keeping people safe in the great State of New York is my highest priority," Hochul said.
What authorities allege
According to the federal criminal complaint, Bowie allegedly visited the Capitol grounds and photographed the building as part of what investigators described as reconnaissance.
Authorities said Bowie was apprehended Wednesday, Aug. 19, after obtaining what she believed was an explosive device.
Investigators also allege that Bowie expressed support for ISIS online, recorded and shared a formal oath of allegiance to the group and planned to travel to ISIS-controlled territory in Syria after the attack.
Bowie allegedly told investigators she wanted to destroy as much of the Capitol as possible and kill senators while they were meeting.
The allegations have not been proven in court.
Bowie faces federal charge
Bowie is charged with attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization. She made her initial appearance in federal court Thursday.
The FBI is investigating the case with assistance from the U.S. Secret Service, New York State Police and Albany Police Department.
The case is being prosecuted by the Justice Department's National Security Division and the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of New York.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Hochul: No immediate threat after alleged plot to attack NY Capitol
