FBI Stops Plot to Bomb New York State Capitol

Over the weekend the FBI announced the arrest of a 35‑year‑old woman in Albany suspected of planning to detonate an explosive device at New York’s state capitol building.

Prosecutors say she pledged allegiance to the Islamic State, and had carried a fake bomb and a defective firearm during undercover surveillance.

She allegedly rehearsed the attack by visiting the capitol multiple times, then used a food delivery bag to hide the bomb and had been supplied with nails for shrapnel by undercover agents.

Authorities also seized knives and a written oath of allegiance, and noted she had previously used social media to praise terrorist attacks.

The attack was prevented after the woman was taken into custody, and officials said the investigation underscores the need to reinforce security around public institutions.