FBI arrests woman over alleged plot to bomb New York capitol building

The FBI has arrested a New York woman who was allegedly planning to bomb the state capitol building in Albany to kill lawmakers.

Prosecutors allege that Jessica Bowie, 35, had previously pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group (IS). She is charged with providing material support or resources to a designated foreign terrorist organisation.

Bowie had "repeatedly surveilled the building" in advance, and was carrying a fake bomb and a defective gun, which had been supplied to her by undercover agents, prosecutors said.

"I want to destroy as much of the building as possible and kill the senators," Bowie allegedly told the agents, according to the criminal complaint.

Bowie, from Albany in upstate New York, had allegedly discussed her plans with FBI informants and spent weeks with agents posing as IS members.

She selected the New York statehouse in Albany because she thought it would be an easier target than the White House, prosecutors say.

"I want it to have an affect on the American system," she allegedly told agents. Prosecutors say she visited the building at least five times on reconnaissance missions ahead of the attack.

As part of her plot, she planned to use a food delivery bag to hide her bomb, officials say. The charging documents include an image of the DoorDash bag she brought to agents.