New York Woman Arrested for Supporting Terror Group
A woman from Irondequoit, a suburb of Rochester, New York, has been arrested after being accused of leading an extremist group and posing with a grenade next to a Hamas flag. Katherine Beth Washburn, 37, is charged with attempting to provide material support to the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), classified as a foreign terrorist organization. If found guilty, she could face up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000.
The Justice Department states that Washburn was a prominent member of Direct Action Movement for the Liberation of Palestine (DAMPL), which emerged following the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. The federal complaint indicates that DAMPL turned away from peaceful protests, opting instead for “direct action,” which included vandalism and sabotage aimed at entities connected to Israel.
In communications recovered by the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, Washburn is reported to have messaged someone identifying as a PIJ fighter in Gaza, expressing strong anti-Semitic sentiments. She allegedly stated her desire for Israel to “disappear” and expressed enthusiasm about violence against Israeli soldiers. In one message, she mentioned wishing every day could be like October 7, emphasizing, “If I lived in Gaza, I would fight alongside the resistance.” She reportedly expressed excitement every time she saw news about Israeli soldiers being targeted.
U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo remarked that Washburn made significant efforts to financially support violence, driven by her declared disdain for Israel and Jews. Records show she conducted around 80 virtual currency transfers totaling over $30,000 to accounts used by PIJ members. In a message from November 2025, she even joked about her illegal activities, stating they were fundraising and humorously added that she would probably get caught at some point.
Colt Markowski, acting deputy director of the FBI’s counterterrorism division, emphasized the accountability of anyone aiding violent organizations. “The FBI remains dedicated to thwarting the financial support of terrorist groups, and we aim to work closely with the Department of Justice to ensure those involved in or backing terrorism face full legal consequences,” he stated.
