Overview
- Federal authorities arrested Catherine Beth Washburn of Irondequoit and charged her by criminal complaint with attempting to provide material support to Palestine Islamic Jihad, a U.S.-designated foreign terrorist organization, following an investigation led by the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force.
- Prosecutors say an analysis of Washburn’s accounts shows about 80 cryptocurrency transfers totaling roughly 30,116 USDC (about $30,116) were sent to a wallet used by a person who identified as a PIJ fighter in Gaza.
- The complaint cites electronic messages and image evidence recovered in February–March 2026 search warrants in which Washburn allegedly praised violence, expressed support for attacks and was pictured with two hand grenades in front of a Hamas flag.
- Federal prosecutors describe Washburn as a leader of the Direct Action Movement for Palestinian Liberation (DAMPL), which the complaint says rejects peaceful protest in favor of sabotage and property damage in support of the Palestinian cause.
- Washburn appeared in federal court after her arrest on Tuesday and remains in custody while the Western District of New York and the DOJ National Security Division pursue prosecution; the charge carries a statutory maximum of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine and the allegations have not been proven in court.