Full Breakdown
New York Woman Charged with Funding Palestinian Islamic Jihad
7/2/2026, 8:15:39 PM
Arrest and Charges
In 2026, the Justice Department announced the arrest of Catherine Beth Washburn, a 37-year-old resident of Irondequoit, New York. She faces a criminal complaint alleging attempts to provide material support to Palestine Islamic Jihad (PIJ), a designated terrorist organization. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years and a $250,000 fine.
Background: DAMPL
Washburn is identified as a leader of the Direct Action Movement for Palestinian Liberation (DAMPL), an extremist group formed after October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks on Israel. DAMPL rejects peaceful protest and has engaged in sabotage, property destruction, vandalism, intimidation, incendiary attacks, according to George Washington University Program on Extremism and Justice Department.
Timeline
- October 7 2023: Hamas attacks on Israel trigger DAMPL formation.
- November 2025: Washburn messages she expects a lengthy prison term.
- February–March 2026: FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) executes warrants, recovers messages between Washburn and a PIJ affiliate.
- 2026 (announcement date): Justice Department releases arrest and charges.
Finances
The complaint details about 80 cryptocurrency transfers to an account used by an alleged PIJ individual, totaling roughly 30,116 USDC (? $30,116). The transfers are described as attempts to fund PIJ. Washburn is also accused of praising PIJ attacks and expressing hostility toward Israel and Jewish people in messages.
Official Responses
Attorney Michael DiGiacomo described Washburn as “fueled by her self-described hate of Israel and Jewish people” and said she went to great lengths to support terrorist organizations. Assistant Attorney General John Eisenberg emphasized that those who aid foreign terrorist groups will be prosecuted to fullest extent. Acting Assistant Director Coult Markovsky of FBI Counterterrorism Division reiterated commitment to cutting off funding to terrorist groups and working with Justice Department partners to hold perpetrators accountable.
Gaps
The criminal complaint is an allegation; Washburn has not been convicted. The identity of the PIJ individual and details of the alleged attacks are not disclosed in public filings.
Quotes
- “I wish every day were October 7th.” — Catherine Beth Washburn
- “I feel excited every time I see news of the killing of an occupation soldier.” — Catherine Beth Washburn
- “[i]f I lived in Gaza, I would fight alongside the resistance.” — Catherine Beth Washburn
- “[b]ased on my passed [sic] fundraising and posting Im [sic] gonna get put away for a few life times,” — Catherine Beth Washburn
Next Steps
The case is being prosecuted by U.S. Attorney Brett A. Harvey and Attorney Patrick Cashman of National Security Division. A federal trial will determine whether Washburn’s cryptocurrency transfers and communications constitute material support under U.S. law, with sentencing guidelines allowing up to two decades in prison if convicted.
