Catherine Beth Washburn, 37, from Irondequoit, New York, has been charged with attempting to provide material support to the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), a designated Foreign Terrorist Organization. According to the Justice Department, Washburn allegedly sent more than $30,000 in cryptocurrency to a PIJ fighter and led the Direct Action Movement for Palestinian Liberation (DAMPL), a group formed after the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks on Israel.

The federal complaint states that DAMPL rejects peaceful protests in favor of "direct action," including property destruction and sabotage against entities associated with Israel. Communications recovered by the FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force revealed messages where Washburn expressed hatred toward Jewish people and wished for Israel to "disappear."

Attorney Michael DiGiacomo said Washburn went to "great lengths" to finance violence, motivated by "her self-described hate of Israel and Jewish people." FBI Counterterrorism Division Acting Assistant Director Coult Markovsky emphasized that anyone providing assistance to violent organizations will be held accountable.

If convicted, Washburn faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine. The FBI has also arrested four alleged members of a pro-Palestinian group accused of plotting New Year’s Eve bombings.

Notable quotes from the case include:

  • Washburn allegedly wrote, "Based on my passed [sic] fundraising and posting Im [sic] gonna get put away for a few life times."
  • She expressed being "excited every time I see news of the killing of an occupation soldier."

Washburn’s arrest highlights ongoing federal efforts to disrupt financial support for foreign terrorist organizations within the United States.

Sources