New York Woman Arrested for Funding Palestinian Islamic Jihad with Cryptocurrency

Katherine Beth Washburn, 37, from Irondequoit, New York, was arrested and charged with attempting to provide material support and financial resources to the terrorist organization Palestinian Islamic Jihad. The U.S. Department of Justice stated that she faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Washburn is identified as a leader of the extremist group Direct Action Movement for the Liberation of Palestine (DAMPL), formed after the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. DAMPL rejects peaceful protest and advocates direct action including sabotage and property destruction against Israeli-associated targets.

John A. Eisenberg, Assistant Attorney General for National Security, said Washburn repeatedly expressed support for violence against Israeli civilians and tried to aid Palestinian Islamic Jihad by sending cryptocurrency to an individual claiming involvement in attacks. Michael DiGiacomo, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of New York, noted that Washburn's efforts were driven by her declared hatred of Israel and the Jewish people, and despite encrypted communications with a militant thousands of kilometers away, she was apprehended.

FBI Counterterrorism Division Acting Chief Kault Markowski emphasized the bureau's commitment to cutting off funding to terrorist groups and prosecuting those who provide assistance. Between February and March 2026, FBI counterterrorism operations uncovered messages between Washburn and a Palestinian Islamic Jihad fighter in Gaza, who claimed participation in attacks on Israel. Washburn expressed support for the militant and violent acts, stating she wished every day was October 7 and that Israel would disappear. Financial records revealed about 80 cryptocurrency transfers totaling approximately $30,116 to the militant's account. In November 2025, Washburn acknowledged in a message that she expected to face long prison sentences based on her fundraising and posts.