New York Woman Arrested for Attempting to Fund Palestinian Islamic Jihad via Cryptocurrency

The U.S. Department of Justice announced on Wednesday the arrest of 37-year-old Catherine Beth Washburn from Irondequoit, New York, on charges of attempting to provide material support to the terrorist organization Palestinian Islamic Jihad. She faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

According to the criminal complaint, Washburn repeatedly expressed support for violence against Israeli civilians and sought to send cryptocurrency to an individual claiming to have participated in attacks against Israel alongside Palestinian Islamic Jihad. John Eisenberg, Assistant Attorney General for National Security, emphasized that those aiding foreign terrorist groups will be prosecuted to the fullest extent. U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo of the Western District of New York stated that Washburn, motivated by hatred toward Israel and the Jewish people, made extensive efforts to financially support violent extremist groups, including communicating covertly with a fighter involved in attacks thousands of miles away.

In February and March 2026, the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force executed searches and uncovered electronic messages between Washburn and the individual identifying as a Palestinian Islamic Jihad fighter in Gaza. In one message, Washburn said, "If I lived in Gaza, I would fight alongside the resistance," and praised the fighter's courage, wishing every day was October 7. She also admitted to intense hatred of Jews and expressed a desire for Israel to "disappear." Their communications included discussions about attacks, weapons, and ammunition. Washburn stated she felt excitement upon hearing news of the killing of Israeli soldiers.

Her arrest halted her attempts to support violent extremism through cryptocurrency transfers to terrorist operatives in Gaza.