A New York woman was arrested and charged with attempting to send money to Palestinian Islamic Jihad, a designated foreign terrorist organization, the Department of Justice announced Tuesday.
Catherine Beth Washburn, 37, of Irondequoit, New York, was charged by criminal complaint with attempting to provide material support and resources, namely currency, to Palestinian Islamic Jihad, also known as Al-Quds Brigades. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
According to the report, Washburn is a leader of the Direct Action Movement for Palestinian Liberation, or DAMPL, which the Justice Department described as an extremist organization formed after Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack on Israel. Prosecutors said DAMPL rejects peaceful protest and engages in “direct action,” including sabotage and property destruction, in support of the Palestinian cause and against entities it associates with Israel.
“As alleged, Washburn repeatedly voiced support for violence against Israeli civilians and attempted to provide material support to the Palestine Islamic Jihad by sending cryptocurrency to an individual who claimed to participate in its attacks,” Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg said. “Those who aid foreign terrorist groups will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
Federal investigators said the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force executed search warrants in February and March 2026 and recovered electronic messages between Washburn and an individual who identified as a Palestinian Islamic Jihad fighter in Gaza. The individual allegedly claimed to have taken part in attacks against Israel.
In one message cited by prosecutors, Washburn allegedly wrote, “If I lived in Gaza, I would fight alongside the resistance.” She also allegedly wrote, “I wish every day were October 7th,” and said she hated Jews “very much” and wished Israel “would disappear.”
Prosecutors said Washburn and the individual discussed alleged Palestinian Islamic Jihad attacks on Israel, weapons, and ammunition. In another message, Washburn allegedly wrote, “I feel excited every time I see news of the killing of an occupation soldier.”
An analysis of financial records determined that Washburn made approximately 80 cryptocurrency transfers totaling about $30,116, to an account used by the individual, according to the Justice Department.
U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo for the Western District of New York said Washburn was stopped before her alleged efforts could continue.
“Despite her alleged attempts, including cryptic communications with a fighter involved in violent attacks in an area thousands of miles away, Catherine Washburn was stopped and so too were her efforts to support violent extremism,” DiGiacomo said.
Acting Assistant Director Coult Markovsky of the FBI’s Counterterrorism Division said the FBI remains focused on cutting off funding to terrorist groups.
“The FBI is committed to cutting off funding to terrorist groups and will continue to work side-by-side with our Justice Department partners to make sure anyone who engages in terrorism or provides assistance to such organizations is held fully accountable in our justice system,” Markovsky said.
The case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of New York and the Justice Department’s National Security Division.
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