A New York mother has been charged with providing support to a terrorist organization after allegedly donating a significant amount of money in cryptocurrency. Catherine Beth Washburn, a 37-year-old from Irondequoit, faces serious federal charges for her involvement with the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), a group notorious for its violent and antisemitic activities.
Allegations of Terrorist Financing
According to federal prosecutors, Washburn purportedly sent $30,000 in cryptocurrency to a member of the PIJ based in Gaza. Communication between Washburn and the terrorist included alarming statements like, “I wish every day were October 7,” referencing a significant date associated with violence. Washburn has been described as the leader of an extremist group that emerged following the attack by Hamas on Israel in 2023.
This group, known as the Direct Action Movement for Palestinian Liberation, is reportedly anti-Israel and dismisses peaceful forms of protest, instead promoting sabotage and property destruction as methods of resistance. As a mother of two, she seemingly led a normal life, living in a $280,000 home and appearing to spend quality time with her family. However, her social media activity paints a starkly different picture.
Transformation and Radicalization
Washburn’s social media accounts have shifted dramatically in focus. Images of her family have been replaced with posts advocating for violence against Israel, and she has appeared wearing a hijab. Notably, she allegedly shared the addresses of individuals she labeled as “Zionists,” further demonstrating her radical views. Concerns remain about the timeline of her radicalization and potential conversion to Islam, as the details are unclear.
In recent communications with the PIJ fighter, she expressed a desire to join the resistance, saying, “If I lived in Gaza, I would fight alongside the resistance.” Federal prosecutors allege that she went so far as to state her profound hatred for Jewish people and wished for the complete obliteration of Israel. Washburn even expressed excitement at the news of Israeli soldiers being killed, highlighting a disturbing level of engagement with extremist ideology.
Legal Consequences
Washburn’s alleged activities can result in severe legal repercussions. She is charged with attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization, which carries a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison if convicted. Recently appearing in federal court in Buffalo, Washburn was denied bail, reflecting the seriousness of the charges against her.
Furthermore, her communications indicate a troubling awareness of the potential legal consequences. In a message from November 2025, she foresaw a lengthy prison term for her actions, commenting that she would likely face multiple life sentences. This self-awareness, combined with her extremist sentiments, presents a complex case for federal prosecutors aiming to deter similar actions in the future.
U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo criticized Washburn’s actions, stating that she “went to great lengths” to support violent extremism, yet her efforts were thwarted before they could materialize into further acts of violence. The case underscores the increasing concern surrounding domestic support for terrorism and extremist ideologies, raising questions about how individuals are radicalized and the dangers posed to society by such actions.