NY woman arrested for funding PIJ, Hamas, wished 'every day was October 7'

Catherine Beth Washburn, a 37-year-old New York woman, faces federal charges for allegedly attempting to provide financial support to terrorist organizations, including the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) and Hamas. The US Justice Department announced her arrest early Wednesday morning.

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I wish every day were October 7th.

According to the criminal complaint, Washburn leads the Direct Action Movement for Palestinian Liberation (DAMPL), an extremist group formed after the October 7 massacre. DAMPL reportedly engages in sabotage and property destruction to support Palestine and target entities associated with Israel, rejecting peaceful protest. Washburn herself is accused of celebrating terror acts against Israel and praising PIJ terrorists.

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I feel excited every time I see news of the killing of an occupation soldier.

FBI investigations uncovered messages between Washburn and an individual claiming to be a PIJ member. In these communications, they discussed purported PIJ attacks, weapons, and ammunition. Washburn allegedly expressed intense hatred for Jews, stating she wished Israel "would disappear" and that she "hated Jews very much." She also reportedly said, "I wish every day were October 7th" and "I feel excited every time I see news of the killing of an occupation soldier."

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As alleged in the complaint, this defendant, fueled by her self-described hate of Israel and Jewish people, went to great lengths to attempt to provide financial support to terrorist organizations that use violence to further their agendas, including the Palestine Islamic Jihad.

The Justice Department stated that Washburn made approximately 80 cryptocurrency transfers, totaling about $30,116, to an account used by the alleged PIJ member. US Attorney Michael DiGiacomo for the Western District of New York emphasized that Washburn, "fueled by her self-described hate of Israel and Jewish people," attempted to provide financial support to groups using violence. He added that her efforts were thwarted by law enforcement.

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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.