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The suspect wrote: “I wish every day were October 7th.”
By Shula Rosen
The U.S. Justice Department announced the arrest of a New York woman accused of attempting to provide material support to the Palestine Islamic Jihad (PIJ), alleging she repeatedly transferred cryptocurrency to an individual who claimed to be a fighter for the designated Foreign Terrorist Organization.
Catherine Beth Washburn, 37, of Irondequoit, New York, was charged by criminal complaint with attempting to provide material support and resources, namely currency, to PIJ, also known as the Al-Quds Brigades. If convicted, she faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Investigators also alleged that financial records showed Washburn made approximately 80 cryptocurrency transfers totaling approximately 30,116 USDC, equivalent to $30,116, to an account used by the individual.
According to the complaint, Washburn is a leader of the Direct Action Movement for Palestinian Liberation (DAMPL), an extremist organization formed following Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, terrorist attack on Israel.
Prosecutors allege the organization rejects peaceful protest in favor of “direct action,” including sabotage and property destruction, in support of the Palestinian cause and against entities it associates with Israel.
The Justice Department 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 himself as a PIJ fighter in Gaza and claimed to have participated in attacks against Israel.
According to the complaint, Washburn wrote, “[I]f I lived in Gaza, I would fight alongside the resistance.” She also stated, “I wish every day were October 7th.” Prosecutors allege she further wrote that she hated Jews “very much,” wished Israel “would disappear,” and later added, “I feel excited every time I see news of the killing of an occupation soldier.”
In a November 2025 message, she allegedly wrote, “[B]ased on my passed [sic] fundraising and posting Im [sic] gonna get put away for a few life times,” followed by what appeared to be a laughing emoji.
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