She also allegedly stated, “I wish every day were October 7th,” referring to the Hamas massacre that left roughly 1,200 people dead in Israel and saw over 250 others taken hostage.
A New York woman described by federal authorities as the leader of a pro-Palestinian extremist group has been arrested after allegedly attempting to provide more than $30,000 in cryptocurrency to a member of the US-designated terrorist organization Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ).
According to the Department of Justice, Catherine Beth Washburn, 37, of Irondequoit, New York, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with attempting to provide material support and resources to a designated Foreign Terrorist Organization, specifically the Palestine Islamic Jihad, also known as the Al-Quds Brigades. If convicted, she faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine.
The criminal complaint alleged that Washburn is a leader of the Direct Action Movement for Palestinian Liberation (DAMPL), an extremist organization formed in the wake of Hamas' October 7, 2023 terrorist attack on Israel. Federal prosecutors allege the group rejects peaceful protest in favor of so-called "direct action," including sabotage and property destruction targeting entities it associates with Israel.
The charges stem from an FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force investigation that uncovered months of electronic communications between Washburn and an individual in Gaza who claimed to be a PIJ fighter involved in attacks against Israel.
Federal investigators allege Washburn openly expressed support for terrorism and anti-Semitic views throughout the conversations. According to the complaint, Washburn wrote, "If I lived in Gaza, I would fight alongside the resistance," while praising the man's role in terrorist attacks. She also allegedly stated, "I wish every day were October 7th," referring to the Hamas massacre that left roughly 1,200 people dead in Israel and saw more than 250 others taken hostage.
Investigators further allege Washburn told the individual she hated Jews "very much" and wished Israel "would disappear." In another exchange cited by prosecutors, she wrote, "I feel excited every time I see news of the killing of an occupation soldier."
The FBI says the conversations also included discussions of weapons, ammunition, and purported Palestinian Islamic Jihad attacks.
Financial records reviewed during the investigation allegedly showed Washburn made approximately 80 cryptocurrency transfers totaling roughly 30,116 USDC—equivalent to about $30,116—to an account used by the individual she believed was fighting for PIJ.
In one November 2025 message cited in the complaint, Washburn allegedly acknowledged the legal jeopardy of her activities, writing, "Based on my passed [sic] fundraising and posting Im [sic] gonna get put away for a few life times," followed by what prosecutors described as a laughing emoji.
Federal authorities also released a photograph they say shows Washburn posing with two hand grenades in front of a Hamas flag. "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 in a statement. "Those who aid foreign terrorist groups will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law."
US Attorney Michael DiGiacomo for the Western District of New York said the defendant's alleged actions were motivated by "her self-described hate of Israel and Jewish people."
"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 bureau remains committed to disrupting financial support for terrorist organizations.
"This individual, as alleged in the criminal complaint, provided money to a foreign terrorist organization engaged in acts of violence," Markovsky said. "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."
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