Catherine Beth Washburn, 37, of Irondequoit, New York, has been arrested and charged with attempting to provide material support and resources, specifically currency, to the Palestine Islamic Jihad (PIJ), a designated Foreign Terrorist Organization. The Justice Department announced the charges, which carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Washburn is alleged to be a leader of the Direct Action Movement for Palestinian Liberation (DAMPL), an extremist organization formed after the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel. DAMPL reportedly rejects peaceful protests, advocating for “direct action” including acts of sabotage and property destruction.
According to the criminal complaint, the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force recovered electronic messages from February and March 2026 between Washburn and an individual claiming to be a PIJ fighter in Gaza. In these messages, Washburn allegedly expressed support for violence, stating, “I wish every day were October 7th,” and “I hate Jews very much.” She also allegedly sent approximately 80 cryptocurrency transfers, totaling $30,116, to an account used by the individual.
Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg said, “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.” U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo added that Washburn, “fueled by her self-described hate of Israel and Jewish people, went to great lengths to attempt to provide financial support to terrorist organizations.”
Acting Assistant Director Coult Markovsky of the FBI’s Counterterrorism Division emphasized the FBI's commitment to “cutting off funding to terrorist groups.” A complaint is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.