US Charges New York Woman With Funding PIJ

The U.S. Justice Department said Catherine Beth Washburn, 37, of Irondequoit, New York, was arrested and charged with attempting to provide material support to Palestinian Islamic Jihad, a designated foreign terrorist organization. Prosecutors say FBI searches recovered messages with a Gaza PIJ fighter who claimed attacks against Israel, and financial records showed roughly 80 cryptocurrency transfers totaling 30,116 USDC, equal to $30,116. DOJ and local reporting tie Washburn to Direct Action Movement for Palestinian Liberation, described by prosecutors as an extremist group that favors sabotage after the October 7 Hamas massacre. The case is a reminder that terror financing abroad can begin inside Western protest networks, and that cutting money flows protects Israeli civilians and soldiers.