Catherine Beth Washburn, 37, of Irondequoit, New York, was arrested Tuesday on federal charges alleging she tried to route about $30,000 in cryptocurrency to the Palestine Islamic Jihad, a U.S.-designated terrorist organization. Federal authorities say roughly 80 transfers, amounting to about 30,116 USDC, went to an account used by someone who identified as a fighter in Gaza. Washburn made an initial appearance in federal court and was ordered detained.
According to the Department of Justice, prosecutors charged Washburn by criminal complaint with attempting to provide material support and resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization, a count that carries up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The complaint identifies Washburn as a leader of the Direct Action Movement for Palestinian Liberation (DAMPL), which the DOJ says rejects peaceful protest in favor of sabotage and property destruction. "Those who aid foreign terrorist groups will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law," Assistant Attorney General John A. Eisenberg said in the department's announcement.
What investigators found
In February and March 2026, the FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force executed search warrants and recovered electronic messages that, according to reporting by the Tampa Free Press, show Washburn praising attacks and discussing weapons with an individual who identified himself as a PIJ fighter. The messages reportedly include statements such as "If I lived in Gaza, I would fight alongside the resistance" and "I wish every day were October 7th." Investigators also recovered a photograph of Washburn posing with two hand grenades in front of a Hamas flag, the outlet reports. None of that is the kind of material that calms federal investigators' nerves.
The money trail
An analysis of financial records in the complaint alleges Washburn made about 80 cryptocurrency transfers totaling approximately 30,116 USDC, or roughly $30,116, to the account used by the purported fighter, the Department of Justice said. The DOJ said the case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brett A. Harvey for the Western District of New York and Trial Attorney Patrick Cashman of the Department of Justice’s National Security Division. The FBI's Buffalo field office is leading the investigation under Special Agent in Charge Allen D. Davis II.
Court move and statements
Washburn made her initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark W. Pedersen and was ordered to remain detained, according to local reporting by the Tampa Free Press. The complaint also quotes messages in which Washburn wrote in November 2025 that she expected to "get put away for a few life times" based on past fundraising and posting. U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo and FBI Special Agent-in-Charge Allen D. Davis II said authorities will continue efforts to cut off financing for violent groups as the case moves forward.
Legal implications
The material-support charge alleges Washburn provided currency to a foreign terrorist organization and, if convicted, carries a statutory maximum of up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Because this stage of the case is based on a criminal complaint, the allegations have not been tested in court and Washburn is presumed innocent until proven guilty. The complaint will trigger pretrial proceedings in the Western District of New York, and prosecutors have not yet announced further dates.
Local activists and civil liberties groups often watch cases that touch on political protest closely, and any defense or community responses may surface as proceedings continue. For now, federal officials say the investigation remains active and that this arrest is part of a broader effort to disrupt channels used to finance violent extremist groups overseas.
