Catherine Beth Washburn has been arrested on federal charges for allegedly providing material support to a foreign terrorist organization. The arrest follows a series of investigations that uncovered messages and financial transactions linked to extremist activity. Washburn is currently held in federal custody pending trial.
The group she co‑founded, DAMPL, was created after the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the deaths of more than 1,200 Israelis and the capture of hundreds of hostages. DAMPL is known for rejecting peaceful protest in favor of actions described by its members as “direct action,” including sabotage and violence. The organization’s stated objectives have drawn scrutiny from law enforcement agencies.
Evidence presented in the investigation includes communications in which Washburn expressed strong hostility toward Israel and Jewish people, and expressed a desire for Israel to disappear. She reportedly shared news of attacks against Israeli soldiers with excitement and claimed to have sent funds to an individual who identified themselves as a member of a militant group. These statements are part of the material used to build the case against her.
The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force conducted search warrants in February and March 2026, uncovering the messages and a financial trail that linked Washburn to the extremist network. Photographic evidence released by the Department of Justice shows Washburn posing with hand grenades in front of a flag associated with the militant group. The documents also reveal the use of cryptocurrency as a means of transferring funds.
Officials alleged that Washburn repeatedly voiced support for violence against Israeli civilians and attempted to provide material support to the Palestine Islamic Jihad. The charges assert that anyone who aids foreign terrorist groups will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. The case highlights the legal framework that criminalizes assistance to designated terrorist organizations.
If convicted, Washburn faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000. The case remains pending, with further legal proceedings expected to determine the extent of her involvement. The outcome will set a precedent for how domestic individuals linked to foreign terrorism are prosecuted.
