UPDATED:
PHILADELPHIA -- The self-described "Jihad Jane" who thought her blond hair and blue eyes would let her blend in as she sought to kill an artist in Sweden is a rare case of an American woman aiding foreign terrorists and shows the evolution of the global threat, authorities say.
The suburban Philadelphia woman, Colleen R. LaRose, is accused in the indictment filed Tuesday of actively recruiting fighters, as well as agreeing to murder the artist, marry a terrorism suspect so he could move to Europe and martyr herself if necessary.
Ms. LaRose, 46, is "one of only a few such cases nationwide in which females have been charged with terrorism violations," said Dean Boyd, a spokesman for the U.S. Department of Justice.
Ms. LaRose, of Pennsburg, Pa., but with close ties to south Texas, has been held without bail since her Oct. 15 arrest in Philadelphia.
RELATED STORY: Swedish artist: Cartoon murder plot 'low-tech'
Authorities said the case shows how terrorist groups are looking to recruit Americans to carry out their goals.
"Today's indictment, which alleges that a woman from suburban America agreed to carry out murder overseas and to provide material support to terrorists, underscores the evolving nature of the threat we face," said David Kris, assistant attorney general for national security.
Ms. LaRose targeted Swedish cartoonist Lars Vilks and had online discussions about her plans with at least one of several suspects apprehended over that plot Tuesday in Ireland, according to a U.S. official speaking on condition of anonymity because the official wasn't authorized to discuss details of the investigation.
A U.S. Department of Justice spokesman wouldn't confirm the case is related to Mr. Vilks, who angered Muslims by depicting the Prophet Muhammad with the body of a dog.
