Summary
A former U.S. Army soldier, Cole Bridges, was sentenced to 14 years in prison for attempting to assist ISIS in planning attacks against American troops. Bridges, 24, expressed a desire for a longer sentence, acknowledging the severity of his actions, which included providing tactical advice and materials to an undercover FBI agent posing as an ISIS supporter.
Bridges joined the Army in September 2019 but began expressing support for ISIS and researching jihadist propaganda shortly after. His communications with an undercover agent revealed his frustrations with the military and his intent to aid ISIS in conducting ambushes against U.S. forces. He provided guidance on military tactics, including how to maximize casualties during potential attacks, and even shared images and videos supporting ISIS. Despite Bridges’ actions, the judge emphasized his lack of direct communication with ISIS and noted signs of remorse, ultimately opting for a sentence that he believed would serve as a deterrent to other service members.
Background of the Case
Bridges was arrested in January 2021 while stationed at Fort Stewart, Georgia, where his unit was regrouping after overseas training. His case highlighted the vulnerabilities within military ranks to radicalization and the potential for individuals to exploit their training for nefarious purposes.
Sentencing Details
During the sentencing, Bridges requested the maximum sentence of 40 years, but the judge opted for 14 years, citing Bridges’ lack of hardened criminal behavior and his remorse. The judge’s decision aimed to balance punishment with the potential for rehabilitation, as Bridges had not attempted to gather materials from fellow soldiers or engage in direct actions with ISIS.
Impact on Fellow Soldiers
The case had a significant emotional impact on Bridges’ fellow soldiers, with testimonies highlighting the trauma and betrayal felt within his unit. Military officials expressed concerns over the psychological effects of Bridges’ actions on his comrades, emphasizing the need for support for those affected by such incidents.
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Oct. 12 / Abc News / Highlights the legal proceedings and psychological impact of Bridges' actions on fellow soldiers, offering a comprehensive view of the case while maintaining a clear, authoritative tone throughout. “ A United States Army soldier has been sentenced to 14 years in prison after he allegedly attempted to assist ISIS in conducting a deadly ambush on U.S....
Ex-US Army soldier BEGS for 40 years in prison after planning to kill troops in ISIS-style plot
Oct. 13 / The Mirror Us / Presents a more personal narrative with emotional testimonies from family and fellow soldiers, adding depth to the story, though it may lean towards sensationalism in its portrayal of Bridges' character and motivations. “ A former US Army soldier asked to be sentenced to 40 years in prison for trying to help the Islamic State group kill American troops . Judge Lewis J Liman...