U.S. Soldier Sentenced to 14 Years in Prison for Supporting ISIS
What to Know
- A U.S. soldier, Cole Bridges, was sentenced to 14 years in prison for attempting to provide material support to a terrorist organization and attempting to murder U.S. military service members.
- Bridges had been researching online propaganda promoting jihadists and their ideology since September 2019 and provided tactical military advice and other tips to an ISIS supporter.
- He was a private first class in the U.S. Army and joined in September 2019.
A U.S. soldier was sentenced to more than a decade in prison after admitting to trying to help ISIS plan attacks on New York City landmarks, including the 9/11 Memorial in Manhattan, as well as help the terrorist group carry out more deadly attacks on American troops in the Middle East.
Court Sentencing
Cole Bridges, 24, had previously pleaded guilty in June. U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York Damian Williams announced the sentencing on Friday.
Background and Charges
Bridges began researching online material promoting jihadists and their ideology in September 2019, according to a criminal complaint. He also used social media to express his support for ISIS and jihad.
Communications with ISIS Supporter
In October 2020, Bridges began communicating with someone he believed to be an ISIS supporter, but was actually an FBI undercover agent. He expressed frustration with the U.S. military and his desire to help ISIS take out American soldiers, according to the complaint.
Providing Military Advice
Bridges provided the undercover officer with portions of an Army training manual, guidance on U.S. military tactics, and even advice on how to carry out attacks, including attacks on potential targets in New York City. When asked about the most effective way to conduct an attack, he allegedly responded, “Striking the heart of the enemy, and setting a statement and a clear message to the leaders.”
Targets and Plans
Bridges also discussed potential targets in New York City, including government buildings and the 9/11 Memorial. He advised the agent to “choose your targets wisely” and inquired about other potential targets under consideration.
Middle East Operations
Bridges began to supply the “ISIS” agent with instructions on how ISIS fighters could attack and kill U.S. forces in the Middle East. This included diagramming specific military maneuvers that would help terrorists carry out deadlier attacks on soldiers.
Video and Propaganda Speech
Bridges provided a video of himself in body armor standing before an ISIS flag and made a symbolic gesture of support for ISIS. He also sent a second video in which he used a voice manipulator to narrate a propaganda speech in support of an anticipated ISIS ambush on U.S. troops.
Bridges’ activity was discovered through searches of his computer, which found keywords like “U.S. soldier shooting” and “badass jihadi”. He updated his Facebook profile and background to reflect his views in August 2020.
Conclusion
Cole Bridges’ case serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance in detecting and preventing terrorist activities. His sentence sends a strong message that attempting to support and participate in terrorist activities will be met with severe consequences.
FAQs
- Q: What was Cole Bridges’ sentence?
A: 14 years in prison. - Q: What was he charged with?
A: Attempting to provide material support to a terrorist organization and attempting to murder U.S. military service members. - Q: How did his activities come to light?
A: Through searches of his computer and social media activity. - Q: What was his role in the U.S. Army?
A: He was a private first class who joined in September 2019.
