Cole Bridges, a 24-year-old US Army soldier, has been sentenced to 14 years in prison after pleading guilty to attempting to assist the Islamic State terror group in ambushing his fellow soldiers in the Middle East. Bridges expressed his regret during his sentencing and even requested a maximum 40-year sentence, stating that he believes he deserves it. Despite Bridges’ lack of actual communication with ISIS, the judge cited various factors that showed he was not a hardened criminal.
Bridges, also known as Cole Gonzales, joined the Army in September 2019 and was assigned to the Third Infantry Division in Fort Stewart, Georgia, as a cavalry scout when the crime occurred. Court documents revealed that Bridges had begun researching and consuming online propaganda supporting jihadists and ISIS about a year before joining the Army. He also expressed his support for ISIS and Jihad on social media.
Approximately a year into his service, Bridges began communicating with an FBI online covert employee posing as an ISIS supporter, expressing his frustration with the US military and his desire to aid ISIS. During these communications, Bridges provided training and guidance to pretend ISIS fighters, including advice on potential targets in New York City and military combat tactics. He also supplied the OCE with instructions on how to attack US forces in the Middle East.
Bridges shared portions of a US Army training manual and offered guidance on military combat tactics with the belief that ISIS would use the information for planning future attacks. He also provided advice on how to fortify an ISIS encampment to ambush US Special Forces, including wiring explosives to certain buildings. Bridges even sent a video of himself in his US Army body armor standing in front of an ISIS flag and making a gesture symbolic of support for ISIS.
Despite showing signs of remorse, Bridges received a 14-year sentence as a deterrent for other members of the armed forces who may consider attacking the military. Judge Liman noted Bridges’ willingness to provide advice on minimizing casualties during an attack as the most chilling evidence. Bridges’ attorney argued for leniency, stating that he was lured into the plot by undercover agents posing as ISIS supporters due to his vulnerability and isolation from his family.
In conclusion, Cole Bridges, a US Army soldier, was sentenced to 14 years in prison for attempting to assist the Islamic State terror group in ambushing his fellow soldiers in the Middle East. Despite expressing regret and requesting a maximum sentence, Bridges was deemed not a hardened criminal by the judge. His interactions with an FBI online covert employee posing as an ISIS supporter revealed his desire to aid ISIS and provide guidance for future attacks. The sentencing serves as a deterrent for other members of the armed forces and highlights the serious consequences of supporting terrorist organizations.
