In a surprising turn of events during his sentencing in Manhattan federal court, Cole Bridges, a 24-year-old former U.S. Army soldier from Stow, Ohio, requested a maximum 40-year prison term for his attempts to aid the Islamic State group in targeting American troops. However, Judge Lewis J. Liman decided on a lesser sentence of 14 years after a comprehensive nearly five-hour hearing. During the proceedings, arguments were presented by the prosecutor and two of Bridges' former commanders advocating for the harshest punishment.
Bridges, who enlisted in the Army in September 2019, openly expressed remorse for his actions. "Honestly, I do believe that I deserve the maximum sentence," he told Judge Liman, acknowledging the gravity of his misconduct and expressing lifelong regret.
Judge Liman highlighted key factors influencing his decision to impose a shorter sentence than requested. He pointed out that Bridges had not directly communicated with members of the Islamic State; instead, his interactions were with an FBI agent pretending to be an Islamic State supporter. This detail emerged during Bridges' arrest in January 2021 at Fort Stewart, Georgia.
Furthermore, Liman emphasized that despite Bridges' willingness to offer strategic advice to what he believed was the Islamic State organization, there was no evidence suggesting he sought or distributed any military information potentially beneficial to terrorist activities. The judge acknowledged Bridges' remorse and relief upon learning that his contact was an FBI agent rather than actual terrorists.
The sentencing aimed not only to punish but also to serve as a deterrent to other armed forces members who might contemplate similar actions against their military peers or country.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams remarked on the severity of Bridges’ intentions post-sentencing: using his military training with a terrifying objective—orchestrating an ambush on fellow service members.
Bridges pleaded guilty last year to charges of providing material support to terrorism. His defense attorney advocated for leniency based on time already served and argued that Bridges was unduly influenced by undercover agents posing as terrorist sympathizers during a vulnerable period marked by isolation and depression.
The emotional impact of Bridge's betrayal was palpable among his former comrades-in-arms who testified about the psychological toll and loss of morale within their ranks following his arrest.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sam Adelsberg labeled Bridges as attempting murder against American soldiers and branded him a traitor—a sentiment echoed throughout the courtroom proceedings.
Amid these tensions, Chris Bridges spoke about their strained father-son relationship post-divorce but affirmed unwavering support for his son's future beyond incarceration—a poignant reminder of personal ramifications intertwined with broader security concerns.
Bridges, who enlisted in the Army in September 2019, openly expressed remorse for his actions. "Honestly, I do believe that I deserve the maximum sentence," he told Judge Liman, acknowledging the gravity of his misconduct and expressing lifelong regret.
Judge Liman highlighted key factors influencing his decision to impose a shorter sentence than requested. He pointed out that Bridges had not directly communicated with members of the Islamic State; instead, his interactions were with an FBI agent pretending to be an Islamic State supporter. This detail emerged during Bridges' arrest in January 2021 at Fort Stewart, Georgia.
Furthermore, Liman emphasized that despite Bridges' willingness to offer strategic advice to what he believed was the Islamic State organization, there was no evidence suggesting he sought or distributed any military information potentially beneficial to terrorist activities. The judge acknowledged Bridges' remorse and relief upon learning that his contact was an FBI agent rather than actual terrorists.
The sentencing aimed not only to punish but also to serve as a deterrent to other armed forces members who might contemplate similar actions against their military peers or country.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams remarked on the severity of Bridges’ intentions post-sentencing: using his military training with a terrifying objective—orchestrating an ambush on fellow service members.
Bridges pleaded guilty last year to charges of providing material support to terrorism. His defense attorney advocated for leniency based on time already served and argued that Bridges was unduly influenced by undercover agents posing as terrorist sympathizers during a vulnerable period marked by isolation and depression.
The emotional impact of Bridge's betrayal was palpable among his former comrades-in-arms who testified about the psychological toll and loss of morale within their ranks following his arrest.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sam Adelsberg labeled Bridges as attempting murder against American soldiers and branded him a traitor—a sentiment echoed throughout the courtroom proceedings.
Amid these tensions, Chris Bridges spoke about their strained father-son relationship post-divorce but affirmed unwavering support for his son's future beyond incarceration—a poignant reminder of personal ramifications intertwined with broader security concerns.
