Cole Bridges, a 24-year-old former Army soldier, has been sentenced to 14 years in prison for plotting to help ISIS ambush American soldiers. Bridges, a cavalry scout stationed at Fort Stewart, Georgia, had been communicating with an undercover FBI agent, thinking he was providing ISIS with crucial tactical advice.
The former soldier’s radicalization occurred shortly after enlisting in 2019 when he began consuming jihadist propaganda. By October 2020, Bridges was actively planning to help ISIS with attacks on US forces in the Middle East. He provided the FBI agent with detailed diagrams on how to maximize casualties and fortify ISIS positions against US troops.
In January 2021, Bridges took his commitment a step further, sending a video of himself in his military uniform, standing in front of an ISIS flag. In a separate video, he delivered a propaganda speech supporting ISIS’ mission to attack American soldiers.
Bridges pleaded guilty to attempting to provide material support to ISIS and attempting to murder US troops in June 2023. During his sentencing, he expressed deep remorse and asked for the maximum 40-year sentence, acknowledging his regret for his actions.
US Attorney Damian Williams condemned Bridges’ betrayal, stating that he used his military training to plot the deaths of the very soldiers he was supposed to protect. While the FBI prevented any real harm, the case raises concerns about extremism within the military.
Following his prison term, Bridges will face 10 years of supervised release. The case is a reminder of the ongoing threat of radicalization, even within the ranks of those sworn to protect the country.
