
Former Army soldier Cole Bridges, 24, was sentenced to 14 years in prison for attempting to assist ISIS in planning an ambush on US troops. Bridges, who served as a cavalry scout, used his military training to provide the terrorist organization with tactical advice on how to attack American forces.
Bridges’ radicalization began in 2019 after being exposed to jihadist content online. By 2020, he was in contact with an undercover FBI agent, thinking he was working with ISIS. Bridges provided detailed plans on how ISIS could launch deadly attacks on US troops stationed in the Middle East, including military maneuvers and advice on fortifying positions against American forces.
In January 2021, Bridges sent videos of himself in military gear standing in front of an ISIS flag, showing his allegiance to the group. He also recorded a propaganda speech encouraging attacks on American soldiers.
Bridges pleaded guilty to charges of attempting to provide material support to a terrorist organization and attempting to kill US military personnel in June 2023. He expressed remorse during his sentencing, telling the court that he knew what he did was wrong and requested the maximum 40-year sentence.
US Attorney Damian Williams stated that Bridges used his Army training to help plan the murder of his fellow soldiers. The FBI’s undercover operation stopped any real attacks from happening, but the case highlights the dangers posed by radicalization within the military.
Bridges will also face 10 years of supervised release following his 14-year prison term, marking the end of a troubling case of homegrown extremism.