Cole Bridges, 24, told the judge he should get the maximum prison sentence for trying to help the Islamic State group kill American troops

A former US Army soldier asked to be sentenced to 40 years in prison for trying to help the Islamic State group kill American troops.

Judge Lewis J Liman rejected Cole Bridges’ request for the maximum 40-year prison term and sentenced him to 14 years behind bars instead.

Bridges, 24, of Stow, Ohio, told the judge he should get the longest possible prison stint during a five-hour Manhattan federal court proceeding.

“Honestly, I do believe that I deserve the maximum sentence,” said Bridges, who joined the Army in September 2019.

“I know what I did was wrong,” and expressed lifelong regret. However, Judge Liman pointed out several facts indicating that Bridges was “not a hardened criminal” and had no actual communications with the Islamic State organization.

Instead, Bridges had been communicating with an FBI agent posing as a supporter of the terrorist organization before his arrest in January 2021 at Fort Stewart, Georgia. His Army unit, the Third Infantry Division, was assembling there after a break from overseas training.

Judge Liman stated that the sentence would deter other armed forces members from attacking the military. He noted that Bridges had “shown signs of remorse,” including expressing relief after his arrest that he had been dealing with the FBI rather than terrorists.

The judge noted that Bridges didn’t attempt to obtain any materials from fellow soldiers that could benefit ISIS. He emphasized the “most chilling evidence” was Bridges’ readiness to offer advice to an undercover agent on how ISIS could reduce casualties during attacks.

However, Judge Liman clarified that Bridges’ actions did not equate him with Americans who have faced charges for traveling to join ISIS and directly aiding terrorists. US Attorney Damian Williams said Bridges had exploited his military training towards a “horrifying goal: the murder of his fellow service members in a carefully plotted ambush.”

Having pled guilty to aiding ISIS last year, Bridges’ lawyer, Sabrina Shroff, requested he be sentenced to time already served, nearly four years. She advocated for clemency, stating that Bridges was enticed into the scheme by undercover agents pretending to be ISIS supporters. According to Shroff, Bridges, estranged from his family and battling depression, was a susceptible target yearning for comradeship.

Master Sgt. Greg Fallen, dressed in full military attire, struggled to hold back tears as he recounted how Bridges’ arrest had shattered the morale of his platoon, leaving everyone feeling defeated. He revealed that soldiers who had formed friendships with Bridges required psychological therapy to deal with the aftermath.

“I still can’t sleep some nights,” Fallen said. “We will suffer with mental anguish for the rest of our lives.”

Captain Scott Harper, one of three officers privy to the investigation, admitted to daily fears of Bridges’ actions. “My platoon, which could do anything, was instantly destroyed,” he said. “He betrayed everything he was supposed to stand for.”

Assistant US Attorney Sam Adelsberg informed the judge that Bridges had “attempted to murder American soldiers” “Cole Bridges is a traitor,” he said.

Throughout the sentencing, Bridges remained largely impassive until his father spoke openly about their strained relationship following his divorce.

“He felt abandoned by me,” Chris Bridges, a 25-year Army veteran, confessed as both he and his son wiped away tears. The father expressed his sympathy for all the soldiers in his son’s unit traumatized by the events but vowed to be there when his son is released from prison. “I love him dearly and I’ll always be here for him,” he said.