US soldier sentenced to 14 years for seeking to aid ISIS plot
A U.S. soldier has been sentenced to 14 years in prison after seeking to support an ISIS attack that intended to kill American soldiers in the Middle East.
Cole Bridges, also known as Cole Gonzales, pled guilty to terrorism charges in 2023. His prison sentence will be followed by 10 years of supervised release, according to a Department of Justice (DOJ) release on Friday.
Bridges joined the U.S. Army in 2019. Prior to enlisting, he consumed content promoting and expressed support for jihadists and “their violent ideology,” according to the DOJ.
In the fall of 2020, Bridges began to correspond with an FBI employee, posing as an individual in contact with ISIS, the DOJ said. Bridges began to express his hope to aid the terrorist organization and provided guidance to ISIS fighters planning attacks.
Per the release, Bridges sent the undercover agent some parts of the U.S. Army training manual and in approximately December 2020, gave the individual instructions on how to fight U.S. forces in the region.
“Bridges also provided the OCE with portions of a U.S. Army training manual and guidance about military combat tactics, with the understanding that the materials would be used by ISIS in future attack planning,” the DOJ wrote in the statement.
In January 2021, Bridges sent a video of himself posing in his Army uniform in front of a flag often used by ISIS members, making a gesture supporting the terrorist group, the DOJ said. He also sent a video of him narrating a propaganda speech in which he supported an ambush on U.S. troops.
FBI bureaus in Washington, Atlanta and Cleveland investigated this case in tandem with the U.S. Army Counterintelligence, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Georgia, Air Force Office of Special Investigations, U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command, and U.S. Army Third Infantry Division.
“The conviction and sentencing of this former Soldier is a testament to the dedication and hard work of Army Counterintelligence Command special agents and law enforcement partners. We are grateful for the support of the Department of Justice and FBI in helping to bring this case to a successful conclusion.” said Brig. Gen. Rhett R. Cox, the commanding general of Army Counterintelligence Command. "We will continue to work together to ensure the safety and security of our Army and our nation."
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sam Adelsberg and Matthew Hellman for the Southern District of New York prosecuted this case. Trial Attorney Michael Dittoe of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section also assisted.
Updated at 10:02 p.m.
Date: |
-
Business - CNBC
Prosecutors seek years in prison for Trump Media insider trading Shvartsman brothers
Three men convicted of insider trading related to a company's planned merger with Trump Media are awaiting sentences in New York federal court.11 hours ago - Donald Trump -
World - The Guardian
I have been a Wimbledon line judge for 40 years. They could have told us machines will do the job next year | Wendy Smith
I saw Andy Murray win, and intervened when Andre Agassi swore. A computer may be consistent, but tennis needs the human touch. They say everyone remembers their first Wimbledon, but mine was so far ...23 minutes ago -
World - ABC News
British woman who killed her parents and lived with their bodies is sentenced to life
A British woman who murdered her parents and then lived for four years alongside their bodies in makeshift tombs at the family home has been sentenced to life imprisonment and told she won’t be ...11 hours ago -
World - The Wall Street Journal
U.S. Tightens Oil Sanctions on Iran as It Seeks to Contain Israeli Attack
The White House is trying to persuade Israel not to carry out military strikes against Iran’s oil infrastructure or nuclear sites.6 hours ago - Israel -
World - ABC News
Israeli forces kill 2 Lebanese soldiers and injure 2 UN peacekeepers in separate strikes
The Lebanese army says that an Israeli airstrike killed two of its soldiers and wounded three others, an incident that further entangled Lebanon's official army in the escalating conflict between ...10 hours ago - Israel -
World - The Guardian
Two Lebanese soldiers killed in Israeli airstrike hours after UN peacekeepers HQ fired on
Two incidents in Lebanon prompt growing concern over Israel’s escalating campaign and the spreading Middle East conflict. An Israeli airstrike has killed two Lebanese soldiers and wounded three ...10 hours ago - Israel -
Politics - The Hill
Officials warn of foreign actors targeting US races
Welcome to The Hill's Defense & NatSec newsletter {beacon} Defense &National Security Defense &National Security The Big Story Intel defensive briefings surge Intelligence community officials ...7 hours ago -
Business - The Wall Street Journal
After Years of Increases, Companies Are Rolling Back Prices
Businesses that sell a range of products from IKEA sofas to Air Jordan sneakers have said in recent weeks that they have lowered prices this year.20 hours ago -
World - ABC News
Nobel prize for A-bomb survivors' group boosts hope for Japanese seeking a nuke-free world
For many Japanese survivors of the U.S. atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and their relatives, Friday’s awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to a Japanese organization against nuclear weapons ...13 hours ago
More from The Hill
-
Politics - The Hill
Democrats shut down Arizona office after shootings
Arizona Democrats closed their field office in Tempe, Ariz. after three shooting incidents. The office served as a base for the Sun State’s congressional campaigns and Vice President Harris's ...3 hours ago -
Politics - The Hill
Comer slams Raskin over his election certification comments: 'Ultimate hypocrite'
House Oversight Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) condemned comments from Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.), calling him “the ultimate hypocrite” after the Democrat claimed former President Trump is trying to ...4 hours ago -
Politics - The Hill
Watch live: Trump courts voters in critical swing state Nevada
Former President Trump is visiting the key battleground state of Nevada Friday, as polling indicates the state may still be up for grabs. Trump has looked to put his Democratic rival Vice President ...6 hours ago - Donald Trump -
Politics - The Hill
DOJ sues Virginia over voter roll purge
The Department of Justice (DOJ) announced a lawsuit against the state of Virginia for purging voter rolls on Friday. The department claims state officials violated the National Voter Registration ...6 hours ago -
Politics - The Hill
Allred pushes back on Cruz transgender attack ads
Texas Rep. Colin Allred (D) released a new ad Friday pushing back against incumbent Sen. Ted Cruz (R) in response to three Republican ads slamming him over transgender policies. “Ted Cruz is lying ...7 hours ago