MA Man Sentenced In Terror Plot To Behead Blogger

EVERETT, MA – An Everett man convicted of being involved in an Islamic State-inspired plot to behead a conservative blogger was sentenced to 28 years in prison Tuesday, the U.S. Attorney's office said. Jurors in October found David Wright, 28, guilty of conspiracy to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization, conspiracy to commit acts of terrorism transcending national boundaries and other crimes.

Prosecutors sought a life sentence for Wright for his role in the plot to kill Pamela Geller, arguing a harsh punishment would help deter future crimes. The attack was never carried out.

Wright's attorneys asked for 16 years, calling a life sentence "draconian." Wright argued during his trial that he did not really support ISIS and was living in a fantasy world.

A tearful Wright apologized to Geller before the court prior to his sentencing.

"Nothing I can say can fix the hurt I caused," the 28-year-old Wright said. "I sincerely hope that I can be given the opportunity to help others avoid the mistakes I made."

The judge told Wright he embraced a "monstrous evil" but is not a "monster."

Geller says she's disappointed Wright didn't get life but is pleased he'll at least be behind bars for the rest of her life.

>>>Read more about Wright's plot here

FILE - In this June 19, 2015, file, courtroom sketch, David Wright, second from left, is depicted standing before Magistrate Judge Donald Cabell, left, with attorney Jessica Hedges, second from right, and Nicholas Rovinski, right, during a hearing in federal court in Boston. (Jane Flavell Collins via AP, File)

Materials from The Associated Press was used in this report