James Kamal Itani, 42, was sentenced Tuesday to 25 to 40 years in prison following his convictions for terrorism, assault with intent to murder and arson. (Photo courtesy of Chippewa County Prosecutor's Office)

CHIPPEWA COUNTY — A man who carried out a terrorist attack on the Michigan State Police (MSP) post in Sault Ste. Marie in 2023 has been sentenced.

On Tuesday, Chippewa County 50th Circuit Court Judge James P. Lambros sentenced James Kamal Itani, 41, to 25 to 40 years in prison following his convictions for terrorism, assault with intent to murder and arson.

Itani received credit for 935 days served and was ordered to pay $195,651.24 in restitution, according to court records.

The convictions stem from a September 2023 attack on the MSP post in Sault Ste. Marie.

According to Chippewa County Prosecuting Attorney Robert L. Stratton, Itani deliberately traveled to the post during the early morning hours of Sept. 6, 2023, armed with gasoline and firearms.

Itani ignited multiple marked patrol vehicles, destroying four and causing nearly $190,000 in damage.

After setting the fires, Itani reportedly fired multiple rounds from a rifle toward the MSP building before fleeing the scene, prompting a manhunt.

Law enforcement later identified Itani’s whereabouts through a tip from a community member and corroborating surveillance. Officers executed a search warrant at his residence.

When officers ordered Itani to exit his residence, he fired multiple rounds at MSP Emergency Support Team members. He was subsequently taken into custody and lodged on a $5 million cash bond.

Officers reported that rounds came within feet of striking law enforcement personnel on the perimeter, according to Stratton.

“This was not impulsive vandalism; it was a planned, targeted attack on law enforcement infrastructure, designed to draw officers into a position where they could be killed,” Chief Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Kristin M. Giommi said. “The combination of arson, firearm use, and ambush-style targeting of law enforcement poses an extraordinary risk to public safety, which the guidelines do not adequately address.”

In delivering the sentence, Lambros said, “This case is more than a standard act of terrorism. It involves deliberate, premeditated targeting of law enforcement, sustained use of deadly force, extreme risk to multiple individuals, and substantial destruction of critical public safety resources.”

According to Stratton, Itani’s advisory sentencing guideline range was 11 years and 3 months to 18 years and 9 months.

The Michigan Department of Corrections had recommended a sentence of 18 to 40 years’ imprisonment.

Michigan’s sentencing guidelines take into account both the defendant’s criminal history and the nature of the offense.

“The sentence imposed today reflects the seriousness of that conduct and the need to protect our community, warranting the Judge to go above the guideline range and was why my office argued for at least a 25-year minimum sentence,” Stratton said.

MSP was assisted by the Chippewa County Sheriff’s Office and other local law enforcement agencies.

“The Chippewa County Prosecutor’s Office extends its appreciation to the law enforcement officers who responded to this incident and ensured that no lives were lost,” Stratton said.