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Florida Man Sentenced for Shooting and Burning MSP Vehicles
James Itani to be sentenced later this month for 2023 attack on Michigan State Police cruisers
Published on Mar. 2, 2026
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A 39-year-old Florida man, James Itani, is set to be sentenced on March 24 for shooting up and setting fire to multiple Michigan State Police cruisers in Sault Ste. Marie in September 2023. Itani was originally charged with terrorism, attempted murder, arson, and weapons violations, and will now face sentencing nearly two-and-a-half years after the incident.
Why it matters
The attack on the MSP vehicles and troopers raised serious concerns about public safety and the security of law enforcement in the Sault Ste. Marie community. The sentencing will bring some closure to the case and allow the community to reflect on the impacts of such a brazen act of violence.
The details
According to authorities, on the morning of September 6, 2023, Itani set fire to and shot at several Michigan State Police cruisers at the Sault Ste. Marie post. The next day, when troopers went to arrest Itani, he shot at them as well. Itani was originally charged with one count of terrorism, 11 counts of attempted murder, one count of third-degree arson, and multiple weapons violations.
- On September 6, 2023, Itani set fire to and shot at MSP cruisers in Sault Ste. Marie.
- On September 7, 2023, Itani shot at troopers who went to arrest him.
The players
James Itani
A 39-year-old Florida man who was charged with terrorism, attempted murder, arson, and weapons violations for the 2023 attack on Michigan State Police cruisers.
Michigan State Police (MSP)
The law enforcement agency whose vehicles were targeted in the September 2023 attack in Sault Ste. Marie.
What’s next
Itani will be sentenced on March 24, 2026 at 8:30 a.m. in the 50th Circuit Court in Sault Ste. Marie.
The takeaway
This case highlights the ongoing challenges law enforcement agencies face in maintaining public safety and protecting their own officers, even in smaller communities. The sentencing will be an important step in providing accountability and closure for the Sault Ste. Marie community.
