MLK parade organizers hoping for big turnout

Harpham ultimately pleaded guilty to attempted use of a weapon of mass destruction, and the hate crime of placing the bomb in an effort to target minorities.

The plea deal called for a sentence of 27 to 32 years.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Joe Harrington argued at sentencing that a longer sentence was reasonable, given the region's long history with white supremacist groups like Aryan Nations.

"Others with the twisted views the defendant has still reside in this area," Harrington said. "This tells them there will be severe punishment imposed."

Speaking for the first time at his sentencing, Harpham contended he placed the bomb as a "creative" way to protest the inclusive message of the parade.

"I was making a statement that there are people out there who don't agree with these ideas," Harpham said. He likened himself to a Christian protesting gay marriage, "but a bit more dangerous or extreme."

U.S. District Judge Justin Quackenbush expressed dismay at Harpham's lack of remorse, and levied the maximum sentence.

"The offense was an attempt to intimidate the civilian population of this community, if not the country," Quackenbush said.

"I hope in the next months or years you pause and reflect upon the fact that we are all inhabitants of one planet," Quackenbush told Harpham. "We have disagreements, and it is not for you or I to decide who lives and who doesn't live."