New Tape, Old Threats From American al Qaeda

May 29, 2007 3:15 PM

Brian Ross Reports:

The former California teenage surfer turned al Qaeda propaganda chief, Adam Gadahn, repeated his threats to kill Americans on a new tape posted on the Internet Tuesday afternoon.

Video: American al Qaeda Now in Widescreen

Wearing a white turban, beard and glasses, Gadahn issued what he called a set of six "legitimate demands," saying, "We don't negotiate with baby killers and war criminals like you, Bush."

Gadahn, under federal indictment for treason, is the first American to be charged with that crime in half a century. 

Click Here for the Blotter's Full Coverage of American al Qaeda.

"You and your stupid allies are easy targets," Gadahn said with a smirk on his face. "You are losing on all fronts and losing big time."

Gadahn has emerged as a principal al Qaeda operative since leaving southern California for Pakistan almost 10 years ago.  The tape made public today was the first since Sept. 2 of last year.

The tape was released, for the first time, in a widescreen format, an indication of the technological savvy that Gadahn has brought to al Qaeda's propaganda operation.

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May 29, 2007 in American Al Qaeda | Permalink | User Comments (409)

American al Qaeda Makes FBI's Most Wanted Terrorists List

October 11, 2006 6:26 PM

Pierre Thomas Reports:

The FBI has added a 28-year-old American to its list of most wanted terrorists, and the State Department is offering a $1 million reward for his capture.

Adam Gadahn, a native of Orange County, Calif., is allegedly a top propagandist for al Qaeda. His most recent video surfaced last month, just days before the fifth anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks.

Gadahn joins the FBI list on the same day he was indicted for treason by a federal grand jury in his home state. He's believed to be hiding out somewhere in Pakistan.

There are 26 other people on the FBI's list of most wanted terrorists, including Osama bin Laden and his deputy Ayman al Zawahiri. Adam Gadahn is believed to report directly to al Zawahiri.

"Adam Gadahn represents a new breed of homegrown extremist, who has chosen to betray the country of his birth," FBI Executive Assistant Director Willie Hulon said during a press conference today in Washington, D.C.

The State Department offered the reward through its Rewards for Justice program, which it says has helped lead to the capture of other terrorists, including Ramsi Yousef, the ringleader of the 1993 World Trade Center bombing.

Click here to see Gadahn's Most Wanted poster on the FBI website.    

October 11, 2006 in American Al Qaeda | Permalink | User Comments (2)

American al Qaeda Charged with Treason

October 11, 2006 2:26 PM

Paula Cohen Reports:

A federal grand jury in California indicted an American-born al Qaeda leader for treason today.

Adam Gadahn, a native of Orange County, Calif., has allegedly become a leading propagandist for Osama bin Laden, appearing frequently in al Qaeda videos calling for attacks on America.  He's believed to report directly to bin Laden's right-hand man, Ayman al Zawahiri.

Gadahn, a one-time heavy-metal music fanatic, converted to Islam as a teenager.  He first surfaced in an al Qaeda video in 2004, using the nom de guerre "Azzam the American."  He spoke perfect English and warned "the streets of America shall run red with blood."

In another tape released last month, Gadahn urged American troops in Iraq and Afghanistan "and wherever else 'dubyah' has sent you to die" to desert the U.S. military and "join the winning side."

Gadahn could face the death penalty if convicted of treason, but officials have to find him first. 
He was last spotted in August in the South Waziristan region of Pakistan, where the central government has little control.  He moved before he could be captured.

Gadahn already faces charges in the U.S. for providing material support to terrorism, and law enforcement officials say if he is captured inside Pakistan, the indictment lays the groundwork for him to be turned over to U.S. custody.

In addition to his propaganda role, Gadahn is believed to be helping al Qaeda with English translations and understanding American culture and vulnerabilities.

October 11, 2006 in American Al Qaeda | Permalink | User Comments (35)

American al Qaeda Rejoices over 9/ll

September 10, 2006 7:09 PM

Brian Ross Reports:

Adam Pearlman Gadahn, the former Californian who is now an al Qaeda leader, described his glee on a tape released today when he learned of the attacks five years ago on "enemy soil."

Gadahn's comments are contained on a new propaganda video distributed by al Qaeda about the planning of the 9/ll attacks.

The Americans "had very foolishly assumed whatever was going to happen would happen outside of America," he said with a smile on his face.

Gadahn, once an Orange County teenager who was a heavy-metal music fan, has played an increasingly important role in al Qaeda, according to U.S. officials.

Gadahn was indicted by a federal grand jury last week on charges of providing material support for terrorism.

Prosecutors are reported to be considering treason charges.

On the tape, Gadahn describes the 9/ll hijackers as "dedicated, strong-willed men," not "failures looking for a way out."

"Everything that al Qaeda was doing was preparation for the Manhattan and Washington raids and the expected crusader invasion," he said on the tape.

September 10, 2006 in American Al Qaeda | Permalink | User Comments (19)

Gadahn, the American al Qaeda, Charged

September 07, 2006 1:36 PM

Pierre Thomas and Jason Ryan Report:

ABC News has confirmed that Adam Gadahn, the American who converted to Islam and joined al Qaeda, has been charged in a sealed indictment with providing material support to terrorism.

Gadahn recently appeared with al Qaeda's No. 2 in command Ayman Zawahiri exhorting Americans to convert to Islam. Gadahn, in addition to helping al Qaeda with propaganda and communications, is also suspected of helping al Qaeda with English translations and understanding U.S. culture and vulnerabilities. Charges may be announced in the next week. Officials have also considered charging Gadahn with treason.

Officials believe that Gadahn is now a top ranking member of al Qaeda and that he is in Pakistan.

September 7, 2006 in American Al Qaeda | Permalink | User Comments (36)

Readers Respond to 'California Man Revealed as al Qaeda Leader'

July 14, 2006 5:14 PM

Krista Kjellman Reports:

Bringing in more than a thousand comments, the blotter item, "California Man Revealed as al Qaeda Leader," grabbed the attention and -- aroused the fury -- of many of our readers.  Some readers saw the report on Gadahn in light of the situation in Iraq and our Constitution.

Kraig For Truth wrote, "Gadahn is partially correct.  The particular individual U.S. soldiers who did torture, rape, and murder innocent iraqis....ARE JUST AS  BAD AS GADAHN HIMSELF... The real evil is people on both sides, who justify evil."

"He has the right to become a member of a terrorist organization.  Just so long as he remembers that this nation has the right to capture him, try him for treason and hang him," said Glenn.

"I'm not saying what this kid did is right, because it's not.  But most of you people posting on this site should take a few moments to read the constitution of our country before opening your mouths.  Our founding fathers established a constitution for this country based on the principles of liberty and freedom.  One of those freedoms is the freedom of speech, the freedom to speak your mind without fear of oppression or persecution. These days, that freedom seems no longer to exist.  If you disagree with nitwits like Toby Keith and Ann Coulter, or you question the motives of a Government which acts without accountability, you're called a traitor, or labeled 'unAmerican,'" wrote Scott.

Others questioned ABC News' reporting Gadahn to be a "former Orange County, Calif. teenage rock music fan." 

"He actually grew up on a goat farm in Riverside County.  He only lived in Santa Ana for three years... Don't blame the OC for a kid who grew up in the 909.  Most of us OCer's are patriotic, Christian Americans ...we are the home of the Nixon Library," wrote Mallory.

While Gadahn was the son of parents who grew up during the psychedelic 1960s and lived with them on a goat farm in Riverside County, he did move to Orange County as a teenager to live with his grandparents.  And it was at the local mosque in Orange County, the Islamic Society of Orange County, that he converted to Islam and that he went from convert to radical Islamist.

Finally still other readers' comments illustrated the polarity of the U.S. political landscape as they classified Gadahn as part of the liberal viewpoint.

"Frankly, the things he has saying are not all that different from the comments of elected Democrats made on the floor of the House and Senate.  Robert C. Byrd [D-WV] made some outrageous comments which have been turned into a Arabic-subtitled propaganda film popular with terrorist-friendly organizations such as Al Jazeera, " wrote in Jack Turner.

"He sounds JUST like Cindy Sheehan, John Kerry and John Murtha.  He's quite sane by Democrat standards," said Randy.

July 14, 2006 in American Al Qaeda | Permalink | User Comments (3)

California Man Revealed as al Qaeda Leader

July 07, 2006 1:39 PM

Brian Ross Reports:

For the first time, a former Orange County, Calif. teenage rock music fan has revealed his role as a top al Qaeda leader.

Adam Gadahn, who disappeared from California seven years ago, appeared unmasked on an al Qaeda tape made public on the internet today. 

As previously reported by ABC News, the FBI had concluded that the masked man was Gadahn based on voice analysis of previous al Qaeda tapes.  On today's tape, Gadahn is bearded, wearing a turban.

He denounces U.S. soldiers in Iraq and their alleged murder and rapes of Iraqi citizens.

"Who are the real terrorists?" Gadahn asks.

When referring to the alleged atrocities committed by U.S. Marines in Iraq, Gadahn also says, "It's hard to imagine that any compassionate person could see pictures...and not want to go on a shooting spree at the Marines' housing facilities at Camp Pendleton."   

Camp Pendleton is located just south of where Gadahn grew up in California.

There was no immediate response from Gadahn's family, which still lives in California.  They had previously denied he was the masked figure on al Qaeda tapes. 

July 7, 2006 in American Al Qaeda | Permalink | User Comments (1055)