American-born Adam Gadahn converted to Islam in 1995 and is the first American in over half a century to be charged with treason. He is a senior operative, cultural interpreter, spokesman and media advisor for Al Qaeda.
Gadahn was charged by a US court with treason in 2006, the first such charge to be leveled against an American in 50 years. If convicted, Gadahn could face the death penalty.http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/03/07/adam-gadahn-arrested-al-q_n_489124.html
On March 7, 2010, it was reported that Gadahn was arrested by Pakistani intelligence agents in Karachi. It turned out, however, that this report was false, and Gadahn had not been captured. Instead, security officials now believe that Pakistani authorities arrested Abu Yahya Mujahdeen al-Adam, another American (native to Philadelphia) who has joined Al Qaeda.http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/03/07/adam-gadahn-arrested-al-q_n_489124.html
Recordings
On the same day as his alleged arrest, a videotape was released featuring Gadahn urging American Muslims to commit acts of domestic terrorism against their home country.http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/03/07/adam-gadahn-arrested-al-q_n_489124.html
A previous recording released by Al Qaeda in June of 2009 finds Gadahn revealing that he is of Jewish ancestry and that he has relatives living in Israel. On the tape, Gadahn called on Palestinians to continue fighting against Israel, which he refers to as a "usurper entity."http://www.salon.com/wires/ap/world/2009/06/15/D98RG6881_ml_al_qaida_american/index.html
Key Dates
- September 1, 1978: Born
- 1993: Formed the one-man band AphasiaThe New Yorker: Azzam the American
- 1995: Moved in with his grandparents
- 1995: Converted to Islam
- 2003: Asked to participate in a suicide attack
- 2004-2006: Member of Al Qaeda
- May 26, 2004: Reported that Gadahn was one of seven Al Qaeda members planning terrorist attacks in 2004
- October, 2004: Video released of Azzam the American threatening the United States
- July 7, 2006: Video of unmasked Gadahn was released
- September 2, 2006: A video lecture featuring Gadahn was released
- October 11, 2006: Added to Bureau of Diplomatic Security Rewards for Justice list of wanted terrorists
- January 6, 2008: Last known video of Gadahn was released
- October 4, 2008: Two videos of Gadahn was released. The up to date subjects demonstrate that he is alive.CNN: 'Azzam the American' releases video focusing on Pakistan (October 4, 2008)
- March 7, 2010: Gadahn is allegedly arrested in the southern Pakistan city of Karachi. The story is later revealed to be false.
Death Rumors
In February of 2008, rumors began circulating that Gadahn had died from a missile attack, that also killed Abu Laith al-Libi.The International News: American al-Qaeda leader also killed? On March 2 an Al Qaeda member claimed Gadahn was still alive.The Jawa Report: Al Qaeda Claims Traitor Adam Gadahn is Alive The Counterterroism Blog stated on May 18 that they believed Gadahn was dead.Counterterroism Blog: Where's the Beef? Mystery Grows Surrounding Whereabouts of Adam Gadahn News reports released on June 2 stated the U.S. was increasing their efforts to locate Gadahn.ABC News: The Hunt for American al Qaeda
Adam Gadahn on the Pakistan Government: English Version
Adam Gadahn (aka Azzam Al-Amriki) speaks about the Pakistani government's role in the "war against Islam." The video was produced by "As-Sahab Foundation for Islamic Media Publication," the Al Qaeda branch dedicated to media production.
References
Fast Facts
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Birth name
Adam Pearlman
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Also known as
Azzam al-Amriki (Azzam the American)
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Born
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Birthplace
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Raised in Southern California
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Was homeschooled
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Played Little League baseball
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Converted to Islam at an Orange County, California mosque
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$1 million reward for information leading to his capture
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