Gadahn, the American al Qaeda, Charged

ABC News/September 7, 2006
By Pierre Thomas and Jason Ryan

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.