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Back to Press Play with Madeleine Brand

Press Play with Madeleine Brand

The Story of Adam Gadahn

Adam Gadahn, a.k.a. Azzam the American, was a senior operative and spokesman for Al-Qaeda. And he was one of the Americans killed in the January drone strikes. Gadahn grew up and was homeschooled on a remote goat farm in Riverside County. He left home as a teenager in the mid-90s and moved in with his grandparents in Orange County.

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By Madeleine Brand • Apr 23, 2015 • 1 min read

Adam Gadahn, a.k.a. Azzam the American, was a senior operative and spokesman for Al-Qaeda. And he was one of the Americans killed in the January drone strikes. Gadahn grew up and was homeschooled on a remote goat farm in Riverside County. He left home as a teenager in the mid-90s and moved in with his grandparents in Orange County. Soon after, he converted to Islam and became radicalized at a mosque in Garden Grove. Eventually he moved to Pakistan, joined Al-Qaeda, and in 2006 he became the first American in 50 years to be charged with treason.

  • https://images.ctfassets.net/2658fe8gbo8o/AvYox6VuEgcxpd20Xo9d3/769bca4fbf97bf022190f4813812c1e2/new-default.jpg?h=250

    Madeleine Brand

    Host, 'Press Play'

  • KCRW placeholder

    Jolie Myers

    Managing Producer, 'Press Play'

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    Matt Holzman

    Producer, 'The Document'

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    Anna Scott

    Former KCRW Housing and Homelessness Reporter

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    Peggy Lowe

    KCUR

    News
Back to Press Play with Madeleine Brand