Adam Gadahn, a highly influential al Qaeda figure born in America, has issued a call to arms for U.S. Muslims.
In a newly released video (scroll down to view), Gadahn tells Muslims in the West to stockpile assault rifles and "target major institutions and public figures."
"Do not rely on others, take the task upon yourself," Gadahn said, according to the Middle East Media Research Institute. "What are you waiting for? America is absolutely awash with easily obtainable firearms."
The two-hour incendiary video began popping up on jihadi websites Friday. In addition to offering tips on how to obtain firearms, Gadahn gives examples of potential targets: Merrill Lynch, Bank of America and Exxon.
"It's just a matter of entrusting the matter to Allah and choosing the right place, the right time and the right method," Gadahn said.
Fear of getting caught should not be a deterrent, according to Gadahn: “If it's Allah's will that you be captured, then it's not the end the world and it doesn't necessarily mean that you're going to spend the rest of your life in prison," he said.
Gadahn, 32, was born in California in 1978 to a Jewish father and Christian mother. At age 17, he converted to Islam and was recruited by a mosque that had links to al Qaeda. Gadahn later fled to Afghanistan, where he joined up with al Qaeda, met Osama bin Laden and became the terrorist group’s main propagandist.
A U.S. court indicted Gadahn in absentia for treason in 2006. The FBI considers him one of the "most wanted terrorists" in the world, and the State Department is offering a $1 million reward for his capture.
"Muslims in the West have to remember that they are perfectly placed to play an important and decisive part in the jihad against the Zionists and crusaders, and to do major damage to the enemies of Islam, waging war on their religion, sacred places and things and brethren," Gadahn said. "This is a golden opportunity and a blessing."
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