The disturbances in Los Angeles have prompted al-Qaeda leader Sa’ad al-Awlaki to directly threaten American political figures, businesses, and institutions with death, causing grave concerns about possible terrorist attacks on American territory. Al-Awlaki specifically targeted Microsoft and Elon Musk’s companies, as well as other businesses that support the US military. According to him, assassinations are “the greatest form of jihad today” and are required by religion.
Explicit Calls for Violence Against American Leaders
In a chilling directive that has alarmed security officials, Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula leader Sa’ad al-Awlaki has issued explicit calls for Muslims in America to carry out assassinations against U.S. political leaders. The terrorist leader specifically named President Trump, the Vice President, the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Defense, and their family members as primary targets. Additionally, al-Awlaki encouraged attacks on the Senate, military bases, and major American corporations that support U.S. military operations.
Al-Awlaki framed these potential attacks as religious obligations, describing assassinations as “the greatest form of jihad today.” He justified the violence as retaliation for U.S. support of Israel and civilian casualties in Gaza and other conflicts. This dangerous rhetoric represents a significant escalation in Al-Qaeda’s messaging toward Western targets after a period of focusing primarily on regional conflicts.
Listen to this.
Al-Qaeda’s leader has called on Muslims in the US to wage jihad. pic.twitter.com/K2bcJpd76E— LULU 🇺🇸🍊 (@cubanita356) June 10, 2025
Corporate America in the Crosshairs
Beyond government officials, al-Awlaki specifically targeted major American businesses in his call for violence. Companies explicitly mentioned include Microsoft and Elon Musk’s various enterprises. This represents an expansion of Al-Qaeda’s traditional target list to include civilian business leaders and corporations that the terrorist organization perceives as supporting American military and political objectives. Security experts note this could potentially expose a broader range of American institutions to terrorist threats.
The terrorist leader’s message included instructions for followers not to seek guidance or approval before committing violent acts against Americans. This “lone wolf” approach represents a particularly dangerous tactical shift, as it encourages isolated individuals to act without coordination, making detection and prevention significantly more difficult for law enforcement and intelligence agencies.
BREAKING: Al-Qaeda leader, Sa'ad Bin Atef Al-Awlaki, has just now called for American Muslims to wage Jihad on US soil and to assassinate President Donald Trump, Vice President J.D. Vance, and Elon musk, others.#alqaeda #Trump #ElonMusk #Musk #DonaldTrump #America pic.twitter.com/rshEkDtSa0
— World Watcher (@World__Watcher_) June 10, 2025
Al-Qaeda’s Strategic Rebuilding
Security experts emphasize that despite reduced media attention in recent years, Al-Qaeda has been methodically rebuilding its operational capabilities. The organization has adapted its strategy to focus on embedding within local conflicts and communities across multiple regions, allowing it to strengthen its network while drawing less international attention. This approach has enabled Al-Qaeda to position itself to potentially lead the global Salafi-jihadi movement as ISIS continues to weaken.
The organization’s continued evolution ensures it remains a significant long-term threat to American national security, despite periods where it has seemingly deprioritized direct attacks on Western targets. Intelligence assessments suggest Al-Qaeda has been deliberately rebuilding attack capabilities while exploiting global trends like sectarianism to strengthen its position and appeal. These latest threats must be understood within this broader context of the group’s strategic patience and long-term planning.
Security Implications and Response
U.S. security officials are urged to take these threats with the utmost seriousness, particularly given Al-Qaeda’s historical willingness and capability to execute large-scale attacks against American targets. The explicit nature of al-Awlaki’s calls for violence, combined with specific naming of high-value targets, represents a significant security challenge that requires comprehensive countermeasures. Security experts note that the timing of these threats amid domestic unrest raises additional concerns about potential exploitation of internal divisions.
Counterterrorism specialists emphasize that addressing this renewed threat requires more than tactical responses targeting individual terrorist leaders. A broader strategy to counter the global Salafi-jihadi movement is necessary, one that addresses the ideological underpinnings that Al-Qaeda continues to exploit. This approach must recognize that despite apparent periods of diminished activity, organizations like Al-Qaeda maintain their fundamental objectives and continuously adapt their methods to achieve them.