A North African branch of Al Qaeda is claiming responsibility for the death of a Christian aid worker from the U.S.

Christopher Ervin Leggett, 39, was shot several times by at least two gunmen.
    
They claim Leggett was allegedly trying to convert Muslims to Christianity.
    
Al-Jazeera television aired this audio statement from Al-Qaeda.

"Two knights of the Islamic Maghreb succeeded Tuesday morning at 8 a.m. to kill the infidel American Christopher Leggett for his Christianizing activities."

Authorities are trying to verify the statement.
    
Leggett was from Cleveland, Tenn. and had a wife and four children.