'Homegrown Jihad' Documentary Hits Terrorist Town

The Christian Action Network has taken its shocking documentary, "Homegrown Jihad", which exposes the existence of approximately 35 terrorist training compounds in the U.S. to Jesup, GA, one of the homes of these sites operating under the name of "Muslims of America." Though the film was screened in over 20 cities in the past year, this was the first time the film was presented to an audience living less than 15 miles from one of the camps.

"It was a risky move," said Martin Mawyer, the President of CAN. "But we acted cautiously and were well-received by the residents of Jesup. Fortunately, we did not encounter any aggressive action."

The event was hosted by the Jacksonville, FL., ACT! For America chapter and the local Republican Party of Jesup. It was held at Sybil's Family Restaurant, a 300-seat, full-service restaurant that has been a landmark of the city for over fifty years.

In the documentary, CAN's filmmakers visit the "Muslims of America" compound in Jesup, where a member of the group is filmed saying that he sees no problem with his leader, Sheikh Mubarak Gilani, establishing these training camps in the country. Jesup is also the only location where CAN investigators located an operational elementary school on the premises of a compound.

Following the presentation, some audience members expressed outrage at what they had learned.   "It was interesting to hear the comments afterwards," Jason Campbell of CAN said. 

"Many locals told stories of their individual encounters with members of 'MOA.' But the overwhelming majority of the comments were about their appreciation that we took the risk and traveled to the area to warn them about their neighbors."

Sybil Lynn, the owner of Sybill's Restaurant, and a local celebrity, took action after receiving the information. She asked for 50 copies of the documentary as well as booklets and other information that CAN made available at the presentation.  "She made it clear to us that everyone of importance in Jesup eats launch at her restaurant at least once a week. So, from their local Congressman to their local Mayor, all will be getting a copy of 'Homegrown Jihad' soon," Campbell said.

One Jesup resident told CAN that shortly after the national release of the film, the local police chief took to the local newspaper to insist that the "Muslims of America" compound on Mecca Drive in Jesup was peaceful in nature.

With this success, Mawyer is planning future presentations and community forums in the cities where these compounds exist.  "It is important that we educate the people living in the midst of these camps. They must know why Gilani says he is establishing camps for Islamic guerilla warfare in their neighborhoods," he said.