A tumor of terrorism seems to be growing in the belly of America. In North Carolia, Daniel Patrick Boyd was arrested for being the ring leader of a domestic jihadist movement that was targeting Americans and U.S. interests abroad. Mr. Boyd, his sons, and several other men of Muslim background were arrested for preparing for a “violent jihad”, having weapons and training sessions in rural America and in controversial countries around the world. However, it was the diligence and hard work of our homeland security system that allowed identification and containment of this possible threat to be made before any damage was done. Homeland security: our first line of defense, which by implication is our first line of offense as well.

Boyd and his six compatriots were arrested on Monday; the gang included two of his sons. Prosecutors haven’t detailed any specific targets or timeframe, but what is known is that significant artillery was collected and weapons training performed within the group. Coded messages and money exchanges were made while overseas military instruction in countries like Israel, Jordan, Pakistan and Kosovo were done. There was also a purported suicide attack planned, but no timeframe was given.

According to the New York Times, if convicted, the men could face life in prison. An eighth suspect is believed to be in Pakistan. Boyd is the third American indicted recently on charges of radicalism overseas. Bryant Neal Vinas of Long Island, NY was arrested last week for training alongside Al Qaeda operatives. A man from Virginia was sentenced to life in prison for joining Al Qaeda last week. In recent history, there was the first American suicide attack performed by an American when a group of Somali men decided to leave school in Minneapolis and join an Islamic militant organization.

This cancer does not seem to have terminally spread yet, but indications are that a pattern is beginning to emerge that may signify a new manner of domestic terror – at the very least there is a constellation of concern budding within the borders of the United States. Although all but one of the members of this group of jihadists is under arrest, the still worrisome element orbiting this situation is the unapprehended inspiration that may lead others to propagate and act on jihadist motives.

Daniel Patrick Boyd seems an unlikely candidate for jihadi extremism, a drywaller and father of three who is a convert to Islam and an ex-military officer. Even his neighbors are totally shocked and in staunch disbelief of the charges leveled against Boyd. “If he’s a terrorist, he’s the nicest terrorist I ever met in my life,” said Charles Casale, 46, a neighbor in Willow Spring. “I don’t think he is.” However, as a convert to Islam and a very energetic follower of the religion, he became frustrated by Raleigh-area mosques that he saw as too moderate. He began to read more literature on radical Islam and began having gatherings in his home for prayers. These gatherings then began leading to more talk of mounting together and making a statement with actions. This was when this cell was born.

The dull and unimpressive look of these new homegrown terrorists is the razor sharp talon of the threat. If neighbors, after hearing the evidence and seeing the charges, refuse to believe in his connection with terrorism, how do homeland security officials monitor our society? Well, the simple answer is training. After 9/11 there has not been a single act of terrorism committed in these United States. The Homeland Security office has been on top of the ball in terms of infiltrating terrorist cells and catching these criminals before the act. Countless numbers of citizens have been saved and continue to be cared for under the watchful eye of our intelligence sentinels. As the famous line of Horace goes, “Dulce et decorum est pro patria mori, sed dulcius pro patria vivere.” The translation goes “It is sweet and right to die for the homeland, but it is sweeter to live for the homeland.” Be a part of the mission to protect our cities and suburbs, our old and young, our today and tomorrow. Look at the several Homeland Security programs available to you today.