'Stranger at the Gate': How did kindness thwart the bombing of a US mosque? | The Stream

In 2009, Richard "Mac" McKinney was a US combat veteran who struggled with PTSD after tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. Once thrusted back into civilian life in Muncie, Indiana, McKinney's rage against Muslims - Islamophobic ideas shaped by his time in the military - took a new and dangerous turn.
He wanted to bomb a local mosque.
McKinney's story is told in the documentary short “Stranger at the Gate”, which was nominated for an Oscar this year. Intent on gathering intel on local Muslims at the Muncie Islamic Center, McKinney is welcomed into their community with compassion and kindness. Over time, he decides not to carry out his bomb plot, converts to Islam and eventually becomes president of the Islamic centre.
“Stranger at the Gate” director Josh Seftel says the film is ultimately about overcoming hate and finding common ground with others. It’s a much-needed message for an increasingly polarised world.
In this episode of The Stream, we'll speak to the people featured in "Stranger at the Gate".
Join the conversation:
TWITTER: / ajstream
FACEBOOK: / ajstream
Subscribe to our channel bit.ly/AJSubscribe
#aljazeeraenglish
#ajstream
#islam

[@crazychicken8290]

I recommend that to get more viewers next time you schedule the stream, KZbin recommennds scheduled streams to more people and more people who are subscribed have more time to join.

[@engineeredaf1920]

This is a microcosm for nearly every conflict and can be resolved in a similar way. People need to turn off the news and go meet people.

[@sridharsm366]

Much needed content for our times

[@crazychicken8290]

I really liked that edit at 2:10 ! Wished I could have joined!

[@noellealissa2206]

Absolutely Beautiful outcome! Only love can conquer hate!🙏🙏🙏❤

[@hammadbhutta4436]

Beautiful coverage, much needed content

[@zamanski7094]

Amazing story

[@nancycornett9949]

Thank you!

[@abdullahhassan7323]

الحمد الله رب العا لمين ،الحمد الله رب العا لمين ،العا لمين ،الحمد الله رب العا لمين ،الحمد الله رب العا لمين،الحمد الله رب العا لمين.

[@fatmabuseakkus6945]

Femi oke is so sweet, l love watching her, she is good speaker ❤️💞🥰❣️💖💕💐

[@carmencitaoliva1266]

He don’t know why hate to much

[@Shahabuddin-xl5mg]

👌

[@ladyhonor822]

Unbelievable. Calling someone Mother Teresa is a curse. Philadelphia USA 🇺🇲

[@maire8481]

I still hear older folks say that though. I guess it's just a habit, from back before we knew about her.

[@akkhan8873]

Hi my friend Al Jazeera

[@rudeboyzainu5814]

Allah is a planner who chooses he does so Mac had evil thoughts to blow up Islamic centre but he blessed with Islam therefore Allah enlighten his heart.i hope this short film enlighten more and more who hate hate Islam.stranger at the gate.

[@DKT720]

Government of Pakistan supported group name *People's Anti-Fascist Front* attacked on April 19, 2023 in Rajouri, State of Kashmir, India. My deepest sympathy to victims family ❣️💕🌹

[@availanila]

This is a lie

[@supratmanman9921]

This is Marcom MAMAN come l the Best momen Supratman 🕋 talang kelapa Palembang Indonesia oke coming now because love you ⏱️

[@azharsadat97]

Jews have god holy book Christian have god holy book Muslim have god holy book So why we have fight ? In books just onething diffrent And guess what is it ? Beleivieng in one god..

[@azharsadat97]

If someone dont beleive in one god Okay we can live together 😂 Just read the books with responsibility and patience

[@bayersbluebayoubioweapon8477]

@@azharsadat97 I don’t believe in God but I can appreciate the doctrines of religions and the value they hold to people