In a chilling video released Friday, American-born Al Qaeda spokesman Adam Gadahn instructs U.S. Muslims to arm themselves at local gun stores and "target major institutions and public figures," reports ABC News. The most disturbing part of the video, titled "Do Not Rely on Others, Take the Task Upon Yourself," is Gadahn's matter-of-fact tone. "What are you waiting for?" he asks with impeccable English. "America is absolutely awash with easily obtainable firearms. You can go down to a gun show at the local convention center and come away with a fully automatic assault rifle, without a background check, and most likely without having to show an identification card."

"Muslims in the West have to remember that they are perfectly placed to play an important and decisive part in the Jihad against the Zionists and crusaders, and to do major damage to the enemies of Islam, waging war on their religion, sacred places, and things, and brethren," Gadahn says. "This is a golden opportunity and a blessing."

In terms of targets, the extended video shows the logos of Exxon, Merrill Lynch and Bank of America. Gadahn gives a sort of "reach for the stars"-like pep talk, encouraging Muslims to be ambitious about their missions. "Getting to these criminals isn't as hard as you might think," he says. "I mean we've seen how a woman knocked the Pope to the floor during Christmas mass, and how Italian leader Berlusconi's face was smashed during a public appearance. So it's just a matter of entrusting the matter to Allah and choosing the right place, the right time, and the right method." 

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John Hudson