Virginia man brought weapons to church service after making online threats, say police.
OAN’s James Meyers
8:03 AM – Tuesday, September 26, 2023
A Virginia man was arrested for suspicious online postings involving a local church during their Sunday services.
Police announced on Monday, the arrest of 35-year-old Rui Jiang after responding to Park Valley Church in Haymarket, Virginia on Sunday and found him in possession of a loaded firearm with an additional magazine, a folding knife and a folding “credit card” style knife, according to Fox 5 DC.
Three police departments across Virginia and Maryland were involved in the investigation that led to Jiang being taken into custody.
The 35-year-old has been charged with threats of bodily harm, and carrying a dangerous weapon to a place of religious worship, he is currently being held without bond.
The investigation began on Sunday by police after a concerned resident reported suspicious social media posts allegedly made by Jiang suggesting he might have been planning on attacking a church, which turned out to be Park Valley Church in Prince William County, Virginia.
An off-duty Prince William County officer working a detail assignment at the church located Jiang’s car in the church’s parking lot, according to Prince William County police.
The officer coordinated with church staff who were monitoring a suspicious person on the premises. Jiang was taken into custody near the church’s entrance without incident.
“Law enforcement credits the concerned citizen who contacted police regarding these suspicious online postings, joint law enforcement efforts from multiple police agencies, and the staff of Park Valley Church for their vigilance,” Prince William County police said in the news release.
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How did the community’s quick response in reporting Rui Jiang’s disturbing online posts play a crucial role in averting a potential tragedy?
Postings,” said Prince William County Police spokesperson Sgt. Jonathan Perok. “Their quick response and reporting played a crucial role in preventing potential harm to the church community.”
According to authorities, Jiang had been posting disturbing and threatening messages on various social media platforms, referencing his intentions to carry out an attack on a religious institution. The nature of the posts raised alarm among community members, leading to the concerned resident’s decision to notify the police.
Law enforcement agencies immediately launched an investigation, collaborating with multiple jurisdictions to ensure the safety of the public. Their efforts resulted in Jiang’s apprehension and the recovery of dangerous weapons in his possession.
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of remaining vigilant and reporting suspicious behavior or online content to the appropriate authorities. In this case, the concerned citizen’s actions played a pivotal role in averting a potential tragedy.
Religious institutions are often targets of violence and hate crimes, making security and the identification of potential threats paramount. The response by the off-duty officer and the coordination between law enforcement and church staff showcase the significance of proactive measures and close collaboration in safeguarding the community.
The arrest of Rui Jiang highlights the dedication of law enforcement in protecting citizens and preempting potential acts of violence. Investigations, such as this, require extensive resources and collaboration between agencies, demonstrating the commitment of authorities to maintaining public safety.
In conclusion, the arrest of Rui Jiang for suspicious online postings and his subsequent possession of dangerous weapons emphasizes the need for community vigilance and immediate reporting of potential threats. Law enforcement’s swift response and the coordination between agencies and the church staff have undoubtedly prevented a possible tragedy. The incident serves as a reminder that everyone has a responsibility to remain alert and report any concerning behavior to ensure the safety of our communities.
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