Armed Man Arrested In NoVA Church After Posting Threats, Photos Of Site

HAYMARKET, VA — A Falls Church man was arrested on Sunday after he entered a Haymarket church while armed with a loaded handgun, the Prince William County Police Department said. Investigators said the man had previously posted violent threats online.

No injuries were reported. Authorities noted that church services were occurring when police officers found the suspect in the church.

The police department identified the man as 35-year-old Rui Jiang of Falls Church. He is charged with threats of bodily harm and carrying dangerous weapon to a place of religious worship.

Jiang is being held without bond at the Prince William County Adult Detention Center. His court date is pending.

If convicted, Jiang could face up to 10 years in prison, based on Virginia's sentencing guidelines.

A Laurel, Maryland, resident had contacted their local police department after they saw Jiang post vague threats of violence on Instagram, authorities said. Jiang's social media posts included photos of the Park Valley Church in Haymarket.

Fairfax County police officers went to Jiang's home on Sunday morning, but they could not find him.

On Sunday morning, authorities decided to search for Jiang at the Park Valley Church. An off-duty Prince William County police officer was working a security detail at the church, the police department said. The officer found Jiang's vehicle in the church's parking lot.

The police officer found Jiang near the church's entrance and detained him, the police report said.

Authorities said Jiang came into the church through a different entrance and had already been inside before the police officer stopped him. Jiang had a loaded handgun, a spare magazine, and two folding knives with him, according to the police department.

Jiang had a concealed carry permit and his handgun had not been reported stolen, investigators said.

Investigators searched Jiang's home after his arrest. They did not find any additional firearms, but authorities seized "related documents and electronic items," according to the police report.

The police department is looking to speak with anyone who may have had recent contact with Jiang. The police department can be reached at 703-792-7000.