Shocking Arrest: Heavily Armed Man Apprehended at Virginia Church After Disturbing Instagram Posts, Police Reveal
A Virginia man arrested at a church with a loaded weapon after making online threats, thanks to a vigilant social media user and swift collaboration between three police departments across state lines
Rui Jiang, a 35-year-old man from Virginia, was charged after he was apprehended at a church while in possession of a loaded weapon. This arrest came about as a result of online threats made by Jiang, which were reported by a social media user. The swift response and collaboration of three different police departments from two states contributed to the successful arrest. The incident took place at Park Valley Church in Haymarket, Virginia, as confirmed by the Prince William County Police Department.
According to Daniela Salguero from Prince William County's Office of the Commonwealth's Attorney, Jiang is charged with a felony for issuing a threatening letter to intimidate a population and a misdemeanor for carrying a dangerous weapon into a place of worship. The police statement revealed that he was found in possession of a loaded handgun, an extra magazine, a folding knife, and a folding "credit card" style knife.
He faced an arraignment on Monday and was provided a public defender. The Prince William County Public Defenders Office refused to disclose his lawyer's identity to CNN. Jiang's upcoming court hearing is scheduled for October 11, as per online court records.
Hoboken Police officers are guarding the United Synagogue of Hoboken in Hoboken, New Jersey on Thursday, November 3, 2022. The FBI has reported receiving credible information regarding a threat to synagogues in New Jersey. In a statement released by the FBI's Newark office on Thursday afternoon, the threat is described as widespread. Synagogues are strongly advised to take necessary security measures to safeguard their community and premises. (Photo: Ryan Kryska/AP)
A federal prosecutor alleges that a man from New Jersey has been arrested for sending online threats to attack a synagogue and Jewish individuals. This incident has occurred amidst a troubling trend of places of worship being targeted in mass shootings across America, such as the tragic events at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh in 2018 and the First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, Texas in 2017.
According to the statement, a social media user alerted the Anne Arundel County Police Department in Maryland about threatening posts on Instagram that indicated a potential attack. The posts featured Jiang pointing a gun at pictures of churches, including the Park Valley Church, as reported by the Fairfax County Police Department in Virginia.
Police in Anne Arundel County contacted investigators in Fairfax County regarding Jiang's residence. Officers were then dispatched to his home. However, Jiang was not present at the residence. Nevertheless, investigators were able to provide a vehicle description to officers in Prince William County.
The off-duty officer on duty at the church noticed the vehicle in the parking lot. Simultaneously, the church staff were keeping a watch on a suspicious individual who turned out to be the accused present on the premises. Without any trouble, the off-duty officer and church staff collaborated and apprehended the accused near the entrance, as stated by the Prince William County Police.
Jiang had allegedly accessed the building through a different entrance and had already been inside before getting stopped. The statement mentioned that church services were in progress concurrently, but no injuries were reported.
As per the statement, authorities conducted a search at Jiang's residence and confiscated documents and electronic devices. However, no further firearms were found.
According to the police statement, Jiang had a strong determination to obtain a concealed weapon permit, and it was confirmed that the firearm was not reported as stolen. CNN was informed by Prince William County Police Sgt. Jonathan Perok that various letters and other documents pertinent to the case were discovered at Jiang's residence.
Anne Arundel County Police expressed gratitude for the prompt actions of their officers in preventing a potentially tragic event in Prince William County, Virginia. They also expressed appreciation for the collaboration with Fairfax County Police Department and Prince William County Police Department in apprehending the individual. Additionally, they thanked a vigilant community member for notifying their agency and allowing them to take immediate action. The statement concludes with the reminder for everyone to report any suspicious activity: "If you see something, say something." This report includes contributions from CNN's Sabrina Souza.
