The tragedy was averted.
A Virginia man has been sentenced to 25 years in federal prison for plotting a mass shooting at a local church and for issuing online threats.
Rui Jiang, 36, of Fairfax, received the sentence along with an additional five years of supervised release for planning to attack members of Park Valley Church in Haymarket, Virginia.
“The right to worship without fear is foundational to our country,” said U.S. Attorney Erik S. Siebert for the Eastern District of Virginia in a Justice Department press release. “Jiang intended to violate that right by bringing violence into a place of worship. Thanks to quick-thinking civilians and courageous law enforcement officers, a potential massacre was averted. Our office will continue to prioritize protecting religious freedom.”
Harmeet K. Dhillon, Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division, echoed that sentiment, stating, “The Department of Justice remains unwavering in its commitment to investigate and prosecute threats against places of worship.” She noted the attack was narrowly avoided due to the vigilance of a churchgoer, strong police coordination, and a proactive church security team.
The incident began on September 23, 2023, when Jiang posted multiple threats on social media targeting Park Valley Church. A Maryland resident who saw the concerning messages contacted authorities.
The next morning, an off-duty police officer at the church noticed Jiang’s car on the property. Church members and the officer worked together to detain him until law enforcement arrived. When arrested, Jiang was armed with a legally obtained, loaded handgun, an additional magazine, and two knives.
Fairfax County Police confirmed they and other departments acted rapidly to prevent what could have become an active shooter event. A subsequent search of Jiang’s home uncovered more evidence supporting his intent to carry out the attack.
By December 2023, charges of attempted aggravated murder were added to previous allegations, including bringing weapons to a place of worship and issuing threats. Prince William County Police explained that this additional charge stemmed from findings in digital evidence seized during the investigation, which included threatening language and images of the church.
Jiang was indicted later that year, with investigators uncovering signs of hostility toward religion in his online activity. In March, a jury convicted him of attempting to interfere with the congregation’s religious rights, transmitting threats through the internet, and a firearm-related offense.