Police Arrest Virginia Man Who Took Gun, 2 Knives To Church

Police Arrest Virginia Man Who Took Gun, 2 Knives To Church

Police Arrest Virginia Man Who Took Gun, 2 Knives To Church: After allegedly trying to enter the church with firearms during a worship session, a man who had threatened a Virginia congregation online was apprehended.

Mr Rui Jiang, a 35-year-old resident of Falls Church, was arrested outside Park Valley Church in Haymarket after making “vague threats of violence” on Instagram. Prince William County Police Department, Fairfax County Police Department, and Anne Arundel County Police Department coordinated efforts.

“The off-duty officer and church staff coordinated and detained the accused near the entrance without incident,” stated Prince William police. “The accused apparently entered the building through a separate door and had been inside the location prior to being stopped.”

When detained, Jiang had a loaded handgun, an extra ammunition magazine, and two knives. The firearm was reported as legally purchased and owned by the accused.

Mr Jiang has been charged with carrying a dangerous weapon to a place of worship and for making threats of bodily harm.

“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,” stated the police.

In a statement posted on Facebook Tuesday, the church thanked authorities for “their swift and courageous actions of working across state and county lines to locate the threat that took place on our campus this past Sunday.”

“We are a church that deeply cares about the welfare of those attending our Sunday services and church events, and we thank God for His hand of protection along with our safety ministry and everyone else involved that saw something that looked concerning and quickly addressed the situation,” stated Park Valley Church.

“We love our church family and surrounding communities and will continue to remain vigilant to ensure the safety of our congregation, their families, and all seeking to know Christ.”