Threats To Haymarket Church Prompt Federal Charge For Falls Church Man

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, VA — A Falls Church man who showed up to a church with weapons is facing charges in relation to threats against the church, according to a criminal complaint in federal court.

Rui Jiang, 35, of Falls Church, is charged with transmitting interstate/foreign commerce communication with threat to cause bodily injury.

According to an affidavit, Jiang posted threatening messages against Park Valley Church and its congregants on his Instagram page. Court documents indicate he posted several videos of what he said was burning the Bible. Another post showed a gun pointed at a television screen displaying an image of a church.

Seven more photos appeared to be taken from the Park Valley Church's parking lot at night. One of the captions read, "Welcome to Park Valley church, attended by many top secret gov clearance holders in the area…blood will be on your hands."

After the Park Valley Church photos were posted, the account posted a photo of a shooting target with a caption reading, "I’m going to exterminate you, in this life and the next."

Jiang's acquaintance saw the posts and alerted law enforcement, who contacted Fairfax County Police to conduct a welfare check of Jiang. Police were unable to find him but contacted Prince William County Police, believing an emergency response was needed at Park Valley Church.

At the church, an officer learned the church's security detained Jiang. A large congregation was present at the church for a Sunday service.

According to court documents, police found a gun, pocketknife and loaded magazine on Jiang. The gun did not have a loaded round in the chamber. At Jiang's residence, police found letters by Jiang appearing to suggest he intended to harm people. The letter said in part, "I apologize in advance, if any women are harmed, for that is deeply regrettable and collateral damage" and "to the families of those men about to be slain – I am sorry for what I have done and about to do."

Court documents said Jiang told officers after his arrest that he owned the Instagram account and made the posts.

The case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney for Eastern District of Virginia's office.