Rui Jiang, a 36-year-old Fairfax man, has been sentenced to 25 years in prison and five years of supervised release for his attempt to carry out a mass shooting at Park Valley Church in Haymarket.
Jiang was convicted in March. Evidence showed he not only posted explicit online threats but later armed himself and went to the church during Sunday services on September 24, 2023.
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A manifesto found in his apartment detailed his violent intentions.
Authorities credited the intervention of a concerned citizen, swift police response, and the vigilance of the church security team for preventing what could have been a catastrophic attack.
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“This was the closest of calls. But for the determination of a concerned citizen; the exceptional police work by the Anne Arundel, Fairfax, and Prince William County Police Departments; and the steadfast vigilance of the church security team, this would have ended in unimaginable tragedy,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon emphasizing the gravity of the situation.
For a deeper look at the investigation, Jiang’s background, and how the plot unfolded, watch this video on the case: