It could have been one of the deadliest attacks on a place of worship in recent U.S. history.
But thanks to a vigilant citizen, sharp police work, and a prepared church security team, a horrifying mass shooting plot was stopped before it could begin in Haymarket, Virginia.
This week, Rui Jiang, a 36-year-old man from Fairfax, was sentenced to 25 years in federal prison for attempting to carry out a mass shooting at Park Valley Church in September 2023.
He will also serve five years of supervised release once his sentence ends.
Online Threats Spark Immediate Concern
The trouble began the night before the incident, on September 23, 2023, when Jiang started posting disturbing threats online.
His messages clearly spelled out his intent to kill members of the church.
Authorities were alerted after a concerned citizen saw the posts and called police.
The next morning, officers tracked Jiang down to the church—while Sunday service was actively underway. He wasn’t just there to attend a sermon.
He was armed with a semi-automatic handgun, loaded magazines, and two knives.
In his car, police found even more weapons: extra ammunition, additional knives, and a can of bear spray.
The Disturbing Manifesto
A search of Jiang’s apartment later turned up something even more chilling—a manifesto, signed by him.
In it, he wrote that he intended to “deny the love lives blessed by God” to men in the church by “taking out” those individuals.
He even addressed the families of his would-be victims, apologizing in advance for what he was about to do.
Justice Officials Respond to the Threat
Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division said the case came dangerously close to a tragedy.
“But for the determination of a concerned citizen and outstanding police work, this could have ended in unimaginable horror,” she said, reaffirming the Justice Department’s commitment to protecting houses of worship.
U.S. Attorney Erik S. Siebert echoed that sentiment, emphasizing that “freedom to worship without fear” is a core American value—one that Jiang set out to destroy.
“This act of evil, stopped only by brave law enforcement and community members, has no place in our Republic,” he said.
Community Vigilance Makes the Difference
The FBI’s Steven J. Jensen, who leads the Washington Field Office, pointed to the importance of collaboration.
“This is a clear reminder that when the public and law enforcement work together, we can stop violence before it happens.”
Behind the Scenes of the Investigation
The case was led by the FBI with significant support from local police departments in Prince William County and Fairfax County.
Anne Arundel County officers also contributed.
Prosecutors from both the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Virginia and the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division handled the courtroom proceedings.
What’s Next?
Jiang, convicted by a jury in March 2025, will now spend a quarter-century behind bars.
His case stands as a powerful example of how community awareness, swift action, and coordinated law enforcement can save lives—even in the face of unimaginable threats.
