HAYMARKET, Va. (AP) — A person posted obscure on-line threats of violence and pictures of a Virginia church earlier than going inside with a loaded handgun and two knives throughout Sunday companies, police stated Monday.
The person was arrested and nobody was damage after officers rushed to Park Valley Church, having been tipped off by somebody who noticed his “suspicious and regarding on-line postings,” the Prince William County Police Division stated in a information launch.
The investigation concerned three police departments throughout two states, starting with a Maryland resident’s tip and ending with the person’s arrest in Haymarket, Virginia, which is about 40 miles (64 kilometers) west of Washington, the information launch stated.
Authorities didn’t provide a doable motive. But it surely comes at a time when religion leaders within the U.S. are ramping up safety at some homes of worship. In recent times, there’s been a stark uptick in regarding episodes at church buildings, synagogues, temples and mosques.
Rui Jiang, 35, of Falls Church, Virginia, was charged with threats of bodily hurt and carrying a harmful weapon to a spot of spiritual worship, police stated. The menace cost is a felony, whereas the weapons cost is a misdemeanor, in line with on-line court docket information.
Police stated Jiang is being held with out bond. A public defender was listed as Jiang’s lawyer in on-line court docket information. The county public defender’s workplace didn’t instantly reply to an electronic mail and a voicemail looking for touch upon Jiang’s behalf.
The investigation started Sunday in Maryland’s Anne Arundel County, which is east of Washington. Officers there bought a tip from a Laurel resident concerning the obscure threats and church pictures posted on-line, police stated.
Investigators rapidly recognized the church in Virginia’s Prince William County and Jiang’s potential dwelling in Fairfax County, which can also be exterior Washington. However he wasn’t there.
A Prince William County officer who was off-duty however in-uniform whereas working a element project at Park Valley Church discovered Jiang’s automotive within the car parking zone, police stated. He coordinated with church employees who have been already monitoring a suspicious particular person.
Jiang was detained close to the church’s entrance with the knives, handgun and one other loaded journal, police stated.
“The accused apparently entered the constructing via a separate door and had been inside the placement previous to being stopped,” the information launch said. “Church companies have been happening on the time.”
Police stated Jiang had a hid weapon allow and the firearm was not reported stolen.
Investigators bought an emergency substantial threat order, also called a “red-flag” regulation, which permits authorities to grab a gun after they persuade a choose that an individual could be a hazard to themselves or others.