A Virginia man is facing a potential life sentence after a federal jury found him guilty of attempting to obstruct the free exercise of religious beliefs by plotting a deadly attack on a church.
Rui Jiang, of Falls Church, was convicted on all counts, including attempting to obstruct the free exercise of religious beliefs by force and the use of a dangerous weapon, transmitting online threats, and a firearms violation.
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The chilling case unfolded in September 2023 when Jiang began posting online threats against a church in Haymarket, expressing his intention to kill congregants.
On the morning of September 24th, police responded to a concerned citizen’s call about the online threats and found Jiang inside the church, armed with a handgun and multiple rounds of ammunition, while Sunday services were underway.
Church volunteers, also alarmed by Jiang’s behavior, had approached him just as police arrived. A search of Jiang’s apartment later revealed letters in which he expressed remorse for his planned actions.
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Jiang faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison and a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for June 18th.
The FBI investigated the case with assistance from the Prince William County and Fairfax County Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nicholas A. Durham and Troy A. Edwards Jr. for the Eastern District of Virginia and Trial Attorney Kyle Boynton of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section prosecuted the case.
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