A man was arrested Monday morning at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport after allegedly threatening to shoot up one of its terminals. The Atlanta airport, one of the world’s busiest travel hubs, saw 49-year-old Billy Joe Cagle detained following reports he planned to carry out a violent attack.
Atlanta police identified Cagle, who Mayor Andre Dickens described as having “mental challenges,” as the suspect. According to accounts, Cagle faced charges including terroristic threats, possession of a firearm during a felony, criminal attempt to commit aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Authorities discovered 27 rounds of ammunition and a Springfield AR-15 rifle in his truck at the airport.
Cagle reportedly arrived at the airport shortly after 9 a.m., having livestreamed on social media that he intended to “shoot it up.” His family, alerted to his threats, notified Cartersville Police, who had prior interactions with Cagle, a previously convicted felon. The information was relayed to Atlanta Police, prompting an immediate search for the suspect.
Cagle’s family described him as driving a Chevrolet flatbed pickup truck, which authorities located parked outside the South Terminal. He entered the terminal at 9:31 a.m., appearing to survey the area. At 9:54 a.m., he was arrested inside the South Terminal. Video footage showed officers using two sets of handcuffs to restrain the 6-foot-3, 320-pound man, who screamed during the process.
A safety sweep found Cagle’s truck outside the airport, with an AR-15 loaded with 27 rounds in the back seat. The weapon was cleared, and the area declared safe. Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum noted the case remains open, with investigators seeking to determine Cagle’s motive. Schierbaum also highlighted Cagle’s criminal history, including a prior drug-possession arrest in Cartersville.
Dickens emphasized the danger posed by individuals with mental health issues and access to weapons, stating, “When you have these combinations together, it can turn out to be deadly.” The incident underscored rapid coordination between local law enforcement agencies to prevent potential harm.