ATLANTA, Ga. — A possible tragedy was averted Friday morning at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport when police arrested a man accused of plotting a mass shooting. Authorities identified the suspect as 49-year-old Billy Joe Cagle, a convicted felon from Cartersville, Georgia. Investigators said quick action by his family and law enforcement prevented what could have been a deadly attack at one of the world’s busiest airports.
According to police, Cagle had live-streamed threats early Friday, saying he intended to “shoot up” the Atlanta airport. Alarmed by his words, Cagle’s family immediately contacted the Cartersville Police Department, who then notified Atlanta police. Within minutes, officers located Cagle inside the airport’s South Terminal, around 9:42 a.m., before any harm occurred. Authorities believe he arrived unarmed to survey the area after posting violent threats online.
During a search of Cagle’s Chevrolet pickup truck parked outside the airport, police found a Springfield AR-15 semi-automatic rifle and 27 rounds of ammunition. Investigators said Cagle, who has prior felony convictions, was legally prohibited from possessing firearms. Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum stated that Cagle planned to retrieve the weapon from his truck and return to the terminal to open fire. “He came in to scope it out. He was going to go back out to his truck, get the gun, and come back in to do what he said he was going to do,” Schierbaum said.
Mayor Andre Dickens praised the coordination between agencies and the family’s quick response, saying their actions likely saved many lives. “This could have been tragic but was averted. A crisis was stopped today — 27 or more lives could have been lost,” Dickens said. “Thanks to the decisive actions of law enforcement and a family who did the right thing, countless lives were saved.”
Cagle faces several charges, including terroristic threats, criminal attempt to commit aggravated assault, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. Authorities also said Cagle may have been suffering from a mental health episode when he made the threats.
Officials stressed that the case highlights the importance of community awareness and timely reporting. “This was a close call,” Chief Schierbaum said. “Because someone spoke up, lives were spared.” The investigation remains ongoing, with federal authorities assisting in reviewing possible additional charges.