ATLANTA (FN) — A Georgia man was arrested Monday morning at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport after allegedly threatening to carry out a mass shooting and arriving at the terminal with a loaded rifle in his vehicle.
Authorities identified the suspect as 49-year-old Billy Joe Cagle of Cartersville. Police say his family contacted local authorities after he made alarming threats online, claiming he intended to harm as many people as possible.
Cartersville police alerted Atlanta officers around 9:40 a.m., warning that Cagle was en route to the airport. Surveillance footage later confirmed he had entered the South Terminal through door S1 at 9:31 a.m.
Atlanta police located and arrested Cagle at 9:54 a.m., less than 15 minutes after receiving the alert. He was unarmed at the time of his arrest, but officers later discovered a Springfield AR-15-style rifle in his parked truck, loaded with one round in the chamber and 26 in the magazine.
Officials praised Cagle’s family for their swift action, saying it likely prevented a tragedy. Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum credited the rapid coordination between departments and said Cagle appeared to be scouting the crowded TSA checkpoint area.
Mayor Andre Dickens commended the response, stating that “27 or more lives could have been lost today” had the threat not been intercepted. He also highlighted the broader issue of firearms and mental health posing public safety risks.
Cagle, a convicted felon, is prohibited from possessing firearms. Police confirmed he has a prior conviction for marijuana possession dating back more than 20 years.
He now faces multiple charges, including terroristic threats, attempted aggravated assault, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, and possession of a firearm by a felon.
A dog found in Cagle’s truck was safely returned to his family. Authorities say the investigation is ongoing.
