A Georgia man was arrested Monday at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport after allegedly threatening to open fire at the busy travel hub.
Police said 49-year-old Billy Joe Cagle faces charges of terroristic threats, attempted aggravated assault, and multiple firearm offenses. His family alerted authorities after he livestreamed on social media, claiming he was on his way to the airport to “shoot it up.”
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens praised the family and police response, saying, “Twenty-seven or more lives could have been lost today because an individual came into Hartsfield-Jackson, and after being reported coming out of Cartersville, Georgia, that had mental challenges. This individual, thankfully, his family went to the Cartersville police and shared with them what was going on, and they alerted APD, and the APD and airport were aware, and this crisis was averted.”
Police Chief Darin Schierbaum said Cagle arrived at the airport’s South Terminal around 9:29 a.m. and appeared unarmed, with video showing him walking toward a crowded TSA checkpoint. Officers quickly issued a “be-on-the-lookout” alert for him and his Chevrolet flatbed truck, locating and arresting him by 9:54 a.m.
Video showed officers using two sets of handcuffs to restrain the 6-foot-3, 320-pound man, who screamed as he was arrested. During a perimeter sweep, police found Cagle’s pickup with a loaded AR-15 containing 27 rounds inside. The weapon was secured, and the area was deemed safe. Schierbaum said the investigation is ongoing and declined to discuss Cagle’s cooperation.
Schierbaum said investigators are working to determine Cagle’s motive in the apparent foiled attack. He added that Cagle has a criminal record, including a “significant” prior drug-possession arrest in Cartersville.
Dickens added, “This individual did have a semiautomatic weapon and this individual was mentally challenged. When you have these combinations together, it can turn out to be deadly.”
This crazy guy was about to commit a mass shooting at Hartsfield-Jackson Airport in Atlanta. 49-year-old Billy Joe Cagle ARRESTED! Caught at the airport armed. SCARY STUFF!https://t.co/Xqbk2Xhx8D pic.twitter.com/lnfExnxClm
— JLR© (@JLRINVESTIGATES) October 20, 2025
