**Man Arrested at Atlanta Airport After Family Tip Prevents Potential Mass Shooting**
Atlanta police arrested a man at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on Monday after receiving a tip from his family that he was planning to carry out a shooting at the busy transportation hub. Upon investigation, officers found an assault rifle and ammunition in his truck parked just outside the terminal, Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum confirmed during a press conference.
The suspect, identified as 49-year-old Billy Joe Cagle of Cartersville, Georgia, had reportedly described his plan to “shoot up” the world’s busiest airport during a social media livestream.
“The Cartersville Police Department was alerted by Mr. Cagle’s family that he was streaming on social media about heading to the Atlanta airport, in their words, to ‘shoot it up,’” Chief Schierbaum said. “The family also stated that he was in possession of an assault rifle.” Schierbaum described Cagle as a convicted felon, which made the possession of the weapon illegal.
Cagle arrived at the airport driving a Chevrolet pickup truck, which was parked directly outside the terminal doors. Police discovered an AR-15 rifle inside the vehicle, along with 27 rounds of ammunition.
“We’re here today briefing you on a success and not a tragedy because a family saw something and said something,” Schierbaum emphasized.
Cartersville police Captain Greg Sparacio, whose department received the initial tip from Cagle’s family, stated, “Cagle had the intention to inflict harm to as many people as he could.”
During the briefing, authorities shared surveillance footage showing Cagle’s arrival at the airport near 9:30 a.m., as well as body-camera video of his arrest. The video shows a Chevrolet flatbed pickup truck pulling up curbside at the terminal, followed by Cagle entering the airport minutes later.
Chief Schierbaum noted that Cagle appeared to have “high interest” in the TSA security checkpoint area.
Using a photo provided by the family on their phones, officers approached Cagle and began questioning him before taking him into custody. Body-camera footage captured the moment officers subdued Cagle, handcuffed him, and heard him yelling during the arrest.
Cagle has been charged with making terroristic threats, criminal attempt to commit aggravated assault, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, and possession of a firearm by a felon.
At the time of the announcement, Cagle remained in custody. Efforts to contact his family and coworkers for comment have been unsuccessful. It was also unclear if he had legal representation.
Atlanta police said they will collaborate with federal authorities to investigate how Cagle obtained the firearm, as he was not legally permitted to possess it.
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens expressed relief that disaster was averted. “We’re thankful to God and to good information, and good intel, and good people for this crisis being averted,” he said.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem also commented on social media platform X, stating, “I am thankful this individual was taken into custody by law enforcement before harming anyone.”
This incident underscores the critical importance of community vigilance and timely reporting in preventing tragedies.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/10/20/atlanta-airport-shooting-plan/
