Atlanta, Georgia, USA: Law enforcement officials in Atlanta announced Monday that they successfully prevented a potential mass shooting at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport — one of the world’s busiest air hubs — after receiving a crucial tip from the suspect’s family. Officers later found an assault rifle and ammunition inside the man’s vehicle parked outside the terminal.
According to Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum, the suspect, Billy Joe Cagle, 49, from Cartersville, Georgia, had livestreamed on social media about his intentions to “shoot up” the airport before being apprehended.
“The Cartersville Police Department was alerted by Mr Cagle’s family that he was live on social media, stating he was on his way to the Atlanta airport to ‘shoot it up,’” Chief Schierbaum explained during a press briefing. “They also informed us that he was armed with an assault rifle,” Schierbaum added that Cagle is a convicted felon.
Investigators said Cagle drove to the airport in a Chevrolet pickup truck, which he parked curbside near the terminal. Inside, officers discovered an AR-15 rifle loaded with 27 rounds of ammunition, confirming the family’s warning.
“We’re briefing you today on a success story rather than a tragedy — all because a family recognised danger and chose to speak up,” Schierbaum said, commending the quick coordination among agencies.
Cartersville Police Captain Greg Sparacio, who received the first alert from Cagle’s family, stated that the suspect had “intended to cause harm to as many people as possible.”
Police released surveillance footage showing Cagle arriving at the airport around 9:30 a.m., followed by body-camera video of his arrest. The footage captures him near the TSA checkpoint, appearing to focus intently on the area. Officers, using a photo provided by his family, identified and detained him on-site, handcuffing him as he shouted during the arrest.
Cagle now faces several charges, including making terroristic threats, attempted aggravated assault, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He was booked into the Clayton County Detention Facility on Monday evening.
A longtime acquaintance, Nick Roberts, said Cagle had shown troubling signs on social media and that he reached out the previous night out of concern. Roberts described him as struggling with mental health issues, noting that Cagle had previously mentioned being schizophrenic and taking prescribed medication.
“I just want people to know he wasn’t some kind of monster,” Roberts said. “This came as a complete shock to those of us who knew him growing up and in our community.”
Authorities are now working with federal investigators to determine how Cagle was able to obtain a firearm, given that he was legally barred from owning one.
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens praised law enforcement for their swift response. “We thank God, the community, and the timely intelligence that helped prevent what could have been a tragedy,” he said.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem also shared a statement on social media, expressing gratitude that Cagle was detained before anyone was harmed. “I’m thankful law enforcement intervened before this individual could carry out his plans,” she wrote.
