Man arrested inside Atlanta airport after making threats

A man was arrested at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on Monday after threatening to “shoot up” the terminal, with police recovering a loaded AR-15 rifle from his vehicle and crediting his family’s prompt report for averting a potential tragedy. On the morning of October 20, 2025, authorities at the world’s busiest airport swiftly apprehended Billy Joe Cagle inside the South Terminal after his family alerted police to his threats. Cagle, a 49-year-old from Cartersville, Georgia, had reportedly made statements on social media indicating his intent to cause harm at the airport, prompting immediate action from law enforcement. The sequence of events began when Cagle’s family contacted Cartersville police around 9:40 a.m., reporting that he was armed and heading to the airport with malicious intent. Within minutes, Atlanta police were notified and provided with Cagle’s description and vehicle information. Surveillance footage showed he had already arrived at the airport shortly before 9:30 a.m. and was observed near the crowded TSA checkpoint area. Officers located and arrested Cagle at 9:54 a.m., just 14 minutes after the initial alert. Although he was not carrying any weapons at the time of his arrest, police later discovered a Springfield AR-15 style rifle in his Chevy flatbed truck parked outside the terminal. The weapon was loaded with one round in the chamber and 26 in the magazine, totaling 27 rounds of ammunition. Cagle faces multiple charges, including 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 convicted felon. Records indicate he was convicted of marijuana possession over two decades ago, which prohibits him from legally owning firearms. During a news conference, Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum praised the family’s vigilance and the coordinated response, stating, “We’re here today briefing you on a success and not a tragedy, because a family saw something and said something.” Mayor Andre Dickens emphasized that the incident highlighted the dangerous combination of mental health challenges and access to firearms, noting that “27 or more lives could have been lost today.” The arrest occurred amid ongoing TSA staffing shortages at the airport, attributed to the federal government shutdown that began on October 1. Despite these challenges, authorities managed to respond effectively, underscoring the importance of public cooperation in preventing violence. As the investigation continues with FBI assistance, Cagle remains in custody, and the case serves as a reminder of the critical role that community awareness and rapid law enforcement action play in enhancing public safety at major transportation hubs.