Atlanta Police stopped a possible mass shooting at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport on October 20, 2025. Officers arrested 49-year-old Billy Joe Cagle from Cartersville, Georgia, inside the terminal after he allegedly threatened to open fire while driving there with a rifle.
Family Alert Triggers Rapid Police Action
Cagle’s relatives contacted the Cartersville Police Department after watching his livestreamed threats. Their alert prompted a coordinated response by Atlanta Police, the FBI, and airport security. Surveillance cameras tracked him through the South Domestic Terminal before officers detained him at 9:54 a.m.
Loaded Rifle Found in Truck
Police found Cagle’s Chevrolet pickup truck parked outside the terminal. Inside was an AR-15-style rifle with 27 rounds, including one in the chamber. Authorities confirmed that the weapon was capable of inflicting heavy casualties if fired in the crowded terminal.
Suspect Faces Federal and State Charges
Investigations revealed that Cagle is a convicted felon barred from possessing firearms. He now faces multiple federal and state charges, including attempted violence at an international airport, making terroristic threats, and unlawful firearm possession. He remains in custody at Clayton County Jail.
Mental Health and Family Intervention
Cagle’s family told police that he suffers from mental illness and had stopped taking his medication. Their timely action, combined with the quick coordination among agencies, prevented a major tragedy.
Authorities Praise Community Response
Law enforcement officials credited the family’s intervention and the swift response by multiple agencies for saving lives. The case has prompted a review of social media monitoring and airport security procedures, reinforcing the importance of vigilance and public reporting in preventing violence.
