Atlanta, October 20, 2025
News Summary
A man was arrested at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport after his family alerted authorities to his plans to carry out a shooting. Billy Joe Cagle, 49, was detained with an AR-15 assault rifle in his vehicle. The quick response by law enforcement and the vigilance of the community played a crucial role in preventing a potential tragedy.
Atlanta – A man was arrested at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on October 20, 2025, after his family alerted authorities about his plans to “shoot it up” at the airport. Billy Joe Cagle, a 49-year-old resident of Cartersville, Georgia, was taken into custody shortly after officers received the tip, which came as a result of a social media livestream in which Cagle detailed his intentions while armed with an assault rifle.
Cagle was apprehended just outside the terminal doors after arriving in a Chevrolet flatbed pickup truck, where police discovered an AR-15 assault rifle equipped with 27 rounds of ammunition in the back seat. Officers detained him at around 9:54 a.m., approximately 15 minutes after the initial tip was received at 9:40 a.m.
A police investigation revealed that Cagle approached the TSA security checkpoint with “high interest” in the area, prompting local authorities to act quickly. He was taken into custody without the firearm in his possession, as it was secured in his vehicle. Cagle, a convicted felon, now 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.
In light of the incident, Atlanta police stated that they will cooperate with federal authorities to determine how Cagle was able to legally acquire the firearm given his criminal background. It was noted that Cagle has a significant criminal history, including past drug possession charges.
Mayor Andre Dickens expressed gratitude to the family who reported Cagle’s intentions, asserting that their prompt action potentially saved many lives. The police chief highlighted the situation as a success due to the community’s vigilance. Body camera footage captured Cagle’s arrest, where he was restrained with two sets of handcuffs due to his size.
Following the incident, authorities conducted a safety sweep of the airport’s outer perimeter and declared the area secure. The situation underscores the critical role of community awareness in preventing potential tragedies, as shown by the family’s timely intervention.
Summary of Incident Details
- Date of Arrest: October 20, 2025
- Arrested Individual: Billy Joe Cagle, 49 years old
- Location: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
- Charges: Making terroristic threats, criminal attempt to commit aggravated assault, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, possession of a firearm by a felon
- Firearm Retrieved: AR-15 assault rifle with 27 rounds of ammunition
- Time of Apprehension: 9:54 a.m.
- Tip Received By Police: 9:40 a.m.
Background Context
Cagle’s arrest sheds light on the ongoing issue of gun violence in public spaces. His history as a convicted felon raises questions about firearm legality among individuals with past criminal records. The rapid response from law enforcement and the proactive actions of Cagle’s family serve as important reminders of the need for vigilance in identifying and reporting potential threats in the community.
FAQ
What led to the arrest of Billy Joe Cagle?
Cagle was arrested at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on October 20, 2025, after his family alerted police that he was planning to “shoot it up” at the airport based on his social media livestream.
What firearm did Cagle possess during the arrest?
Upon investigation, police found an AR-15 assault rifle with 27 rounds of ammunition in the back seat of Cagle’s truck.
What charges is Cagle facing?
Cagle is facing 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.
What did police find regarding Cagle’s criminal history?
Investigators noted Cagle had a significant criminal history, including past drug possession charges.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Arrest Date | October 20, 2025 |
| Location | Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport |
| Charges | Making terroristic threats, criminal attempt to commit aggravated assault, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, possession of a firearm by a felon |
| Crime Details | Cagle was planning to “shoot it up” at the airport as per his social media livestream. |
| Discovered Weapon | AR-15 assault rifle with 27 rounds of ammunition |
| Time of Tip Recieved | 9:40 a.m. |
| Time of Arrest | 9:54 a.m. |
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Additional Resources
- Fox 5 Atlanta
- Wikipedia: Gun violence in the United States
- The New York Times
- Google Search: Atlanta Airport shooting threats
- NBC News
- Google Scholar: airport security threats
- CBS News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mass shooting
- ABC News
- Google News: mass shooting prevention
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
