Atlanta, October 20, 2025
News Summary
A 49-year-old man from Cartersville was arrested at Atlanta airport after making threats to harm others. Following alerts from his family, law enforcement apprehended him within minutes. A loaded AR-15 was found in his truck, raising concerns about mental health and firearm access. Authorities commend the family’s swift actions for potentially preventing a tragedy.
Atlanta, Georgia – A 49-year-old man from Cartersville, Georgia, was arrested on October 20, 2025, at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport for making threats to harm multiple people, including a potential shooting incident. The man, identified as Billy Joe Cagle, was apprehended after his family alerted the Cartersville police regarding his alarming behavior.
Police were contacted by Cagle’s family at approximately 9:40 a.m., shortly before he entered the airport terminal. They reported that Cagle was threatening to “shoot up” the airport and was on his way to Atlanta. The Cartersville police quickly notified the Atlanta Police Department and provided them with Cagle’s photograph.
Cagle was seen entering the airport terminal through door S1 at around 9:31 a.m. He remained in the terminal for approximately 20 minutes before law enforcement located and arrested him at 9:54 a.m. His swift arrest followed just 14 minutes after the authorities received the initial threat alert. At the time of his arrest, Cagle was not in possession of any weapons.
However, a subsequent search of Cagle’s truck, which was parked outside the terminal, uncovered a loaded AR-15 rifle, with one bullet in the chamber and 26 rounds in the magazine. Following the arrest, Cagle was charged with several offenses, including:
- Terroristic threats
- Criminal attempt to commit aggravated assault
- Possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony
- Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Authorities reported that Cagle has a prior criminal history involving significant drug possession charges. In light of his mental challenges, the incident highlights concerns regarding access to firearms among individuals with mental health issues. A dog found in Cagle’s truck was safely returned to his family following the incident.
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens commended Cagle’s family for their prompt actions, emphasizing that their decision to alert authorities likely prevented a potential tragedy. The incident occurred during a time of heightened security concerns at airports nationwide due to staffing shortages affecting TSA wait times.
This event serves as a reminder of the critical role that the public plays in reporting suspicious behavior to prevent acts of violence. The law enforcement response was recognized as a model of cooperation between citizens and police, ultimately leading to a timely end to the dangerous situation. The quick actions of Cagle’s family and law enforcement’s efficient response were crucial in averting a possible disaster at one of the nation’s busiest airports.
FAQ
Who was arrested at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport?
Billy Joe Cagle, a 49-year-old man from Cartersville, Georgia, was arrested on October 20, 2025.
What were the charges against Billy Joe Cagle?
Cagle is facing 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.
What did the police find in Cagle’s vehicle?
During a search of Cagle’s truck, parked outside the terminal, police discovered an AR-15 rifle loaded with one bullet in the chamber and 26 rounds in the magazine.
How did Cagle’s actions impact airport security?
The incident unfolded during a period of increased airport security concerns due to staffing shortages that were impacting TSA wait times.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Arrest Date | October 20, 2025 |
| Location | Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport |
| Arrested Individual | Billy Joe Cagle |
| Charges | Terroristic threats, aggravated assault attempt, possession of firearm during felony, possession by convicted felon |
| Weapon Found | AR-15 rifle loaded with one bullet and 26 rounds |
| Time of Alert to Arrest | 14 minutes |
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Additional Resources
- Fox 5 Atlanta
- Wikipedia: Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport
- CNN
- Google Search: Airport Security
- Fox News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Criminal Law
- Bloomberg
- Google News: Atlanta Airport Incident
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.
