Atlanta, Georgia, October 22, 2025
News Summary
Billy Joe Cagle, 49, from Cartersville, faces federal charges for planning a mass shooting at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. His violent intentions were reported by his wife, prompting a swift police response that led to his arrest. Authorities found a Springfield AR-15 rifle and ammunition in his vehicle. Mental health concerns regarding Cagle’s behavior have been raised, further complicating the case as the FBI investigates how he acquired the firearm given his felony background.
Atlanta, Georgia – Billy Joe Cagle, a 49-year-old man from Cartersville, is currently in federal custody following allegations of planning a mass shooting at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Authorities were alerted to his intentions through a threatening FaceTime call made by Cagle to his wife, during which he articulated his intent to cause violence as he traveled on I-75 towards the airport.
While en route, Cagle made comments about wanting to “shoot some cars.” His wife promptly reported these threats to Cartersville Police. Upon arriving at the airport, he made another FaceTime call wherein he remarked, “I’m gonna go rat-a-tatt-tatt,” a phrase interpreted as a mimicry of gunfire. Upon investigation, police discovered that Cagle had parked his Chevrolet flatbed truck outside the airport with 27 rounds of ammunition and a Springfield AR-15 rifle inside.
Law enforcement credits the swift actions of Cagle’s wife and the local police with preventing a potential tragedy at the busy Atlanta airport. The FBI is actively investigating how a previously convicted felon, like Cagle, was able to obtain the semi-automatic weapon, especially given that it traveled in interstate commerce.
Cagle made his first appearance in federal court on Wednesday, where he was made aware of the charges against him, which include attempted violence at an international airport and being a felon in possession of a firearm. His legal representatives have requested a preliminary hearing set for November 4, with a detention hearing scheduled for the following Monday to consider bond. During the proceedings, Cagle’s mental health was brought into focus, with local officials acknowledging he has “mental challenges.”
Cagle reached the airport at approximately 9:29 a.m., with police receiving notifications regarding his threats around 11 minutes later. Quick police response enabled them to locate Cagle in the airport’s South Terminal, where he was arrested by 9:54 a.m. Authorities expressed concern that Cagle had scouted the terminal prior to retrieving the weapon from his vehicle.
Cagle’s background includes a conviction for possession of marijuana in 2000, for which he served three months in prison, along with a prior charge in Florida for carrying a concealed weapon. Family members have raised concerns regarding Cagle’s mental state in light of his recent behavior, which friends described as uncharacteristic for him as a father.
This incident has ignited a broader conversation regarding the intersections of mental health and gun violence, a topic of increasing relevance among officials in the region.
Key Facts
- Billy Joe Cagle, 49, arrested for alleged mass shooting plot.
- Threats made during FaceTime calls to his wife.
- 27 rounds of ammunition and AR-15 found in his truck.
- FBI investigating weapon acquisition by a convicted felon.
- Cagle’s court appearance on federal charges, including attempted violence.
- Mental health concerns raised regarding Cagle.
FAQ
Who is Billy Joe Cagle?
Billy Joe Cagle is a 49-year-old man from Cartersville who was arrested for allegedly planning a mass shooting at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
What threats did Cagle make?
Cagle made threats to “shoot some cars” during a FaceTime call while traveling towards the airport and declared, “I’m gonna go rat-a-tatt-tatt” in a second call made at the airport.
What evidence did authorities find?
Authorities found 27 rounds of ammunition and a Springfield AR-15 rifle in Cagle’s Chevrolet flatbed truck parked outside the airport.
What charges is Cagle facing?
Cagle faces charges including attempted violence at an international airport and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
How did authorities respond to the situation?
Authorities received notifications about Cagle’s threats 11 minutes after he arrived at the airport, enabling quick police action that led to his arrest.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Billy Joe Cagle | 49 years old, from Cartersville, in federal custody. |
| Threat Description | Threatened violence during FaceTime calls; referenced mimicry of gunfire. |
| Weapon and Ammunition | Possessed 27 rounds of ammunition and a Springfield AR-15 rifle. |
| Legal Proceedings | Facing federal charges including attempted violence; preliminary hearing on November 4. |
| Mental Health | Cagle’s mental health concerns raised by family and local officials. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Shooting Near CDC Campus Claims Life of Officer
Family Alerts Police, Thwart Airport Shooting Attempt in Atlanta
Atlanta Celebrates Halloween with Festive Events and Healthcare Expansion
Billy Joe Cagle Arrested for Planning Mass Shooting at Atlanta Airport
Man Arrested for Alleged Mass Shooting Plot at Atlanta Airport
Man Arrested at Atlanta Airport with Assault Rifle
Armed Man Arrested at Atlanta Airport After Family Alert
Family Reports Threat, Prevents Airport Shooting
Atlanta Airport Faces Security Delays Amid Government Shutdown
Airport Crisis Averted as Man is Arrested for Threats
Additional Resources
- CBS News
- Wikipedia: Mass Shooting
- Reuters
- Google Search: Mass Shooting Atlanta Airport
- NBC News
- Google Scholar: Gun Violence Mental Health
- Atlanta News First
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Gun Violence
- Fox 5 Atlanta
- Google News: Billy Joe Cagle Shooting Atlanta
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.
