Atlanta, October 20, 2025

News Summary

A 49-year-old man was arrested at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport after his family alerted police about his alarming threats to conduct a shooting spree. Authorities quickly located and apprehended him, discovering a loaded AR-15 rifle in his truck. The intervention likely prevented a tragedy, according to local officials. The man faces multiple charges, including terroristic threats and illegal firearm possession. The incident highlights the importance of community vigilance in ensuring safety.

Atlanta

A 49-year-old man, Billy Joe Cagle, was arrested at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on October 20, 2025, after threats were made regarding a potential shooting spree at the airport. The apprehension followed a family alert to police, which resulted in a rapid response from law enforcement.

Cagle’s family reported to Cartersville police that he was en route to Atlanta, making alarming threats to harm as many people as possible. The Cartersville police notified the Atlanta Police Department about these threats around 9:40 a.m., providing a photograph of Cagle to facilitate his identification.

Cagle appeared in the airport terminal through door S1 at 9:31 a.m. and spent approximately 20 minutes inside before authorities located him. He was arrested at 9:54 a.m., reacting less than 15 minutes after law enforcement was alerted. At the time of his arrest, Cagle was unarmed, but police later discovered a loaded AR-15 rifle with one bullet in the chamber and 26 rounds in the magazine inside his truck, which was parked near the terminal.

During the incident, law enforcement observed Cagle actively scanning the crowded TSA checkpoint area, raising significant concerns about his intentions. In light of the swift actions taken by Cagle’s family, Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum commended their efforts, indicating that their quick decision-making likely prevented a tragedy. The city’s mayor, Andre Dickens, also expressed concern, suggesting that “27 or more lives could have been lost today” if not for the timely intervention.

Cagle is a convicted felon and therefore not legally permitted to possess a firearm. His criminal history includes a prior conviction for possession of marijuana dating back over two decades. As a result of this incident, he faces 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 felon.

The FBI is currently involved in the ongoing investigation concerning Cagle’s threats. This incident coincided with heightened wait times at TSA checkpoints, attributed to staffing shortages amid a federal government shutdown. Authorities reiterated the significance of the “see something, say something” approach in mitigating potential threats of violence.

Cagle’s dog, which was found inside his truck during the arrest, was safely returned to relatives following the incident. The Atlanta Police Department has made images of the recovered AR-15 from Cagle’s truck public to further emphasize the seriousness of this matter.

Key Facts:

• Billy Joe Cagle, 49, arrested on October 20, 2025.
• Threatened to harm individuals at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
• Family reported Cagle to police, prompting immediate action.
• Cagle was unarmed during his arrest, though a loaded AR-15 was found in his truck.
• Faces multiple charges related to his threats and firearm possession.

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Additional Resources

• The New York Times
• Wikipedia: Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport
• CNN
• Google Search: Atlanta airport shooting threat
• Fox 5 Atlanta
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport
• Fox News
• Google News: Hartsfield Jackson threat
• ABC News
• Google Scholar: Atlanta airport threat
• Bloomberg

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.