Atlanta, October 20, 2025
News Summary
Billy Joe Cagle, a 49-year-old from Cartersville, was arrested at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport after threatening a mass shooting. His family alerted authorities, and he was taken into custody shortly after entering the crowded airport. Though unarmed, an AR-15 rifle was found in his vehicle, raising concerns about mental health and gun access. Cagle faces multiple charges, highlighting the serious implications of such threats and the role of community vigilance.
Atlanta
A 49-year-old man from Cartersville, Billy Joe Cagle, was arrested at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport following threats of a mass shooting. Authorities were alerted by Cagle’s family, who expressed concern that he was heading to the airport with intentions to “shoot it up.”
Cagle had been livestreaming on social media before his arrival at the airport and reportedly conveyed his threat during that broadcast. The Cartersville Police were informed of the situation around 9:40 a.m., and they promptly notified the Atlanta Police Department. Cagle entered the airport shortly after 9:30 a.m. and was seen walking toward a crowded TSA check-in area.
Within 15 minutes of being alerted, law enforcement located Cagle at 9:54 a.m. and took him into custody shortly thereafter. During the arrest, he was unarmed; however, an AR-15 rifle was discovered in his Chevrolet truck parked outside the airport, fully loaded with 27 rounds of ammunition. The police chief indicated that Cagle appeared to be scouting the airport, potentially planning to return to his vehicle to retrieve the weapon.
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens highlighted the seriousness of the situation, noting that the incident averted a potential tragedy, with the possibility of “27 or more lives” being lost if the threat had been enacted. Authorities believe Cagle was undergoing a mental health crisis at the time of the event, raising concerns about the intersection of mental health issues and gun access in relation to public safety.
Cagle has a previous criminal history that includes drug possession. He now 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 convicted felon.
The role of Cagle’s family in notifying the police was critical as it demonstrated the effectiveness of the “see something, say something” approach. Investigators are currently working to determine the motive behind Cagle’s threats.
This incident has sparked discussions on broader issues concerning public safety, particularly related to mental health and gun access, emphasizing the ongoing challenges that communities face in preventing such dangerous situations.
Key Points
- Billy Joe Cagle, 49, arrested at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
- Threat reported to police by Cagle’s family before he arrived at the airport
- Cagle livestreamed his threat on social media
- Police located Cagle within 15 minutes of being alerted
- He was unarmed but had an AR-15 rifle in his truck, loaded with 27 rounds
- He faces multiple charges, including terroristic threats and criminal attempt to commit aggravated assault
- Cagle reportedly experiencing a mental health crisis at the time
FAQ
Who was arrested at the Atlanta airport?
Billy Joe Cagle, a 49-year-old man from Cartersville.
Why was Billy Joe Cagle arrested?
He was arrested after making threats of a mass shooting at the airport.
What weapon was found in Cagle’s vehicle?
An AR-15 rifle loaded with 27 rounds of ammunition was found in his Chevrolet truck.
What charges does Billy Joe Cagle face?
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 convicted felon.
Chart of Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Billy Joe Cagle |
| Age | 49 |
| Location of Arrest | Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport |
| Weapon Found | AR-15 rifle loaded with 27 rounds |
| Charges | 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 |
| Role of Family | Notified police, helpful in preventing the incident |
| Mental Health | Believed to be experiencing a crisis |
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Additional Resources
- CBS News
- Fox News
- ABC News
- NBC News
- New York Times
- Wikipedia: Mental Health
- Google Search: Atlanta airport shooting
- Google Scholar: Mental health and gun access
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Public Safety
- Google News: Atlanta airport shooting
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.
