According to Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum, the suspect, identified as 49-year-old Billy Cagle of Cartersville, Georgia, was apprehended around 9:54 a.m. inside the south terminal of the airport. Police say Cagle entered the terminal and was seen “scanning the area,” allegedly preparing to retrieve a weapon from his truck.
Authorities say Cagle’s family contacted police earlier that morning after he live-streamed on social media, claiming he was heading to the airport with intentions to open fire.
Officers acted swiftly, locating Cagle and taking him into custody without incident. Outside, police discovered an AR-15-style assault rifle with 27 rounds of ammunition inside his pickup truck.
“Because of the community in this case, the family as well as the joint collaboration of law enforcement, a tragedy was indeed averted,” said Chief Schierbaum during a press briefing.
Cagle, described by officials as a felon with mental health challenges, now faces multiple charges including terroristic threats and criminal attempt to commit aggravated assault.
Cartersville Police Captain Greg Sparacio said Cagle’s family alerted local authorities shortly after 9:30 a.m., warning that he was “en route to the Atlanta area” and intended “to harm as many people as he could.” Cartersville police then notified Atlanta police, providing key details that led to Cagle’s arrest within minutes.
The FBI’s Atlanta field office is assisting with the investigation, while Homeland Security confirmed coordination with interagency partners.
“I am thankful this individual was taken into custody before harming anyone,” Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said in a statement.
Officials say a possible motive remains under investigation. Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens praised the quick coordination that prevented what could have been a devastating attack.
“We’re thankful to God, to good intel, and to good people for this crisis being averted,” Dickens said.
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