A potential mass casualty event was narrowly avoided when a man allegedly threatening to open fire at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport was arrested before any violence occurred.

On Oct. 20, 2025, authorities apprehended Billy Joe Cagle, 49, at Atlanta’s airport minutes after receiving a tip from his family that he had livestreamed a threat to “shoot up” the facility, ultimately discovering a loaded AR-15 in his truck nearby, as Fox News reports.

According to police, the terrifying situation began when members of Cagle’s family in Cartersville, Georgia, saw a livestream on social media in which he reportedly threatened to carry out a shooting at the Atlanta airport. Concerned by what they saw, relatives immediately contacted the Cartersville Police Department to report the threat.

Cartersville police escalated the matter by notifying the Atlanta Police Department, who coordinated quickly with airport authorities. The information was considered credible enough for the APD to launch a multi-agency effort to locate and intercept the suspect before he reached a potential target.

Within minutes, a “be-on-the-lookout” alert was issued for Cagle and his beige Chevrolet flatbed pickup truck. Police officials used a recent photo to identify the suspect as he approached the airport’s bustling South Terminal that morning.

Man Approached Crowded TSA Area With Loaded Rifle Nearby

Police Chief Darin Schierbaum confirmed that Cagle arrived outside the South Terminal of Hartsfield-Jackson at 9:29 a.m., walking toward a congested TSA checkpoint. Officers worked fast to locate the suspect in the packed terminal.

At 9:54 a.m., Atlanta police officers found and restrained Cagle inside the terminal. Though not carrying a visible weapon on him at the time, officers used two sets of handcuffs to restrain the 6-foot-3, 320-pound man, who was recorded on surveillance video yelling during the arrest.

A safety sweep of the scene identified Cagle’s truck, parked curbside at the terminal. Inside, law enforcement allegedly discovered a fully loaded AR-15 style rifle in the back seat, holding 27 rounds of ammunition.

Suspect Faces Multiple Felony Charges After Arrest

Cagle was taken into custody without incident following the discovery of the weapon. He has since been charged with several felonies, including terroristic threats, criminal attempt to commit aggravated assault, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony.

Authorities noted that Cagle has a criminal past, with prior offenses including drug-related charges in Cartersville. Further details about his mental health, potential motives, or whether he has cooperated with investigators have not yet been disclosed.

The weapon found in the vehicle was safely secured by police, and no injuries were reported. Despite the panic such a threat could have caused, airport operations were not significantly disrupted due to the rapid response by law enforcement.

Family’s Quick Thinking Credited With Stopping Attack

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens praised the proactive actions that prevented what could have been a deadly mass shooting at one of the world’s busiest airports. He emphasized the role the suspect’s relatives played in alerting police before any shots could be fired.

“Twenty-seven or more lives could have been lost today,” Dickens said. “This individual did have a semiautomatic weapon… When you have these combinations together, it can turn out to be deadly.”

Mayor Dickens also noted Cagle was described as mentally unstable in family reports, emphasizing the dangers posed when mental health issues are combined with access to high-powered firearms.

Lessons to Learn

1. Speak up if you see concerning behavior. This story is a potent reminder of the power of swift community action. Cagle’s family did the right thing by taking his online threats seriously and calling law enforcement before tragedy struck. We must treat all threats as credible until proven otherwise.

2. Firearms in public spaces are a danger. Even though Cagle was not brandishing the weapon when arrested, leaving a loaded AR-15 in a vehicle near a major transport hub created enormous risk. Everyone should be aware of the laws and responsibilities tied to firearm ownership and storage.

3. Crime prevention requires public cooperation. Police alone cannot catch every threat ahead of time. Situations like this underscore the importance of civilians helping law enforcement. However, even with the best precautions, crime can affect anyone — and blame should never be placed on victims.

Why This Story Matters

This incident highlights not just a criminal act avoided, but also the way multiple law enforcement agencies and concerned citizens can work together successfully. It brings attention to the ongoing concerns surrounding mental health and access to firearms. The safety of public spaces, especially transportation hubs like airports, depends heavily on vigilance, preparation, and trust between the public and authorities.

Conclusion

On Oct. 20, 2025, Billy Joe Cagle was arrested at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport after reportedly livestreaming a threat to conduct a mass shooting. Authorities intercepted him thanks to a tip from his family and found a loaded AR-15 in his truck parked nearby. He now faces multiple felony charges, and no injuries occurred thanks to the rapid and coordinated law enforcement response. The incident serves as a powerful reminder of the critical role of early intervention, public cooperation, and the ongoing need to assess threats seriously in an age marked by increasing public mass violence concerns.