A potential tragedy was narrowly avoided at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, one of the world’s busiest travel hubs, on Monday morning. The quick actions of the family of the suspect, Billy Joe Cagle, and law enforcement prevented a possible mass shooting. Cagle’s family alerted the Cartersville Police Department about his intentions, which he had shared on social media.
Atlanta Police Department Chief Darin Schierbaum confirmed that Cagle’s family reported the 49-year-old was armed with an assault rifle. By the time this information reached the police, Cagle had already made his way to the airport and entered the south domestic terminal around 9:29 a.m., as captured on video footage.
Schierbaum pointed out that Cagle seemed particularly focused on the TSA check-in area, which was densely populated with travelers at the time. After receiving the alert from Cartersville police at 9:40 a.m., Atlanta police were able to locate and apprehend Cagle within 14 minutes.
Upon inspecting Cagle’s parked Chevy flatbed outside the terminal, police found a Springfield AR-15 assault rifle loaded with 27 rounds of ammunition. Schierbaum praised the officers involved in the operation, stating that their prompt response likely averted a disaster.
Cagle, who has a previous felony conviction, was taken into custody and charged with suspicion of terroristic threats, criminal attempt to commit aggravated assault, and firearms charges. His criminal history includes a stint in a Georgia prison in 2000 for possession of marijuana.
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens referred to Cagle as having “mental challenges,” without providing further details. In a Facebook post prior to the incident, Cagle had written about his fears of being set up or killed, and mentioned that he was on medication for schizophrenia.
The incident is still under investigation as authorities continue to probe for a possible motive. Cagle’s family has not yet responded to requests for comment.