Federal Charges Filed Against Georgia Man Accused of Threatening to Shoot Up Atlanta Airport
ATLANTA, GEORGIA — A Georgia man is facing multiple federal and state charges after allegedly threatening to “shoot up” Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and arriving there armed with a rifle and ammunition, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
Federal prosecutors said 49-year-old Billy Joe Cagle was arrested inside a terminal at the Atlanta airport on Monday morning after a family member reported his threats to police. Officers later discovered an AR-15-style firearm and 27 rounds of ammunition inside his pickup truck, which had been parked in a crosswalk near the terminal.
Alleged Threat Captured on FaceTime Call
According to the criminal complaint, Cagle made a disturbing statement during a FaceTime call before arriving at the airport. Prosecutors say he told someone on the call, “I’m at the airport, and I’m gonna go rat-a-tat-tat,” before abruptly hanging up.
The person who received the call immediately reported the threat to the Cartersville Police Department, which alerted Atlanta police and provided Cagle’s photo and vehicle information. Within 30 minutes, officers located him walking inside the airport terminal and took him into custody without incident.
“Thanks to the vigilance of other citizens and the quick action of law enforcement, a horrible tragedy was averted,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore Hertzberg.
Cagle has been charged with attempted violence at an international airport, interstate communications containing threats to injure, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, the DOJ confirmed.
Police Say Suspect Was “Scouting” Screening Area
During a press conference, Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum said body camera footage showed Cagle walking through the terminal toward the TSA screening area, which raised concerns he may have been “scouting” the location before retrieving his rifle from his vehicle.
“The tragedies we’ve seen play out across our nation didn’t happen here yesterday,” Chief Schierbaum said. “We ask Americans — if you see something, say something — and that system worked.”
Schierbaum added that officers canvassing the area spotted Cagle before he could access the weapon. He described the situation as “a close call that ended the way it should — with no lives lost.”
Criminal History and Mental Health Background
Officials said Cagle has a prior criminal record, including a drug possession arrest, and is known to struggle with mental health issues. He was barred from owning firearms due to prior felony convictions.
In addition to federal charges, Cagle faces state counts of terroristic threats and firearm violations. He remains in custody at the Clayton County Jail and is expected to appear before a judge on Wednesday.
The Atlanta Police Department, Cartersville Police, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation are all involved in the ongoing investigation, including how Cagle obtained the firearm despite his criminal history.
“As alleged in this complaint, Cagle senselessly threatened to do heinous violence to innocent travelers at the world’s busiest airport,” U.S. Attorney Hertzberg said. “This case shows how critical citizen reporting and swift police coordination are in preventing potential mass tragedies.”
Authorities continue to urge the public to immediately report any threats or suspicious behavior, especially in or near major travel hubs. Stay updated on this developing case at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
