Family Intervention and Law Enforcement Prevents Potential Shooting Disaster at Atlanta Airport

Suspect’s Mental Health Under Federal Review

ATLANTA, Ga. — A potential mass shooting at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport was stopped thanks to the quick thinking of a suspect’s family and a coordinated law enforcement response.

Billy Joe Cagle, 49, of Georgia, was arrested Oct. 20 after authorities say he arrived at the busy travel hub with an AR-15-style rifle and dozens of rounds of ammunition in his truck. Cagle has been federally charged with attempted violence at an international airport, interstate communications containing threats to injure another, and being a felon in possession of a firearm.

“As alleged in this complaint, Cagle senselessly threatened to do heinous violence to innocent travelers, at the world’s busiest airport, with a high-powered weapon that he had no legal right to possess,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. “Thanks to the vigilance of other citizens and the quick action of law enforcement, a horrible tragedy was averted.”

According to authorities, Cagle allegedly made threats over FaceTime while on a divorce-related dispute, telling the person on the call, “I’m at the airport, and I’m gonna go rat-a-tat-tat,” before ending the call. The recipient contacted the Cartersville Police Department, which immediately notified Atlanta police and shared a photo of Cagle along with a description of his Chevrolet flatbed pickup truck.

“This is a perfect example of ‘See Something, Say Something’ in action,” said FBI Atlanta Special Agent in Charge Paul Brown. “When Billy Joe Cagle’s family noticed something wasn’t right, they alerted authorities. Their quick thinking — combined with the swift, heroic response of our law enforcement partners — undoubtedly saved lives.”

Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum said Cagle arrived at the airport’s South Terminal at 9:29 a.m., walking toward a crowded TSA checkpoint. Officers located him 25 minutes later and took him into custody. A safety sweep of the airport’s outer perimeter revealed the AR-15 rifle loaded with 27 rounds in the back seat of his truck.

Cagle’s defense team highlighted his history of schizophrenia and other mental health issues during his first federal court appearance Wednesday. He reportedly was off his medication at the time of the threats. Psychiatric evaluations are underway to determine his competency to stand trial, and an insanity defense or inpatient competency restoration could be considered depending on the outcome.

“Schizophrenia is a chronic illness that affects how someone perceives the world,” said Dr. Joseph Browning, a forensic psychiatrist at Emory University. “Understanding the defendant’s mental state is critical to ensuring a fair legal process.”

The case has involved multiple agencies, including the FBI, Cartersville and Atlanta police, and Clayton County District Attorney’s office, highlighting the importance of interagency coordination in preventing mass-casualty events.

Federal authorities say Cagle remains in custody and is scheduled to return to court next week. The case serves as a reminder of the critical role families play in identifying potential threats, as well as the importance of swift law enforcement intervention when public safety is at risk.