Felon Arrested at Atlanta Airport, Averting Tragedy

28.Oct

Felon Arrested at Atlanta Airport, Averting Tragedy

On October 20, 2025, Monday morning, Billy Joe Cagle, 49, was arrested at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport after his family reported his threats to commit a mass shooting. An AR-15 rifle with 27 rounds of ammunition was subsequently found in his truck outside the terminal. Federal charges, including felon in possession of a firearm and attempted airport violence, have been filed against Cagle. This incident has raised questions regarding system failures that allowed a convicted felon experiencing a mental health crisis to obtain an assault rifle.

Story Highlights

Billy Joe Cagle, 49, was arrested at Atlanta airport after his family reported his mass shooting threat.
An AR-15 rifle with 27 rounds was found in the convicted felon’s truck outside the terminal.
Federal charges have been filed, including felon in possession of a firearm and attempted airport violence.
The incident highlights concerns about mental health crises, criminal history, and access to firearms.

Family Intervention Prevents Potential Mass Casualty Event

Cagle’s family members alerted Cartersville police after observing his social media threats to “shoot up” Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Cagle, a convicted felon, had reportedly streamed his intentions online Monday morning before driving to the airport with an AR-15 rifle. The family’s actions are credited with preventing a potential mass casualty event.

'TRAGEDY AVERTED': Billy Joe Cagle, 49, was arrested at Atlanta’s International Airport after allegedly threatening in a livestream to “shoot it up.” His family alerted authorities after seeing his livestream. pic.twitter.com/0EzCj9TE9c

— Fox News (@FoxNews) October 20, 2025

Swift Law Enforcement Response

A coordinated response involving Cartersville Police, Atlanta Police, the FBI, and the Department of Homeland Security led to Cagle’s arrest. Cartersville police notified Atlanta authorities minutes after receiving the family’s 9:30 a.m. report. Officers apprehended Cagle, unarmed, inside the terminal at 9:54 a.m., approximately 25 minutes after his arrival. Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum stated that “a tragedy was indeed averted” due to the collaborative effort. The AR-15 rifle found in Cagle’s truck contained 27 rounds of ammunition. Federal prosecutors promptly filed charges.

Criminal History and Systemic Concerns

Cagle’s ability to acquire an AR-15 rifle despite a felony conviction has brought attention to enforcement gaps in existing gun laws. The Cartersville resident reportedly suffers from schizophrenia and was not on his medication at the time, underscoring the intersection of mental health issues and firearm access. His criminal background should have prohibited legal gun ownership.

U.S. Attorney Theodore Hertzberg emphasized that community vigilance and rapid law enforcement action prevented “a horrible tragedy.” The incident prompts further discussion on how convicted felons may still access firearms despite federal prohibitions, highlighting the importance of enforcing existing laws.

Felon Charged for Threatening to Shoot up Atlanta Airport #Atlanta #MARTA #ATLDOT #GDOT #ATL https://t.co/pgR9u5KT2y

— MyTransitAtlanta (@MyTransitATL) October 26, 2025

Anticipated Mental Health Defense

Trial attorney Joshua Schiffer suggested that prosecutors might face challenges in justifying prolonged detention given the mental health factors involved. This case underscores the ongoing effort to balance public safety with appropriate treatment for individuals experiencing psychiatric crises, while maintaining accountability for criminal threats.

Cagle faces both state charges for terroristic threats and federal prosecution for attempted violence at an international airport. His detention hearing will determine his custody status pending trial, with mental health assessments expected to play a significant role. This case serves as a reminder of the importance of enforcing existing laws to prevent prohibited individuals from possessing dangerous weapons.

Watch the report: What we know about man accused of threatening airport shooting