ATLANTA – Authorities in Atlanta have apprehended a man suspected of plotting a violent attack at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the world’s busiest, after he reportedly revealed his intentions in a video conversation with his family. Police discovered an assault rifle in his vehicle.

The suspect, identified as 49-year-old Billy Joe Cagle from Cartersville, Georgia, was taken into custody on Monday inside the airport’s domestic terminal. During a press briefing, officials described him as a convicted felon. An AR-15 rifle along with 27 rounds of ammunition was found in his nearby parked pickup truck.

“We can speak of a successful intervention today and not a tragedy because a family member observed something alarming and reported it,” stated Police Chief Darin Schierbaum.

Cagle now faces multiple charges, including making terroristic threats, criminal attempt to commit aggravated assault, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, and possession of a firearm by a felon, according to Schierbaum.

Cagle is charged with making terroristic threats, criminal attempt to commit aggravated assault, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony and possession of a firearm by a felon, Schierbaum said.

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens said “we’re thankful to God” that a tragedy was averted.