A man from Georgia has been charged at the federal level after allegedly threatening to “shoot up” Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Authorities reported that he arrived at the bustling airport with an AR-15-style rifle and numerous rounds of ammunition stored in his truck.

The accused, 49-year-old Billy Joe Cagle, who is a convicted felon, faced charges outlined in a criminal complaint on Tuesday. These include attempted violence at an international airport, making interstate threats to harm another person, and possessing a firearm as a felon.

“According to the allegations, Cagle recklessly endangered innocent travelers with threats of horrific violence at the world’s busiest airport, wielding a powerful weapon he was prohibited from having,” stated U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. “Due to the alertness of bystanders and the swift response of law enforcement, a potential disaster was prevented.”

Hertzberg noted that Cagle was on a FaceTime call on Monday when he made the alleged threat to attack Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

A photo released by the police shows Billy Joe Cagle, aged 49, who was taken into custody on October 20, 2025, following accusations of threatening to “shoot up” the airport. (Courtesy of Atlanta Police Department)

While on the call, Hertzberg added, Cagle allegedly stated, “I’m at the airport, and I’m gonna go rat-a-tat-tat,” before abruptly ending the call.

The person on the other end of the call went to the Cartersville Police Department to report Cagle’s threat, and officers with the department alerted the Atlanta Police Department. Cartersville also provided Atlanta police with photos of Cagle and a description of the Chevrolet pickup truck he was reportedly driving.

Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum said at a Monday afternoon news conference that Cagle arrived at the airport’s South Terminal at 9:29 a.m. Officers do not believe he was armed, Schierbaum said, adding that video showed him walking toward a crowded TSA checkpoint.

Chevrolet flat-bed pickup truck and recovered AR-15 rifle that police say belonged to 49-year-old Billy Joe Cagle, found parked curbside at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on Oct. 20, 2025. (Atlanta Police Department)

Officers canvassed the area and issued a “be-on-the-lookout” alert for Cagle and his Chevrolet flatbed pickup truck.

Schierbaum said officers, using a photo of Cagle, found him at 9:54 a.m. and took him into custody.

During a safety sweep of the airport’s outer perimeter, officers found Cagle’s pickup. Inside, they said they discovered an AR-15 loaded with 27 rounds in the back seat. The weapon was cleared, and the scene declared safe.

Travelers pass through a crowded TSA checkpoint at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on the morning of Oct. 20, 2025, shortly before police arrested Billy Joe Cagle following an alleged threat to “shoot it up.” (Atlanta Police Department)

The FBI is investigating the case with assistance from both the Cartersville and Atlanta police departments and Clayton County District Attorney’s office.

“This is a perfect example of ‘See Something, Say Something’ in action,” FBI Atlanta Special Agent in Charge Paul Brown said. “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.”

Cagle has a criminal history, including a “pretty significant” prior drug-possession arrest in Cartersville, according to Schierbaum.

The charges against Cagle announced Tuesday are in addition to charges announced previously. Those include terroristic threats, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, criminal attempt to commit aggravated assault and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.