A man from Georgia was taken into custody on Monday morning at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport after allegedly making threats to initiate a shooting at one of the country’s busiest airports.

The Atlanta Police Department has charged 49-year-old Billy Joe Cagle with several offenses, including making terroristic threats, possessing a firearm during a felony, attempting aggravated assault, and firearm possession as a convicted felon.

According to the Cartersville police, Cagle’s family reported him after he allegedly broadcasted a live video on social media, stating his intention to go to the airport and “shoot it up.”

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens commended both the family and law enforcement for their proactive measures. “Today, we could have witnessed the loss of 27 or more lives due to an individual with mental health issues arriving at Hartsfield-Jackson,” Dickens remarked. “Fortunately, his family took action by informing the Cartersville police, who then alerted the Atlanta Police Department. Their quick response, along with the airport’s preparedness, helped prevent a potential crisis.”

A photograph released by the police shows Billy Joe Cagle, the 49-year-old suspect arrested on October 20, 2025, after allegedly threatening on social media to attack Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. (Atlanta Police Department)

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.

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.

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)

Video showed officers using two sets of handcuffs to restrain the 6-foot-3, 320-pound man, who screamed as they cuffed him.

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

When asked whether Cagle was cooperating or what he told investigators, Schierbaum said the case remains open and declined to share details.

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, after a social-media livestream threat to “shoot it up.” (Atlanta Police Department)

The chief said investigators will also seek to determine Cagle’s motive in the apparent averted mass shooting.

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

Dickens added, “This individual did have a semiautomatic weapon and this individual was mentally challenged. When you have these combinations together, it can turn out to be deadly.”