Man Arrested After Attempting to Bring an Assault Rifle Into the World’s Busiest Airport

A 49-year-old man was arrested by Atlanta police officers for allegedly planning a mass shooting at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL). Authorities received a tip from concerned family members and found the suspect parked outside the terminal with an AR-15 assault rifle and 27 rounds of ammunition.

The man, identified as Billy Joe Cagle of Cartersville, Georgia, is charged with multiple offenses, including making terroristic threats, criminal attempt to commit aggravated assault, possession of a firearm during a felony, and being a felon in possession of a firearm. Cagle is a convicted felon, which, according to the law, bars him from legally acquiring a firearm.

Reports indicate that Cagle had shared his intent to “shoot up” the airport over FaceTime, apparently concerning family members enough that the police caught wind of his plans. The Cartersville Police Department coordinated with airport and city police to verify the tip, subsequently locating Cagle’s truck outside the terminal.

Surveillance footage showed the suspect entering the terminal at around 9:30 am on October 20 and not-so-subtly inspecting high-traffic areas, such as the TSA check-in zone. Minutes later, Cartersville PD was informed that Cagle was "en route to somewhere in the Atlanta area" with  “the intention to do harm to as many people as he could." Officers found him at 9:54 am as he was allegedly walking back to his truck to get the rifle. He was taken into custody unarmed.

“Because of the community -- in this case, the family -- as well as the joint collaboration of law enforcement, a tragedy was indeed averted," said Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum.

Passengers and staff at the airport were advised that normal operations continued despite the arrest. Authorities confirmed that there would be increased visible security presence and asked travelers to remain alert and report suspicious activities.

FMI: www.atl.com