A potential mass shooting at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport was narrowly prevented Monday morning after authorities were alerted by the suspect’s family, officials confirmed.
Billy Joe Cagle, 49, was arrested after allegedly threatening to “shoot up” the airport.
Relatives informed Cartersville police that Cagle intended to harm as many people as possible while traveling to the terminal.
Officers immediately shared a photo of the suspect with Atlanta police, enabling rapid coordination and a swift response.
OANN reports that Cagle entered the airport at approximately 9:31 a.m. and remained inside for roughly 20 minutes before officers located him.
He was taken into custody within 15 minutes of the initial alert.
Authorities confirmed he was unarmed at the time, but a loaded AR-15-style rifle was later recovered from his truck, containing one round in the chamber and 26 rounds in the magazine.
Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum praised both the prompt law enforcement response and the family for reporting the threat.
“We’re here today briefing you on a success and not a tragedy because a family saw something and said something,” Schierbaum said, emphasizing the critical role timely reporting plays in preventing potential attacks.
Atlanta Mayor Andrew Dickens highlighted the severity of the situation, noting that Cagle’s mental health challenges, combined with the semi-automatic rifle, created a highly dangerous scenario.
“Twenty-seven or more lives could’ve been lost,” Dickens said, referencing the ammunition discovered.
He also credited the family’s immediate action with likely averting a deadly incident.
Cagle now faces multiple charges, including 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 convicted felon, according to The Western Journal.
Authorities noted his prior criminal record, which includes a marijuana possession conviction from over 20 years ago.
Officials emphasized the importance of community vigilance and collaboration among law enforcement agencies.
Dickens said, “Thankfully, his family went to Cartersville police and shared what was going on. They alerted APD, and the airport was aware and this crisis was averted.”
Operations at the airport resumed shortly after the arrest, with no injuries reported.
Investigators are reviewing Cagle’s communications and movements but have not identified any additional threats linked to him.
As one of the world’s busiest airports, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International handles tens of thousands of travelers each day, with flights arriving and departing around the clock.
The swift intervention stands in stark contrast to the tragic events of January 6, 2017, when a mass shooting at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport resulted in five deaths and numerous injuries.
In that instance, the assailant opened fire in a crowded terminal, highlighting the devastating potential of such attacks.
The recent averted tragedy in Atlanta underscores the critical importance of community vigilance and rapid law enforcement response in preventing similar incidents.
Thanks to the timely alert from the suspect’s family and the coordinated efforts of local authorities, a potential catastrophe was avoided, ensuring the safety of countless travelers.
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