Man Indicted After Threatening Hartsfield-Jackson Airport
A man from Georgia has been indicted on federal charges after allegedly threatening to “shoot up” Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Authorities say Billy Joe Cagle, a 49-year-old with a criminal record, showed up at the airport with an AR-15-style rifle and a significant amount of ammunition in his truck.
On Tuesday, Cagle was charged with attempted assault at an international airport, making threats via interstate communication, and being a felon in possession of a firearm. U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg stated that Cagle’s alleged threats involved senseless violence against innocent travelers at one of the busiest airports in the world. Fortunately, quick action from law enforcement and alert citizens helped avert a potential tragedy.
According to Hertzberg, Cagle made his threats during a FaceTime call on Monday, stating, “I’m at the airport, I’m going to rattle you,” before abruptly disconnecting the call. The recipient of the call reported the threats to the Cartersville Police Department, which then informed the Atlanta Police Department. They provided authorities with Cagle’s photo and a description of the Chevrolet pickup truck he was driving.
Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schielbaum reported that Cagle arrived at the airport’s south terminal just before 9:30 a.m. Although officers initially did not believe he was armed, surveillance video showed him heading towards a bustling TSA checkpoint.
Officers quickly issued a “high alert” for Cagle and his truck. They located him by 9:54 a.m. during a security sweep around the airport’s perimeter. When they searched his vehicle, they found an AR-15 loaded with 27 rounds in the back seat, which was safely removed from the scene.
The FBI is now involved in the case, collaborating with local police departments and the Clayton County District Attorney’s Office. Special Agent Paul Brown noted that this situation exemplifies the importance of reporting suspicious behavior. Cagle’s family’s prompt action, combined with the swift response of law enforcement, likely prevented a disaster.
Cagle has a history of arrests, including a notable drug possession charge. The new federal charges come on top of several previously announced ones, including making terroristic threats and possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.
