Authorities in Georgia reported that they prevented a potential mass shooting at one of the busiest airports in the world following a tip-off from a man’s family about a relative allegedly planning to “open fire.”
Family members of Billy Joe Cagle alerted Cartersville Police after he livestreamed on social media expressing his intent to target Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. This was confirmed by Atlanta Police Chief Darin Seelbaum during a press conference.
His family warned that Cagle, 49, had an assault rifle, according to Schierbaum.
Unknown to the police, Cagle had already arrived at the airport around 9:29 a.m. and was seen entering the southern domestic terminal in security footage.
“He appeared quite interested in the TSA check-in area, which was packed with travelers,” Schielbaum noted to reporters.
After the potential threat was reported to Atlanta police at 9:40 a.m., officers located and apprehended Cagle just 14 minutes later.
Upon searching Cagle’s Chevrolet flatbed parked outside the terminal, they discovered a Springfield AR-15 assault rifle with 27 rounds of ammunition.
“Today, we averted a tragedy,” the police chief remarked.
He further expressed gratitude towards the officers involved, suggesting that had they not acted promptly, Cagle might have returned to his vehicle to retrieve the weapon, potentially using it inside the crowded terminal.
Cagle, who has a previous criminal record, was charged with terroristic threats, attempted aggravated assault, and firearm-related offenses.
According to court records, he had previously been jailed in Georgia for marijuana possession in 2000.
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens mentioned, without going into details, that Cagle had “mental health issues.”
Cagle also posted on Facebook saying to his children that if anything were to happen to him, they could sue him for an exorbitant amount.
In response to concerned friends, he mentioned he was on medication for schizophrenia and expressed some troubling beliefs, claiming he felt targeted and that an attempt on his life had occurred previously.
Attempts to reach Cagle’s relatives for a comment were unsuccessful.
The situation is still under investigation as authorities delve into what might have motivated Cagle’s actions.
