Family Tip Leads to Arrest of Man Planning to Shoot Up Atlanta Airport

Strategic Insights -

A Georgia man who threatened to shoot up Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport on October 20 was arrested after his family tipped off law enforcement, saving lives and averting a potential tragedy. Billy Jo Cagle, a 49-year-old man from Cartersville, Georgia, was charged with terroristic threats, possession of a firearm during commission of a felony, and other related offenses.

Key Takeaways:

  • A family member called police in Cartersville at 9:40 a.m. ET, reporting that Cagle was streaming on social media and headed to the airport to "shoot it up."
  • Cartersville police alerted Atlanta authorities, who quickly located Cagle at the domestic south terminal at 9:54 a.m. ET.
  • Cagle was found to have an AR-15 assault rifle with 27 rounds of ammunition in his vehicle.
  • Police believe Cagle was likely to use the weapon inside the crowded terminal, where he had been observed surveilling a TSA checkpoint.
  • Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens noted that the incident highlights the deadly combination of guns and mental health challenges in the city and across the nation.
  • Cartersville Police Capt. Greg Sparacio stated that family members told police Cagle had the intention to inflict harm on as many people as he could.

Statistics:

  • 9:40 a.m. ET: Family member calls Cartersville police to report Cagle's intentions.
  • 9:29 a.m. ET: Cagle arrives at the domestic south terminal.
  • 9:54 a.m. ET: Cagle is taken into custody by Atlanta police.
  • 27 rounds of ammunition found in Cagle's vehicle.
  • 1 AR-15 assault rifle found in Cagle's vehicle.

Sources:

  • Schierbaum, Darin. (n.d.). Press conference documenting the arrest of Billy Jo Cagle.
  • Dickens, Andre. (n.d.). Statement regarding the incident at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.