Crime
Billy Joe Cagle faces charges after threatening to shoot up Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
ATLANTA, GA — Authorities have identified the suspect in a foiled shooting plot at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport as 49-year-old Billy Joe Cagle, a convicted felon from Cartersville, Georgia.
Officials say a potential mass shooting was prevented through the swift actions of law enforcement and the quick response of Cagle’s family.
According to investigators, Cagle live-streamed threats early Friday morning, stating his intent to “shoot up” the Atlanta airport—the busiest in the world.
His family, alarmed by the video, immediately contacted Cartersville police, who then notified the Atlanta Police Department (APD).
Within minutes, officers located and arrested Cagle inside the South Terminal, before any harm could occur.
~9:30 a.m. ET: Cagle arrived at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport unarmed, reportedly to “scope out” the area after making violent threats on social media.
~9:40 a.m. ET: Cagle’s family saw his livestream and, fearing he was serious, contacted local authorities.
~9:42 a.m. ET: Atlanta police officers, acting on the tip from Cartersville PD, located and detained Cagle without incident inside the airport terminal.
A search of Cagle’s Chevrolet pickup truck, parked outside the airport, uncovered a Springfield AR-15 semi-automatic rifle and 27 rounds of ammunition. Police say Cagle, a convicted felon, was prohibited from owning or possessing firearms.
Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum stated that Cagle had intended to return to his truck, retrieve the rifle, and re-enter the terminal to open fire.
“He came in to scope it out. He was going to go back out to his truck and get the gun and come back in and do what he said he was going to do,” Chief Schierbaum said.
Mayor Andre Dickens praised the rapid coordination between agencies and the family’s intervention, saying,
“This could have been tragic but was averted. A crisis was averted today — 27 or more lives could have been lost.”
Cagle has been charged with:
- Terroristic threats
- Criminal attempt to commit aggravated assault
- Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
- Possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony
Officials say Cagle may have been suffering from a mental health episode at the time of the incident.
Authorities emphasized that the quick thinking of Cagle’s family and the rapid communication between Cartersville Police and the APD were instrumental in preventing what could have been a devastating mass casualty event.
“This was a close call,” Mayor Dickens said. “Thanks to the decisive actions of law enforcement — and a family who did the right thing — countless lives were saved.”
The investigation remains ongoing, with federal authorities assisting to determine whether additional charges will be filed.
Christian County, Mo. — Authorities have identified the suspect accused of fatally shooting a deputy with the Christian County Sheriff’s Office during a traffic stop as Richard Bird.
At the time the Blue Alert was issued, the suspect had not yet been taken into custody.
According to law enforcement officials, the deputy initiated a traffic stop involving a 2001 Chevrolet extended cab pickup truck along State Highway 160 near Highlandville.
During the stop, the suspect allegedly opened fire, fatally wounding the deputy before fleeing the scene.
The suspect was reported to have traveled southbound on Highway 160 following the shooting.
Authorities described the suspect vehicle as a black 2001 Chevrolet extended cab pickup truck equipped with a silver brush guard, black body trim, tinted rear windows, and a three-ball trailer hitch. The vehicle was bearing Missouri license plate 9MG-X36.
A statewide Blue Alert was issued to notify the public and assist in locating the suspect.
Law enforcement officials urged residents not to approach the vehicle or suspect if located, but instead to immediately call 911 and provide detailed information while remaining at a safe distance.
Christian County is situated south of Springfield and north of Branson, an area that sees significant travel due to its proximity to the Ozarks.
Multiple agencies across the region coordinated efforts in response to the alert.
Authorities have not yet released further details regarding the circumstances surrounding the shooting or the status of the investigation.
Law enforcement officials expressed their condolences to the deputy’s family, colleagues, and the community as they continue to pursue justice in the case.