On October 21, 2025, a potentially tragic incident at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport was averted thanks to the quick actions of a family and law enforcement. Billy Joe Cagle, a 49-year-old man from Cartersville, Georgia, was arrested after authorities intercepted him following a threatening live-stream in which he claimed he was on his way to "shoot it up" at the airport. The swift response prevented what could have been a devastating mass shooting at one of the world’s busiest airports.
The story came to light when Cagle’s immediate family noticed his alarming behavior and reported it to the police. Scott Nelson, Cagle’s brother, spoke with CBS News Atlanta and shared the family’s shock and relief. Nelson explained that his brother has struggled with mental health issues for some time, including hallucinations that occur when he misses his medication. “I know he took some medication, and when he don't take it, he starts hallucinating and stuff,” Nelson said. “He’s never hurt anybody. I’m shocked that he went to the airport.”
The family’s vigilance was key in stopping a potential tragedy. Upon seeing Cagle’s live-stream threats on social media, they immediately contacted the authorities. “It was his immediate family who contacted police,” Nelson emphasized. “We were just trying to stop something before it got worse.” Their timely intervention allowed law enforcement to prepare and respond quickly once Cagle arrived at the airport.
According to police reports, Cagle was apprehended around 9:54 a.m. at the South Domestic Terminal of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, only about 14 minutes after officers first spotted him inside the building. Officers found that Cagle had parked his truck outside the terminal, and inside the vehicle was an AR-15-style rifle loaded with 27 rounds of ammunition.
Cartersville Police Captain Greg Sparacio highlighted the crucial role played by the family’s tip in allowing investigators to rapidly identify Cagle’s vehicle and coordinate with the Atlanta Police Department. “Our investigators were able to quickly determine what kind of vehicle he was in, get very recent pictures of that vehicle, and get all those over to the Atlanta Police Department in a timely manner,” Sparacio said. “Ultimately, this was a crisis averted because of the hard work and dedication of our investigators and patrol officers.”
Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum provided additional insight into the situation, explaining that officers believe Cagle intended to use the weapon inside the crowded terminal. “I do believe that Mr. Cagle was headed back to his truck to retrieve it,” Schierbaum said. “And I do believe he was likely to use that weapon inside the crowded terminal that he had just seen.”
The potential scale of the tragedy was underscored by police estimates, which suggested that more than 20 people could have been killed if Cagle had succeeded in carrying out his threat. The incident sparked a strong response from city officials, who praised the combined efforts of the family and law enforcement.
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens commended the family’s courage in speaking up and the police for their swift action. “See something? Say something did work,” Dickens stated. “We’re standing here talking about a tragedy averted versus us standing here telling you about 27-plus lives that were lost or injured.” His remarks highlighted the importance of community vigilance in preventing violence and maintaining public safety.
In a statement released the day after the incident, Mayor Dickens reflected on the broader implications for the city. “Yesterday reminded us how quickly things can change and how much it takes all of us to build one safe city,” he said. “In one part of Atlanta, a young officer was seriously injured while responding to a call. Across the city, at the world’s busiest airport, a potential mass shooting was prevented thanks to quick action and community vigilance.”
The mayor’s message emphasized that safety is a collective responsibility that requires awareness, compassion, and connection among all residents. “Both moments tell the same story: safety is a shared effort. It takes awareness, compassion, and connection from every Atlantan — every neighborhood, every block, every person. We’re at our strongest when we look out for one another. That’s what One Atlanta means,” he added.
Legally, Billy Joe Cagle faces serious charges including criminal intent to commit aggravated assault, possession of a firearm by a felon, and making terroristic threats. He is currently being held at the