Billy Joe Cagle, a 49-year-old man from Cartersville, Georgia, has been charged with multiple federal offenses after allegedly threatening to commit violence at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. The charges include attempted violence at an international airport, making interstate threats to injure another person, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia, on October 20, 2025, Cagle was on a FaceTime call during which he reportedly said he would “shoot up the airport.” He also allegedly stated, “I’m at the airport, and I’m gonna go rat-a-tat-tat,” before ending the call abruptly. The person who received the call reported the threat to the Cartersville Police Department. Authorities then notified Atlanta Police and shared images and details about Cagle and his vehicle.
Law enforcement located Cagle inside the airport terminal shortly afterward and arrested him. Officers found his Chevrolet truck parked outside the terminal entrance blocking a crosswalk. Inside the vehicle, police discovered an AR-15-style firearm and 27 rounds of ammunition.
U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg stated: “As alleged in this complaint, Cagle senselessly threatened to do heinous violence to innocent travelers, at the world’s busiest airport, with a high-powered weapon that he had no legal right to possess. Thanks to the vigilance of other citizens and the quick action of law enforcement, a horrible tragedy was averted.”
FBI Atlanta Special Agent in Charge Paul Brown commented: “This is a perfect example of ‘See Something, Say Something’ in action. When Billy Joe Cagle’s family noticed something wasn’t right, they alerted authorities. Their quick thinking—combined with the swift, heroic response of our law enforcement partners—undoubtedly saved lives.”
The case is under investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from Cartersville and Atlanta Police Departments as well as the Clayton County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Jones is prosecuting.
Cagle is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
For additional information about this case or related matters from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga or contact their Public Affairs Office via email at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or by phone at (404) 581-6016.