ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - A Cartersville man is facing several charges after law enforcement said he went to the world’s busiest airport on Monday to “shoot it up.”

Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum said Billy Joe Cagle, 49, was arrested at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport.

At around 9:40 a.m., Cartersville police informed the Atlanta Police Department of a threat to the airport.

>> WATCH BODYCAM VIDEO:

Cagle’s family told Cartersville police that he was heading to the airport and had threatened to shoot. His family also told police that he had been livestreaming on social media before he got into the airport shortly after 9:30 a.m.

Schierbaum said Cagle was not armed when he entered the airport. An AR-15 assault rifle was found in a pickup truck parked outside the airport.

Schierbaum said he believes Cagle was inside the airport initially to scope it out. The police chief also said he believes Cagle was going to head back to his truck and was “likely to use that weapon in the crowded terminal he had just seen.”

>> WATCH FULL PRESS CONFERENCE:

Law enforcement found Cagle inside the airport and was taken into custody shortly after 9:50 a.m.

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens said the incident “could have been tragic but was averted,” adding “27 or more lives could have been lost today.”

Dickens said it is believed Cagle was experiencing a mental episode.

Cartersville police said Cagle has a criminal history.

Cagle was charged with terroristic threats, criminal attempt to commit aggravated assault and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Secretary of U.S. Department of Homeland Security Kristi Noem said on social media her agency is aware and in communication with their partners saying in part that she is “thankful this individual was taken into custody by law enforcement before harming anyone.”

State Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene said her family members were at the airport today.

“Thank God the police caught the would be mass shooter before he committed mass murder at the Atlanta airport!! I can’t thank the police enough for acting swiftly to save everyone! Also my daughter and son in law were at the Atlanta airport today,” she wrote on social media.

This is a developing story. Check back with Atlanta News First for updates.

Copyright 2025 WANF. All rights reserved.