A man accused of plotting to carry out a shooting at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the busiest airport in the world, was apprehended on Monday, police reported. An assault rifle was discovered in his vehicle.
During a press conference, authorities stated that 49-year-old Billy Joe Cagle from Cartersville, Georgia, detailed his intentions during a video call with his family. He was identified by police as a convicted felon.
After detaining Cagle inside the airport’s domestic terminal, police located an AR-15 rifle and 27 rounds of ammunition in his nearby pickup truck.
“We are briefing you today on a success and not a tragedy because a family saw something and said something,” stated Police Chief Darin Schierbaum.
Cagle faces charges of making terroristic threats, criminal attempt to commit aggravated assault, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, and possession of a firearm by a felon, according to Schierbaum.
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens expressed his gratitude, saying, “We’re thankful to God” that a tragic incident was prevented.
