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- Man arrested for allegedly threatening to shoot up airport (abcnews.go.com)
Quick Action Averts Potential Tragedy at Hartsfield-Jackson Airport
ATLANTA – A swift response from law enforcement, prompted by a vigilant family, successfully thwarted a potential active shooter incident at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on Monday. Authorities arrested 49-year-old Billy Cagle of Cartersville, Georgia, after his family reported his alarming social media threats.
According to Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum, Cagle had been live-streaming Monday morning, declaring his intent to “shoot up” the airport and displaying a semi-automatic assault rifle. This critical information was relayed to law enforcement, initiating a coordinated effort to locate and apprehend him.
Cagle, who officials state has a history of mental health challenges and is a convicted felon, was taken into custody inside the airport’s south terminal at approximately 9:54 a.m. Officers later discovered an AR-15 assault rifle loaded with 27 rounds of ammunition in his pickup truck, which was parked outside the airport.
“Because of the community – in this case, the family – as well as the joint collaboration of law enforcement, a tragedy was indeed averted,” Chief Schierbaum stated at a press briefing. He believes Cagle, who was “scanning” the TSA check-in area upon entering the terminal, was likely returning to his truck to retrieve the weapon with the intention of using it in the crowded terminal.
The sequence of events unfolded rapidly. Cagle’s family alerted Cartersville police shortly after 9:30 a.m., expressing concerns that he was “en route to somewhere in the Atlanta area” with the intention to “do harm to as many people as he could.” Cartersville Police Captain Greg Sparacio confirmed their department’s familiarity with Cagle and his criminal history.
Cartersville police immediately notified the Atlanta Police Department around 9:40 a.m., providing crucial details about Cagle’s vehicle. This timely information allowed Atlanta police to intercept him just minutes later.
Cagle faces charges including terroristic threats and criminal attempt to commit aggravated assault. The FBI Atlanta office is assisting with the ongoing investigation into a possible motive.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem issued a statement, expressing gratitude that “this individual was taken into custody by law enforcement before harming anyone.” Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens also lauded the collaborative efforts, stating, “We’re thankful to God and to good information and good intel and good people for this crisis being averted.”
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