Foiled Shooting at Atlanta Airport: FBI Reveals New Details About the Arrest

Armed man detained in Atlanta airport

Threatened airport shooting

FBI investigates foiled attack

According to Fox5 Atlanta, a man from Bartow County faces federal charges after threatening to “open fire” at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport while carrying a rifle-style AR-15.

A criminal complaint filed Tuesday in the Northern District of Georgia identifies the suspect as Billy Joe Cagle, 49, who was arrested Monday morning at the South Terminal of the world’s busiest airport after making violent threats during a FaceTime call.

Authorities said Cagle told a witness on the call that he was heading to Atlanta with a gun and planned to “shoot at some cars.”

Minutes later, he contacted the same witness again, showing signs at the airport and saying, “I’m at the airport. I’m going to do rat-a-tatt-tatt,” a phrase investigators interpreted as imitating gunfire sounds.

FBI Arrests Armed Suspect in Atlanta Airport Threat

‘Rat-a-tatt-tatt’: Feds reveal new details in foiled Atlanta airport shooting #Atlanta #MARTA #ATLDOT #GDOT #ATL https://t.co/HDqzKlgOWb

— MyTransitAtlanta (@MyTransitATL) October 22, 2025

Atlanta Police Department officers located the suspect around 9:54 a.m. near the ticketing area between gates S1 and S2, where he was taken into custody without incident.

Cagle’s white Chevrolet 3500 pickup truck was found illegally parked in front of the terminal, blocking a pedestrian crosswalk.

During the search, agents discovered a Springfield AR-15 rifle, a loaded magazine, and 27 rounds of ammunition, according to the FBI’s report.

Special Agent Donald Miller, who filed the complaint, stated that Cagle’s actions and words showed a clear intent to commit violence at an international airport.

Criminal History and Federal Charges

Foiled Shooting at Atlanta Airport: FBI Reveals New Details About the Arrest – Photo: Georgia Department of Corrections

Investigators revealed that Cagle has a prior conviction for marijuana possession in Bartow County from the year 2000, which legally prohibits him from possessing firearms.

Based on the evidence, he now faces three federal charges:

Attempting to commit a violent act at an international airport

Interstate transmission of threats

Illegal possession of firearms

Authorities confirmed that his arrest prevented a potential large-scale attack at the world’s busiest airport, which serves over 100 million passengers per year.

The FBI is also investigating whether Cagle had connections to extremist groups or acted alone.

Legal Response to the Foiled Atlanta Airport Shooting Case

Photo: Shutterstock

Cagle’s attorney issued a statement to FOX 5 Atlanta, suggesting that the situation may stem from a “miscommunication with the public.”

“We are gathering information and believe there may have been a misunderstanding. We hope to clarify any possible misinterpretation,” the legal team said.

His defense confirmed collaboration with attorney Renee Rockwell, a prominent federal trial lawyer in Georgia.

Cagle made his first federal court appearance on Wednesday and remains held without bail, with a detention hearing scheduled for next Monday.

Security Tightened at the Atlanta Airport After Foiled Shooting Attempt

Following the incident, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport authorities confirmed that security protocols were reinforced, though no injuries or evacuations occurred.

The FBI and Atlanta Police stated that the arrest took place before the suspect could enter secure areas or board any aircraft.

The Department of Justice praised the swift coordination between federal and local agencies, which prevented what could have been a major tragedy at one of the country’s most critical transportation hubs.

Investigators continue reviewing digital evidence, including calls, messages, and recordings, to determine the suspect’s motives.

Debate on Airport Security and Gun Control

The foiled Atlanta airport shooting has reignited debate over gun access and airport safety in the United States, especially at high-traffic facilities like Atlanta.

Experts suggest that the case could set a legal precedent for interpreting digital threats connected to violence in public spaces.

Meanwhile, the Cartersville community, where Cagle lived, remains shocked as the FBI investigation continues.

Authorities have described the case as a model example of effective law enforcement intervention, stopping a potential act of mass violence before it happened.