Monday, October 20, 2025–5:30 p.m.
-Atlanta Police News release-
Preliminary Information: On 10/20/25, at approximately 9:40 a.m., officers assigned to Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport responded to a “person armed” call at the Domestic South Terminal. The Cartersville Police Department contacted the APD regarding a male suspect who had made terroristic threats to “shoot up” the airport. Multiple responding officers canvassed the area and issued a BOLO (Be On the Lookout) for the suspect’s description and vehicle. Officers located the suspect inside the South Terminal near the checkpoint area. Upon contact, Officers immediately detained the suspect.
Officers canvassing the outer perimeter conducted a safety sweep and located the suspect’s vehicle. Inside the vehicle, officers observed a rifle. Atlanta Police K-9 units conducted a sweep of the truck and recovered the rifle from the backseat. The rifle was cleared, and the scene was rendered safe.
The suspect was identified as Billy Jo Cagle (DOB: 10/76) He was charged with: Terroristic Threats, Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony, Criminal Attempt to Commit Aggravated Assault, and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Airport operations have resumed, and there are no active threats to the public. The investigation remains active and ongoing.
Please keep in mind the above information is preliminary in nature and can change as the investigation progresses and new information comes to light.
