A man was arrested at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on Monday after allegedly threatening to carry out a shooting at the facility. Authorities identified the suspect as 49-year-old Billy Cagle from Cartersville, Georgia. His family notified police that he had been streaming on social media about his intentions to "shoot it up" while armed with a semi-automatic assault rifle.

Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum reported that Cagle arrived at the airport around 9:29 a.m. He entered the south terminal and was seen in the TSA check-in area. Officers apprehended him at 9:54 a.m. as he was returning to his truck, which was parked outside the airport. At that time, he was unarmed, but police later found an AR-15 assault rifle and 27 rounds of ammunition in his vehicle.

Cagle, a felon with known mental health issues, faces charges including terroristic threats and criminal attempt to commit aggravated assault. Schierbaum emphasized the importance of community involvement in preventing a potential tragedy, stating, "Because of the community -- in this case, the family -- as well as the joint collaboration of law enforcement, a tragedy was indeed averted."

The suspect's family alerted Cartersville police shortly after 9:30 a.m. about his alarming social media posts. Cartersville police then contacted the Atlanta Police Department around 9:40 a.m. Capt. Greg Sparacio of Cartersville police noted that Cagle had expressed intentions to harm as many people as possible.

The FBI Atlanta is assisting in the investigation, and a possible motive is still being explored. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated that her department is coordinating with other agencies. She expressed gratitude that law enforcement was able to detain Cagle before anyone was harmed.

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens also expressed relief that a potential disaster was avoided, thanking the community and law enforcement for their swift actions. "We're thankful to God and to good information and good intel and good people for this crisis being averted," he said during a press briefing.