ATLANTA (AP) — A man accused of threatening to open fire at the world’s busiest airport in Atlanta was arrested Monday and an assault rifle was found in his car, police said.
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Police said at a news conference that 49-year-old Billy Joe Cagle, of Cartersville, Georgia, had described his plan during a video call with family members. Authorities described him as a convicted felon.
Police said they found an AR-15 rifle and 27 rounds of ammunition in his pickup truck nearby after he was taken into custody Monday inside the domestic terminal at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
“We’re here today briefing you on a success and not a tragedy because a family saw something and said something,” Police Chief Darin Schierbaum said.
Cagle is charged with making terroristic threats, criminal attempt to commit aggravated assault, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony and possession of a firearm by a felon, Schierbaum said.
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens said “we’re thankful to God” that a tragedy was averted.
