Atlanta airport threat suspects mental state under federal review

Billy Cagle, 49, faces three federal charges, including attempted violence at an international airport, for allegedly threatening to shoot at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. His wife reported the threats made over FaceTime, indicating that Cagle suffers from schizophrenia and was off his medication during their divorce. The Cartersville Police Department quickly located and detained Cagle, recovering an AR-15 style rifle loaded with 27 rounds of ammunition from his truck outside the airport. His defense team emphasizes his history of mental health issues and is seeking access to his psychiatric records. A competency hearing will assess whether Cagle is mentally fit to stand trial, with the possibility of an insanity defense if deemed incompetent.

Dr. Joseph Browning, a forensic psychiatrist, noted the importance of understanding a defendant's state of mind in legal proceedings. Cagle remains in custody as investigators review his communications and mental health history ahead of his next court appearance. Authorities confirmed no shots were fired, and there was no ongoing threat to travelers during the incident.