The federal prosecution of Billy Joe Cagle, accused of planning a mass shooting at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, remains stalled nearly a year after his arrest as defense lawyers seek more time for a mental health evaluation.
At a Sept. 10 status hearing, Cagle’s attorneys asked U.S. Magistrate Judge Lawrence Sommerfeld for at least 60 additional days to review records and complete the assessment. Cagle, who remains jailed without bond, did not attend the virtual proceeding. Sommerfeld gave the defense one week to explain the delays in detail.
Federal prosecutors charged Cagle with attempted violence at an international airport, interstate threats and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The Justice Department says he allegedly threatened during a FaceTime call to “shoot up the airport” before abruptly ending the conversation.
A relative alerted Cartersville police, who notified Atlanta officers and supplied photographs and vehicle information. Police arrested Cagle inside the domestic terminal Oct. 20, 2025. Officers found an AR-15-style rifle and 27 rounds of ammunition in his truck parked outside the terminal.
Court filings disclosed in December said Cagle’s lawyers planned to pursue an insanity defense. The examination is expected to address his mental condition during the alleged incident and whether he is currently competent to stand trial. Insanity concerns criminal responsibility at the time of an alleged offense; competency concerns whether a defendant can understand and participate in proceedings.
Defense lawyers previously sought release to an inpatient mental health facility, but a magistrate judge denied bond after finding the community risk too high. Reports said Cagle had stopped taking prescribed medication and was abusing alcohol and drugs before his arrest.
No trial date has been set. Cagle has pleaded not guilty, and the charges remain allegations prosecutors must prove beyond a reasonable doubt.
