Lawyers signal an insanity defense as investigators detail the October timeline.
ATLANTA, Ga. — A federal magistrate on Thursday directed that accused airport threat suspect Billy Joe Cagle undergo a psychological evaluation while remaining behind bars, setting up a competency review after his attorneys raised questions about his mental state.
The order comes six weeks after police intercepted Cagle inside the world’s busiest airport and found a rifle and ammunition in his truck outside the terminal. Prosecutors say the family’s quick tip and coordinated police response likely prevented a mass casualty event. Defense attorneys agree an evaluation is necessary and are preparing to argue how Cagle’s mental health should factor into the case. The decision keeps him in federal custody and starts the formal process for clinicians to assess both his present ability to stand trial and, if requested, his condition during the alleged offense.
According to court records, relatives contacted police on Oct. 20 after receiving threats that Cagle intended to “shoot up” the terminal. Officers located him walking in the South Terminal and arrested him without incident. A search of a nearby pickup uncovered an AR-15-style rifle and 27 rounds of ammunition, authorities said. Earlier hearings outlined felony charges that include attempted violence at an international airport, interstate threats and possession of a firearm by a felon. The judge previously denied bond and said the circumstances posed an unacceptable risk to public safety.
On Thursday, the courtroom discussion focused on where and how the evaluation would occur. Prosecutors argued the exam should happen at a federal detention facility. The defense pressed to revisit bond after results, saying placement in an inpatient hospital with monitoring would address safety concerns if the court later approves release. Defense attorney Preston Halliburton said they would not publicly detail medical history but emphasized that a complete assessment is required before meaningful next steps. Another defense lawyer, Konrad Ziegler, said he expects the results to support a renewed bond request once the report is filed.
Investigators have not publicly said how Cagle obtained the rifle despite a prior felony conviction. Records show officers used a photo from relatives to identify him in the crowd. Surveillance video reviewed by detectives showed him surveying the checkpoint area, police have said. No one was hurt and airport operations continued. In an October hearing, prosecutors described Cagle in the midst of a mental health crisis, possibly worsened by substance use and a lapse in medication, while defense lawyers highlighted long-standing community ties and nonviolent criminal history.
The evaluation is expected to take several weeks. If a clinician later finds Cagle competent, the court could set motion deadlines and begin looking at trial dates. If he is found incompetent, the judge can order treatment aimed at restoring competency before the case proceeds. Separately, the defense has indicated it may raise an insanity defense at trial, which tests criminal responsibility at the time of the alleged conduct. Those determinations will shape whether the case advances to a jury, resolves by agreement or shifts toward treatment in a secure medical setting.
Travelers who were at the terminal Oct. 20 recalled a visible but calm police presence. “We saw officers near the doors and people still checking bags,” said Tony Ramirez, who was heading to Chicago. Airport workers said they were advised to stay alert and keep lines moving. City officials have credited relatives for calling 911 and officers for acting quickly in a crowded space. No additional threats have been reported since the arrest.
As of Thursday evening, Cagle remained in federal custody as clinicians prepared for the court-ordered evaluation. The judge is expected to set the next status conference after the report is submitted in the coming weeks.
Author note: Last updated December 5, 2025.