ATLANTA, GA – Police in Atlanta quickly apprehended a man who threatened to open fire at the world’s busiest airport, averting what could have been a tragic incident. The swift action unfolded after officers detained 49-year-old Billy Overcable, who reportedly had a semiautomatic weapon and was described as mentally challenged.
Surveillance footage captured Overcable parking his truck outside the South Terminal of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport just before 9:30 a.m. He was observed approaching a heavily crowded TSA checkpoint, raising immediate concerns.
Authorities were alerted by Overcable’s family, who reported that he was live-streaming his intentions on social media. The family warned that he was heading to the airport with the intent to cause harm, prompting quick police response.
Officers arrived at the scene within minutes of the family’s call. They found the 6’3″, 220-pound suspect unarmed and took him into custody. It is believed he was planning to retrieve an assault rifle from his truck, which contained 27 rounds of ammunition.
Police expressed gratitude for the timely intervention by both the officers and Overcable’s family. “Twenty-seven or more lives could have been lost today,” one official noted, highlighting the potential scale of the tragedy.
The family had contacted police in Krartsville, approximately 50 miles away, where Overcable resides. The information, along with a photo, was swiftly relayed to Atlanta police, enabling the rapid response.
Authorities continue to investigate the incident, focusing on the suspect’s motives and mental health background. The case underscores the importance of community vigilance and the critical role of family intervention in preventing potential threats.
As the investigation unfolds, officials remain committed to ensuring the safety of travelers and maintaining security measures at the airport.