James Shaw Jr., the man who stopped the Waffle House shooter, kept his word when he met the families impacted by Travis Reinking's shooting spree.
Shaw Jr. distributed donations to the shooting victims' families - money he started raising on a gofundme page hours after the attack.
In a private ceremony at Tennessee State University, Shaw distributed more than $240,000 to the injured victims and the families of Akilah DaSilva, DeEbony Groves, Taurean Sanderlin and Joey Perez, who were all killed in the shooting.
“I would have lost two sons if it weren’t for you,” said a tearful Shaundelle Brooks. Her sons Akilah and Abede Dasilva were both there. Akilah didn’t survive.
“If it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t be here,” said Abede Dasilva. “I’m able to be here for my mother because of you.”
The group walked to the campus amphitheater to release balloons to honor their loved ones. The eight families held hands and prayed together. Four black balloons were released for those who died.
Shaw teamed up with another hometown hero, Trae Tha Truth to present the donations.
Trae is a hip-hop artist known for his work within the Houston, Texas community and says he bonded with Shaw over their passion for sacrifice, service and love.
