NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — The United States Department of Justice has honored Waffle House shooting hero James Shaw Jr. with a special award.
Shaw was honored Friday with the Special Courage Award during the annual National Crime Victims’ Service Awards ceremony in Washington, D.C.
The Justice Department says the award is given to victims or survivors who “exhibit exceptional perseverance and determination in dealing with his or her own victimization, or who acted bravely to prevent victimization.”
“Risking his own life, Mr. Shaw acted swiftly and bravely after a gunman killed four people early one morning at a diner, saving the lives of many others. He then followed up his courageous action by delivering comfort and aid to wounded and traumatized victims,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “None of us knows how we would react in such a dangerous situation, but we can all be inspired by Mr. Shaw’s selflessness," according to a department release.
Shaw intervened to stop the gunman of the deadly Waffle House shooting from taking more lives. He was able to take the gun away from the shooter, which led to the suspect leaving the restaurant.
Four people – Akilah Dasilva, DeEbony Groves, Taurean Sanderlin and Joe Perez – were killed in the shooting.
