WASHINGTON (CLARKSVILLENOW) – The Justice Department today presented James Shaw Jr. of Nashville, Tennessee, the Special Courage Award during the annual National Crime Victims’ Service Awards ceremony in Washington, D.C.
This honor is awarded 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.
Shaw stopped a gunman who opened fire at a Tennessee Waffle House in 2018, killing four people and injuring others.
“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,” Attorney General William P. Barr said in a release. “None of us knows how we would react in such a dangerous situation, but we can all be inspired by Mr. Shaw’s selflessness.”
On April 22, 2018, Shaw, an electrical technician, was eating at a Nashville-area Waffle House when a gunman opened fire on the patrons.
Despite being grazed by a bullet, he was able to wrestle the rifle away from the gunman, Travis Reinking.
“Mr. Shaw saved, obviously, many lives in his heroic action,” a Nashville police spokesman said.
Later, Shaw visited wounded victims in the hospital and helped support them in their recovery.
“The trauma of those who experience a violent crime is deep and real, and their restoration to physical and emotional health can be long and difficult,” said Office of Justice Programs Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Matt M. Dummermuth. “But Mr. Shaw encourages us as individuals and as a nation to strive to meet the needs of those struggling in the aftermath of crime.”
The Department’s Office for Victims of Crime, a component of OJP, leads communities across the country in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week and hosts an annual award ceremony.