Nashville endured a heart-wrenching tragedy in April when a gunman entered an Antioch Waffle House, opening fire on a group of late-night diners. Four were killed in the attack, and others were injured, but the loss of life could have been even more severe were it not for the swift and heroic actions of Nashville native James Shaw Jr. The courageous Shaw — a 29-year-old electrical technician and Tennessee State University graduate — charged the shooter and wrestled the gun from him, burning his hand on the rifle’s barrel in the process. After the incident, Shaw went on to start a GoFundMe on behalf of the families of the victims, ultimately raising more than $200,000, and TSU started a scholarship fund in the hero’s name. Seldom do we get such a clear glimpse of true heroism. D. PATRICK RODGERS
Best Local Hero
James Shaw Jr.
