Four Killed and Two Wounded in Shooting at Antioch Waffle House

A semi-nude gunman entered an Antioch Waffle House and opened fire early Sunday, killing four and wounding two, according to police. The alleged shooter — who has been identified as 29-year-old Travis Reinking of Morton, Ill. — began firing at approximately 3:25 a.m. Police say a patron (identified as James Shaw Jr., also 29) wrestled the rifle away from the shooter, who was nude at the time. He fled on foot, heading south down Murfreesboro Pike.

"A man believed to be Travis Reinking was last seen in a wood line near Discovery at Mountain View Apts. on Mountain Springs Dr. near the Waffle House," tweeted Metro police early this morning. "The man was seen wearing black pants and no shirt."

Murder warrants have since been drafted against Reinking. Of the six people shot in the attack, three died on the scene. One later died at the hospital, and two are currently being treated at Vanderbilt.

All six victims were in their 20s. Police have now identified the four people who were killed:

— Taurean C. Sanderlin, 29, of Goodlettsville, an employee of the restaurant who was fatally wounded as he stood outside;

— Joe R. Perez, 20, of Nashville, a restaurant patron who was fatally wounded as he stood outside;

— Deebony Groves, 21, of Gallatin, who was fatally wounded inside the restaurant;

— Akilah Dasilva, 23, of Antioch, who was critically wounded inside the restaurant and later died at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

Several officials offered reactions to the shooting.

"It’s a tragic day for our city anytime people lose their lives at the hands of a gunman," said Mayor David Briley in a statement. "My heart goes out to the families and friends of every person who was killed or wounded in this morning’s shooting. I know all of their lives will be forever changed by this devastating crime."

"We mourn the innocent victims and thank our brave first responders,” U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper offered in a statement. “Many will say now is not the time to discuss change. But now IS the time. We can and must do everything possible to prevent these tragedies and keep Americans safe. That starts with restricting widespread civilian access to military-grade assault weapons.”

Briley has since been discussing change on Twitter. 

"Tragedies like today should not happen," he wrote. "This is our second mass shooting in 7 months. We need comprehensive gun reform. If we all come together on this for the greater good, we can take weapons of war off the street.

"Let’s be honest about what happened," the mayor added. "The citizens of Nashville were terrorized last night by a man with an AR15. Enough is enough."

Police have indeed identified the weapon used in the attack — which can be seen here — as an AR-15. If you've seen Reinking or have any information that could be useful, Metro police ask that you call 615-862-8600.

This post will update.