Waffle House Shooting Hero James Shaw Jr. Remembers Chadwick Boseman ‘The Man’ In Touching Post
Many continue paying homage to actor Chadwick Boseman. The Black Panther star died from colon cancer on Aug. 28 and left a lasting impression on more than moviegoers. Boseman once used his status to honor Nashville local, James Shaw Jr. on an MTV stage after Shaw’s heroic act saved lives. Here’s how Shaw remembers Boseman, “the man” with a post that has over 35,000 likes.
James Shaw Jr. became a hero after a Nashville shooting
In April 2018, a gunman stormed a Nashville Waffle House and opened fire, killing four people. James Shaw Jr., who was present at the time, said he tackled the gunman to the ground during a brief moment when the gunman stopped to reload.
Shaw wrestled the gun away, saving the remainder of those inside the eatery. Police deemed Shaw a “hero,” but he doesn’t see it that way.
“I’m not a hero. I’m just a regular person, Shaw said at a news conference via NPR.”I think anybody could’ve done what I did if they’re just pushed in that kind of cage, and you have to either react or you’re going to, you know, fold.”
He added that he did it “out of a selfish act” to save himself.
“I did save other people. But I don’t want people to think that I was the Terminator, or Superman or anybody like that. It was just, I figured if I was going to die, he was going to have to work for it,” he said, adding he wished he could’ve stopped the gunman sooner.
Shaw raised over $240,000 for the victims of the shooting following the events. But it was Boseman, who plays a superhero in movies, who emphasized what a true hero looks like.
Chadwick Boseman gifted Shaw his MTV Movie Award in 2018
Months after Shaw intervened in the Waffle House shooting, Boseman won an MTV Movie Award for “Best Superhero.” His role as T’Challa in Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Black Panther resonated with many. The actor invited Shaw up to the stage, where he was gifted with the golden popcorn statue.
“This is going to live at your house,” Boseman said on stage as he handed the award to Shaw.
The Black Panther star went on to extend his gratitude to Shaw via Instagram. “He saved countless lives by tackling a gunman who opened fire on people in Antioch, Tennessee in April. He’s a true hero that walks among us,” he captioned the photos.
“He proved why he was a real one this night. Big ups to you for that.@chadwickboseman . that made u a hero also,” a fan commented.
“This is the heart and soul of what it means to use one’s status and power for good!” another said.
Shaw remembers Boseman for more than his talents
After news of Boseman’s passing, Shaw posted his own tribute to the T’Challa actor on social media.
“From one Black man to another, I appreciate the words of advice, the award, and the sharing of your spotlight,” he wrote on Instagram. “We salute, respect and Love you King, not T’Challa the character… but Chadwick Boseman the Man.”
Fans swarmed the post with their condolences.
“From one humble hero to another…Just imagine what he knew about himself and his health at the moment of this photo, and yet still so selfless. He was such a leader and brought so much to the culture,” one fan commented.
“What’s amazing is this: he filmed the move while in the middle of this battle with all of it treatments, and he recognized the hero you are. Both of you are solid men. He will be missed. Cherish that award. Hopefully it hits different now,” another said.
In a second tribute, Shaw tweeted, “What a moment. Salute King Chadwick,” with the same photo of their time on the MTV stage.
Some noted the heartbreaking irony of Shaw honoring Boseman when the roles were reversed just two years ago. Many, however, said there is no denying that both men are heroes.
