If you’ve been living under a rock recently, you would have missed the heroic acts of James Shaw Jr. He helped disarm an active shooter that was trying to shoot people inside of a Waffle House this past week. When asked about what he was thinking during the moments of his heroism, he said briefly:
“I did that completely out of a selfish act,” he said. “I was completely doing it just to save myself.”
Well either way his actions have been appreciated by 4,057 in just over 24 hours on a GoFundMe page that was set up by journalist Yashar Ali.
Here’s what Ali had to say on the GoFundMe page:
“James Shaw Jr. put his life on the line when he took on the gunman who killed four people at a Nashville area Waffle House. Since that horrific shooting, he has raised tens of thousands of dollars for the victims and shown a level of humility that has inspired many of us.
I normally don’t get involved directly in these matters, but James’ grace has inspired me to start this page to give him the support I feel he deserves.
According to news reports, James has a four-year-old daughter. Perhaps this money can be used for her college fund or some other education related expense. But I’d be just as happy if James used some of this money to take his family on a nice vacation.
Funds will be transferred directly to James Shaw Jr. through GoFundMe.”
Some celebrities even have gotten in on the giving. TMZ reports that celebs like Jon Cryer, Kristin Davis, Busy Philipps, Ike Barinholtz and Natasha Ziff have given to the GoFundMe so far…
I just donated and it feels good! Good to help someone who stood up and did the right thing, thank you James Shaw Jr! And I love everyone who is donating too! https://t.co/lkCXKUChXe
— Kristin Davis (@KristinDavis) April 24, 2018
Yes. You ARE. https://t.co/dvBiBy99Um
— Mark Hamill (@HamillHimself) April 24, 2018
Shaw was moved to tears when talking about doing what he did saying, “Anyone could have done what I did.”
"I'm not a hero," says the unarmed man who disarmed the Waffle House gunman. https://t.co/7778BpfKW6 pic.twitter.com/yASgWFJnFa
— YouTube (@YouTube) April 24, 2018
Here what’s a few non-celebs had to say as they donated to the GoFundMe:
Waffle House has also reached out to all the victims including Shaw, and has said they will do all they can.
Yes. We will be doing things for Mr. Shaw. Details have not be finalized yet!
— Waffle House (@WaffleHouse) April 24, 2018
They’ve already committed to pay for the funerals of the four people killed in the terrible shooting, as well as paying for the medical expenses of those injured.
Right now as it stands the GoFundMe for Shaw has reached past it’s goal of $125K and I have a feeling that it won’t be slowing soon.
Other commenters said nice things such as:
“This is what a hero looks like. The world should be proud of you, well done!”
“Courage and character indeed good sir! You are an inspiration, on many levels. Thank you.”
“This donation is for your future and however you live your life to support the end of violence within our culture. You should be VERY proud that you are one of the helpers that I tell our kids to see when something bad has happened.”
Let’s hope he joins everyone else in our nation that is against the use of automatic weapons in our country!