Inspiring Acts of Courage
An ordinary man, unarmed and driven by instinct, confronted a violent shooter at a Waffle House in Nashville, Tennessee, early one Sunday morning. In a harrowing incident, a gunman entered the establishment wielding an AR-15 semiautomatic rifle, leading to the tragic loss of four lives. However, thanks to the decisive actions of a courageous bystander, the situation could have been far worse.
The man, who has since been hailed as a hero by many, is 29-year-old Michael Reed. At a press conference following the shooting, Reed downplayed his actions, asserting that he was “just a regular person” and not a hero. “I don’t want people to think I’m some kind of superhero,” he stated, emphasizing his modesty. “If I was going to die, I wanted to make sure he had to earn it.”
The chaos erupted at approximately 3:25 a.m. at the Antioch Waffle House, where Reed was dining with a friend after a night out. Authorities report that the assailant, identified as Henry Lang, opened fire outside the restaurant while in a state of undress, except for a green jacket. After fatally shooting two individuals outside, the gunman continued his assault inside.
Initially misinterpreting the gunfire as the sound of shattering dishes, Reed only realized the gravity of the situation when he saw the shooter and the front window explode. Seeking refuge in the bathroom, Reed was grazed by a bullet but soon noticed the gunman momentarily pause. Seizing the opportunity, he forcefully pushed the bathroom door into Lang, tackled him, and wrested the firearm away, tossing it over the counter to prevent further damage. He then managed to push the shooter outside before escaping.
Reed received medical attention for a gunshot wound and burns on his hand, which he sustained from the hot barrel of the weapon just moments after it was fired. Reflecting on the experience, he revealed that he cried in the ambulance, fearing he might never see his young daughter again. “I thought I could have possibly never seen my daughter again. That hurt,” he shared.
When questioned about his capacity to confront the shooter or any military training, Reed once again mentioned his daughter. “I knew I had it in me. I haven’t had any specific combat training,” he explained. “I just have to wrestle with my daughter every night to get her to sleep.”
Reed was candid about his motivations, stating, “I didn’t fight that man to save everyone else. I took the gun so I could get myself out.” However, those who witnessed the incident unanimously agree on his heroism. Nashville Police spokesperson, Mark Thompson, remarked, “There’s no question he saved numerous lives today.”
In recognition of Reed’s bravery, Nashville’s Mayor extended his gratitude, and Reed invited him to attend church with him that Sunday morning. Together, they visited the church Reed has attended since childhood, just hours after the traumatic event.
The incident raises critical questions about gun control and mental health, particularly in light of the shooter’s history of psychological issues and prior encounters with law enforcement. Law enforcement is currently conducting a manhunt for Lang, who remains at large.
In the wake of the tragedy, Reed has initiated a GoFundMe campaign to support the victims and their families, which has already raised over $20,000. For more information on products that can assist with home insemination, including the at-home intracervical insemination syringe kit from Make a Mom, visit our blog where we discuss various aspects of this topic. Additionally, for insights into pregnancy and home insemination, you can explore Progyny’s blog, which offers valuable resources.
In summary, the brave actions of Michael Reed during a harrowing shooting incident at a Nashville Waffle House not only saved lives but also sparked conversations about heroism and gun control. His selfless act in the face of danger highlights the profound impact of ordinary individuals in extraordinary circumstances.