Waffle House CEO says his attention is on victims, thanks shooting hero

Waffle House's CEO said his focus and attention is solely on the victims of a Sunday morning Antioch shooting that left four dead.

"All of our attention is focused on the victims, on the families and our associates that were working that night," said Walter Emher, Waffle House CEO, at a Sunday afternoon news conference. "We are here to support them in any way we can."

He also thanked James Shaw Jr., 29, who heroically wrested an AR-15 rifle from the shooter and threw it over the Waffle House counter top.

"I personally want to thank Mr. Shaw. You are my hero. You saved people’s lives. I talked to some of those people, and they will think of you for the rest of their days," Emher said.

► More: Waffle House shooting: 4 dead in Antioch shooting; suspect could be at large with two guns

► More: The 29-year-old hero from Waffle House shooting: 'I saw the opportunity and I took it'

► More: It was like shooting fish in a barrel says man who disarmed Antioch Waffle House shooter

Police have named Travis Reinking, 29, of Morton, Illinois, as the suspected shooter. Authorities continue to search for Reinking.

Shaw Jr. rushed the suspected shooter while he was reloading. Shaw Jr. was injured in the shooting, suffering third-degree burns when he grabbed the barrel of the gun. He also suffered a minor injury from a gunshot wound.

► Waffle House shooting: Father of suspect Travis Reinking previously took away son's guns

"We are forever in your debt for the courage you displayed today taking care of your fellow man," Ehmer said. "I thank you."

Reach Jason Gonzales at jagonzales@tennessean.com and on Twitter @ByJasonGonzales.

Why the Waffle House shooting stories are free

The Tennessean is lifting its paywall for coverage of the Waffle House shootings because it is imperative to tell this story to our community and beyond. If you value local journalism and reporters who tell the stories that matter in the Nashville community, please subscribe to the Tennessean. Digital packages start at $0.99/week.