Here's what we know about the Waffle House shooting in Tennessee, which left four people dead and more injured
Early this morning, Sunday, April 22nd, police confirmed that a gunman opened fire at a Nashville-area Waffle House before departing the scene on foot. According to initial reports, at least four people were killed and four others were wounded in the attack.
The Waffle House shooting happened in Antioch, Tennessee, a Nashville suburb roughly 12 miles southeast of downtown. Police said the shooting began around 3:25 a.m. CST, after which a patron reportedly wrestled away the gunman’s weapon and threw it over the restaurant’s counter. The suspect then fled on foot.
Nashville police are still searching for the alleged gunman, whom they’ve announced to be Travis Reinking, 29, of Morton, Illinois. At the time of the shooting, Reinking was reportedly nude except for a green jacket, which he took off while fleeing the scene. He was later spotted in a nearby apartment complex wearing black pants and no shirt, according to USA Today.
Police currently believe the shooting was random, and witnesses described the gun used in the attack as an AR-15. Not much else is known at this time, but police are asking Nashville-area residents to stay inside and lock their doors.
“Keep your doors locked, keep your eyes open,” Metro Nashville police spokesman Don Aaron told reporters. “If you see this individual — if you see a nude guy walking around this morning — call the police department immediately.”
Nashville police are still searching for the suspect in the Waffle House shooting.
Nashville Mayor David Briley released a statement on Twitter responding to the shooting.
It’s a tragic day for our city anytime people lose their lives at the hands of a gunman. My heart goes out to the families & 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.
— Mayor David Briley (@MayorBriley) April 22, 2018
There's clearly more to be said about these circumstances, but for now I ask Nashville to pray for and rally around these victims and join me in thanking @MNPDNashville as it works to find and apprehend the shooter.
— Mayor David Briley (@MayorBriley) April 22, 2018
We will continue to watch this story as it develops. Our hearts are with all of those affected by this shooting. We can only hope for more solutions to help put an end to senseless gun violence so we can keep our homes, schools, and neighborhoods safe.
