Memorials, Recognition - Waffle House shooting victims -

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Shaundelle Brooks

Ceremonially memorializes four Waffle House shooting victims on the seventh anniversary, honoring their memories with no policy, funding, or legal changes.

Signed by Governor.

#memorials #recognition

Summary of HJR 688 (House Joint Resolution 688)

Type and Purpose

Type: Joint resolution

Title: Memorials, Recognition – Waffle House shooting victims

Purpose: To memorialize and honor the memory of four victims of the Waffle House shooting in Nashville, on the seventh anniversary of the tragedy (April 22, 2018). The resolution expresses respect and sorrow for Akilah Dasilva, DeEbony Groves, Joe Perez, and Taurean Sanderlin and recognizes their lives and potential.

Key Provisions

Pays tribute to four individuals fatally wounded in the April 22, 2018 Waffle House incident:

Akilah Dasilva – Middle Tennessee State University student pursuing computer engineering; described as humble, kind, and creative.
DeEbony Groves – Belmont University student; characterized as brilliant with immense potential.
Joe Perez – Native of Austin, Texas; worked as a subcontractor; noted for a whimsical sense of humor.
Taurean Sanderlin – Waffle House cook with five years’ tenure; known for strong work ethic and friendliness.

Statement of intent: On the seventh anniversary, the General Assembly honors the memories of these four Nashville community members who were taken too soon.

Publication and presentation: Directs that an appropriate copy of the resolution be prepared for presentation. The copy language is to appear without House or Senate designation after the State seal.

Nature of action: Purely ceremonial and memorial in nature; contains no new statutory or regulatory changes, no funding or fiscal implications, and no changes to government powers or duties.

Affected Parties and Impact

Affected groups: Families and friends of the four victims, the Nashville community, and individuals connected to the Waffle House incident.

Practical impact: Symbolic recognition and official record of remembrance within state government. No operational or policy changes, no fiscal expenditure, and no changes to existing laws.

Legislative History and Timeline

Introduced: April 21, 2025 (Sponsor: Brooks)

House actions: Introduced and placed on consent calendar; sponsor added; Rules suspended and concurrent adoption approved on April 22, 2025 (Vote: Ayes 94, Nays 0, PNV 1)

Senate actions: Concurred; signed by Senate Speaker (April 29, 2025)

House actions: Signed by House Speaker (April 28, 2025)

Enrolled and ready for governor’s signature: April 28, 2025

Governor: Signed May 7, 2025

Status: Signed by Governor; becomes official memorial of record

Additional Context

This is a ceremonial joint resolution recognizing the victims on their seventh anniversary and does not enact policies, allocate funds, or alter statutes. It serves to publicly commemorate the individuals and affirm the state’s remembrance of the tragedy and its impact on the Nashville community.