2008
A turning point
A serious firearm case at age 15 begins a period of consequences, hardship, and reflection.
01 / My Story
Rooted in Omaha.
Committed to change.
A difficult beginning does not have to decide the rest of a person’s life.
Bryan Riley was born in Omaha, Nebraska, and grew up in the Kountze Park area. With family connections across the city, he describes Omaha’s neighborhoods as both his home and the reason he continues to serve.
This official biography combines Bryan’s personal account with the linked reporting and public records below. Personal experiences and company history are provided by Bryan.
Accountability and a new direction
In Bryan’s account, on October 11, 2008, at age 15, he fired at an unmarked police vehicle occupied by two officers. He was charged as an adult with unlawful discharge of a firearm. He describes the incident as a serious mistake that changed the course of his life.
He was sentenced to five years of probation. Bryan recalls intensive gang supervision and electronic monitoring, followed by struggles to find employment and housing. During that period, he experienced homelessness and stayed at the Siena Francis House. Those experiences shaped his understanding of the barriers people face when trying to rebuild their lives.
Regaining trust meant showing up, working, and contributing to the community. Bryan says he began FAB5 Security in 2011, building a career around helping protect people. That business later became Riley Protection Group in 2020.
A long road to a second chance
Bryan recounts that his probation ended one year early in 2013 because of his behavior and community service, and that the court set aside his conviction. He subsequently challenged the denial of a handgun purchase permit, bringing a lawsuit against the State of Nebraska, the Legislature, and the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office. He says he represented himself and ultimately did not prevail.
After years of seeking a pardon, Bryan reached a turning point in December 2024. The Nebraska Board of Pardons unanimously approved his application, restoring firearm rights. Read the KETV coverage ↗
Today, his focus is on putting that second chance to work: leading a security company, supporting families, and speaking with young people about choices, consequences, and the possibility of a different future. Bryan is also a father of four, a responsibility he describes as central to his sense of purpose.
