Police: Alleged Shooter Bryan James Riley Was Marine
Bryan James Riley is a 33 year old man from Lakeland, Florida. Police have accused Riley of shooting and killing four people in the town.
Riley lists his home as Brandon, Florida.
Police have identified Riley as a “survivalist” who told them he was on meth.”
Police say Riley was a Marine sharp-shooter who was deployed in combat to Iraq and Afghanistan.
Riley’s LinkedIn page identifies him as a “Protection Specialist” working for Griffin Defense. Past employment is listed as an “executive protection agent” (bodyguard) for ESS Global and as a “guard team supervisor for Academi.”
Riley lists his time as a Marine from 2007 to March 2011. He says he served in the 1st Battalion 6th Marines and the 1st Battalion 9th Marines. He lists deployments to Ramadi, Iraq in 2008 and Marjah, Afghanistan from 2009-2010.
He also says he worked closesly with Nigerian Mobile Security in Lagos, Nigeria in 2017 “to provide close protection to clients.”
What Happened At The Shooting In Lakeland
Lakeland police and deputies from Polk County said when they received 911 calls for an active shooter they responded to the scene and saw a truck on fire and a man, identified as Riley, dressed in full body armor.
After police entered the house, they were fired upon. The police returned fire and the man surrendered to the cops.
How Many People Were Killed In Lakeland?
Police found inside a man, woman, and infant shot to death. They also found an 11 year old girl who had been shot seven times.
Police say they also found another woman dead in a house on the same property.
Photos from scene of Bryan Riley shooting:
Bryan Riley Mass Shooting Background
Girlfriend: Riley Believed He Could Speak To God. “She said a week ago he did security at a church and he came home and stated he could speak to God. Throughout the week he was buying supplies to provide relief for Hurricane Ida. She stated he became more erratic throughout the week but was not violent.” [WESH]
Shooting Happened At North Socrum Loop Road In Lakeland. “Judd said around 7:30 p.m. Saturday, deputies were called to a home about a suspicious person on North Socrum Loop Road. When they arrived, a woman told them that a man, later identified as 33-year-old Bryan James Riley, said God sent him to her house to speak with one of her daughters.” [WFLA]
Police: Two Shootouts Happened. “Judd said two separate shootouts occurred “in short order” between police and the suspect, who surrendered after being wounded. Lakeland police and troopers from the Florida Highway Patrol were also involved.” [USA Today]
Police: Riley Was “Ready For Battle.” ““He was ready for battle,” Sheriff Judd said of the gunman, who he said had told deputies that he was a “survivalist” and was taking methamphetamine.” [NY Times]
Dog Was Also Shot And Killed. “Riley also shot and killed the family dog, Judd said. The dog was actually named after K-9 Diogi, a Polk County Sheriff’s Office K-9 killed with his handler, Deputy Matt Williams, in 2006.” [WTSP]
Police: Riley Tried To Get Police Gun In Hospital. “While at the hospital the assailant attempted to gain access to a Lakeland Police Department Officer service weapon. A struggle ensued and they assailant had to be sedated.” [Daily Ridge]
Video: Polk County, FL Sheriff Grady Judd press conference on Lakeland mass shooting
One of the first political bloggers in the world, Oliver Willis has operated OliverWillis.com since 2000. Contributor at Media Matters for America and The American Independent. Follow on Twitter at @owillis. Full bio.
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