Family of man shot dead in downtown Lincoln sues hookah bar, security company

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — A lawsuit has been filed in the aftermath of a deadly shooting in downtown Lincoln in 2024.

Last week, Vernadine Taylor sued a bar and a security company, accusing them of negligence in the death of her son Gregory Little Jr.

On April 7, 2024, a fight broke out between Little’s friend and a security guard outside of Royal Hookah Bar & Lounge near 16th and O streets.

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As punches were being thrown, two handguns fell out of the guard’s vest.

Authorities said Little picked up one of them, and the security guard then shot him three times.

No criminal charges were filed in the case.

Lancaster County Attorney Pat Condon said “under the totality of the circumstances,” it was reasonable for him to fear for his life.

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The lawsuit alleges that the security company hired by the bar, Invictus Private Security Group, employed inexperienced guards who “did not have the appropriate training in the use of firearms and deadly force.”

It also says the security guard who shot Little should have had his weapons properly holstered.

By hiring Invictus, the lawsuit says Royal Hookah failed to “provide adequate security” for its patrons.

After the shooting, the hookah bar had its liquor license suspended for 60 days.

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The suit is asking for an unspecified amount of damages.

Royal Hookah and Invictus have not yet filed their responses in Lancaster County District Court.