The executive director of Arkansas’ largest airport has died two days after being shot by federal agents as he tried to serve a search warrant.by affidavitThe director was illegally selling firearms.
Around 6 a.m. on March 19, agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives entered the home of Brian Malinowski, 53, executive director of Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport, in Little. attempted to obtain a search warrant. Rock, Arkansas. Before the agents could get far, gunfire erupted, critically wounding Malinowski and leaving the unnamed agent with “non-life-threatening” injuries.
Malinowski suffered a blow to the head and remained on life support for about 48 hours before dying from his injuries. He is survived by his wife; mare, and at least one brother, Matthew Malinowski. The injured federal employee has since been released from the hospital.
The ATF’s initial report claimed that Malinowski fired first, prompting the agents to return fire. The Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division investigated the shooting and released its findings to state prosecutors, who will determine whether the federal agents’ use of deadly force “violated Arkansas law.” ASP said in a statement.
ATF accused Malinowski, a gun enthusiast, of purchasing dozens of firearms for personal use and then reselling many at gun shows without proper permits. Apparently they were investigating. license And without a proper background check.
Malinowski is believed to have purchased at least 150 guns, all of them handguns, between November 2021, when ATF first began investigating him, and December 2023. Six of these guns are said to have later been used in crimes. The other three were reportedly recovered by undercover agents.
The family anxiously awaits the outcome of the investigation, but is frustrated that such a seemingly minor violation could have led to the “unspeakable tragedy” of Malinowski’s death. It seems so. “Even if the allegations in the affidavit are true, they do not justify what happened,” the family said in a statement. “In the worst case scenario, gun owner and gun enthusiast Brian Malinowski was accused of privately selling guns to people who did not have the legal right to purchase them.”
Clinton National Airport also released a statement following his death. “Brian worked at the airport for 16 years,” said Little Rock Airport Commission Chairman Bill Walker. “Under his leadership, our airport has experienced significant growth and success, expanding our services and offerings to our community and state.”
Mr. Malinowski’s salary was $264,000, making him the highest paid city or city-related employee in Little Rock. Matthew Malinowski said last week that he had “a lot to lose” and “no incentive to do anything wrong” thanks to his brother’s large salary and connections to powerful people, including a U.S. senator. He said he meant it.
“We offer our prayers and condolences,” Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott Jr. said. [Malinowski’s] family and colleagues. ”
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Arkansas airport executive injured in gunfight with ATF officersyoutube.be
