The executive director of Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport, who was killed in a shootout with federal agents who stormed his home in Arkansas, was illegally buying and selling guns, according to a newly released account of the attack. This was revealed according to an affidavit.
The suspect, Brian Malinowski, 53, is under active investigation for allegedly purchasing and reselling more than 150 firearms without a dealer’s license between May 2021 and February 2024. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) said in a heavily redacted affidavit released Thursday. .
About six of the guns were discovered in connection with the crime, and undercover federal agents bought three more from Malinowski at a gun show in Arkansas, according to the affidavit.
Documents say Malinowski purchased the firearm legally and marked it for himself by checking a box on the purchase form. Then resell them within 24 hours minimum.
Malinowski’s family believes that even if the allegations detailed in the ATF affidavit are true, Malinowski was arrested during a raid early Tuesday at his Little Rock home near the airport where he operated. He said there was no justification for using deadly force against Suki.
“In the worst case scenario, Brian Malinowski, a gun owner and gun enthusiast, was accused of privately selling a gun to someone who had no legal right to purchase it,” the family said. This was stated through a lawyer.
Mr. Malinowski was shot in a gunfight with ATF agents attempting to serve a search warrant and died of his injuries at noon Thursday, his employer confirmed.
An ATF officer was also shot, but his injuries were not life-threatening, officials said.
Before Tuesday’s raid, authorities placed a tracking device on Malinowski’s SUV and followed him, prompting him to drive erratically at times, according to the affidavit.
Mr. Malinowski joined the Arkansas Airport management team in 2008 as Director of Real Estate, Planning and Development and was promoted to Deputy Director one year later.
He became executive director of the Clinton National Party in 2019, earning an annual base salary of nearly $264,000, making him the highest-paid employee in Little Rock. The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reported.
“Brian was employed at the airport for 16 years,” Little Rock Airport Commission Chairman Bill Walker said in a statement.
“Under his leadership, our airport experienced significant growth and success, expanding our services and offerings to our community and state. Our deepest condolences to Brian’s wife, Mair, loved ones, and friends. .”
Malinowski’s brother, Matthew Malinowski, told Fox News Digital that his brother, an avid gun collector, is unlikely to be involved in any illegal activity given his apparent financial security. He said he thought so.
“When you’re in a position like that, life is great,” he said. “Why spoil it for a small infraction?” He always kept his nose clean. ”
