Little Rock Airport Director’s Widow Sues ATF

In Little Rock, Arkansas, the widow of the airport’s director, who was killed during a confrontation involving firearms, alcohol, and explosives, has filed a lawsuit against the agency and the officers involved. Maria “Mare” Marinowski claims they acted recklessly and negligently.

Brian Marinowski, the executive director of Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport, died a few days after an incident on March 19, 2024, when ATF agents attempted to serve a warrant at their home. Reports indicate that Marinowski fired at an agent, injuring him, before the agent returned fire.

An affidavit linked to the shooting outlined accusations that Marinowski had bought over 150 guns between May 2021 and February 2024, selling many without a required dealer’s license.

In her lawsuit filed in federal court, Maria Marinowski accused the ATF, along with ten agents and task force personnel, of infringing on her and her husband’s constitutional rights. Her filing seeks unspecified damages and a jury trial.

The complaint emphasized that the Constitution demands law enforcement to announce their identity and purpose before entering, suggesting that the ATF’s failure to do so led to tragic outcomes. The ATF has not commented on the ongoing litigation.

Last year, local prosecutors stated that the shooting of Brian Marinowski was justified, which has triggered scrutiny from Republican lawmakers in Arkansas who are demanding further information from the ATF.

Marinowski was known as a lifelong gun collector, frequently attending shows to buy, sell, and trade weapons. He was reportedly unaware of any investigation and thought the entering agents were intruders.

Maria Marinowski expressed her feelings, stating, “Today’s lawsuit calls for justice for the nightmare I’ve lived for the past 14 months.”