The Executive Director of the Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport passed away following an exchange of gunfire with ATF agents. Bryan Malinowski was involved in the confrontation at his residence in Little Rock at approximately 6 am on March 19, when the agents arrived to execute a search warrant.
Agents shot the 53-year-old, causing fatal head injuries, and he succumbed in the hospital on March 21. The ATF, on the day of his demise, disclosed a significantly redacted warrant affidavit revealing that Malinowski had acquired more than 150 firearms from May 2021 to February 2024 and subsequently sold them without holding a dealer’s license.
Approximately six of the firearms were discovered to have been linked to criminal activities. Additionally, the affidavit disclosed that federal agents, operating covertly, purchased another three firearms from Malinowski during gun shows in Arkansas. Malinowski’s family expressed disapproval of the government’s dawn raid, questioning the necessity of intruding into a private residence and resorting to lethal force, as stated in a release by their attorney.
The exchange of gunfire allegedly commenced when gunfire erupted from inside the house, leading agents to retaliate. An ATF agent sustained injuries during the exchange, but authorities stated that the gunshot wound was not fatal. Nonetheless, uncertainties persist regarding the operation; Malinowski’s brother asserted that the agents aimed for lethal shots and witnessed them firing five times. He contended that the agents intended to injure Malinowski and claimed that his brother retaliated by aiming for non-lethal shots, targeting the agents’ shins.
The Clinton National Airport verified the passing of its executive director. Through a statement, a spokesperson acknowledged the substantial achievements and advancements made by the airport during Malinowski’s 16-year tenure. The spokesperson conveyed heartfelt condolences on his demise and extended sympathies to his wife, Maer.
The family asserted that even if the accusations were accurate, they did not warrant the use of force during the raid. They contended that Malinowski, at most, was a gun enthusiast who unknowingly sold firearms to an individual who might not have been authorized to obtain them legally. They appealed for privacy from both the public and the media.
