LITTLE ROCK (KATV) — The executive director of the Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport in Little Rock, Arkansas, has died after being shot by agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives during a raid of his home early Tuesday morning.
53-year-old Bryan Malinowski reportedly exchanged gunfire with the agents as they served a search warrant at the Chenal Valley residence just after 6 a.m. Tuesday.
An ATF agent was also injured in the exchange of gunfire and was sent to the hospital but is expected to make a full recovery.
While being heavily redacted, the affidavit detailing the ATF case was unsealed Tuesday Afternoon.
You can see the court document below:
Matthew Malinowski, the brother of Bryan Malinowski, says the agents broke down the door of his brother's home and shot him in the head with a high-caliber rifle.
On Thursday afternoon, the Malinowski family released the following statement through Little Rock attorney Bud Cummins questioning the ATF's actions:
"Our family has endured an unspeakable tragedy and one that is almost impossible to understand. We are mourning the loss of Bryan, who passed away earlier today. Our thoughts and prayers also go out to the government agent who was injured yesterday, and to his family. We do not understand the government’s decisions which led to a dawn raid on a private home and triggered the use of deadly force. We are obviously concerned about the allegations in the affidavit released by the government today. Even if the allegations in the affidavit are true, they don’t begin to justify what happened.
At worst, Bryan Malinowski, a gun owner and gun enthusiast, stood accused of making private firearm sales to a person who may not have been legally entitled to purchase the guns. For now, we will wait for all the facts to come out. In the meantime, we ask that the public and the media respect our privacy."
Malinowski joined Clinton National in 2008 as director of properties, planning and development. He was appointed executive director in November 2019 and was responsible for the overall administration, operations, maintenance and development of the state's largest airport.
Airport officials were shocked by the violent and unexplained encounter with law enforcement.
Hours after it happened Airport Commission Chairman Bill Walker released a statement saying, "Today's incident saddens us, and we pray for everyone involved."
Tom Clarke, the airport's deputy executive director, was named acting executive director. It's unclear if he will assume the post on a permanent basis in the wake of Malinowski's death.
The Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division has been asked to investigate the incident.
After ASP finishes its investigation, the file will be handed over to the prosecuting attorney who will determine if the use of deadly force was justified under Arkansas state law.
The chair of the Little Rock Municipal Airport Commission issued a statement on Malinowski's death, saying: "With a heavy heart, we announce the passing of our executive director Bryan Malinowski. Bryan was a 16-year employee of the airport. Under his leadership, our airport has experienced significant growth and success, expanding services and offerings to our community and state. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Bryan's wife, Maer, loved ones and friends.”
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