Bryan Malinowski, the Little Rock airport executive shot by ATF agents, dies from injuries
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – The executive director of the Little Rock airport who was shot by federal agents serving a search warrant at his home earlier this week has died.
A statement from the Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport announced the death of Bryan Malinowski at noon Thursday.
The statement from Bill Walker, chair of the Little Rock Municipal Airport Commission, noted that under Malinowski’s leadership the airport saw “significant growth and success” and offered condolences to Malinowski’s family.
“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.”
Bill Walker, chair of the Little Rock Municipal Airport Commission
Malinowski was shot during an exchange of gunfire with agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Tuesday morning.
ATF officials said the agents were serving a search warrant at Malinowski’s west Little Rock home around 6 a.m. when the shootout happened. Federal officials said that Malinowski shot first from inside the home, at which point agents returned fire, hitting Malinowski multiple times.
In an interview with KARK 4 News and FOX 16 News anchor Caitrin Assaf Wednesday, Malinowski’s older brother questioned why agents raided his brother’s home at such an early time of day.
“The ATF should have never raided him like they did. You don’t send a whole group of people with high armed weapons like they did at 6:00 in the morning,” Matt Malinowski said. “Arrest him at work! He goes to work every day. He’s a very public figure.”
‘Something stinks to high hell;’ Brother of LIT director shot by ATF agent speaks out on shooting
There have been no details released by the ATF regarding the nature of the search warrant being served that led to the shootout.
KARK 4 News & FOX 16 News reporter Neale Zeringue asked officials in the U.S. Attorneys Office if Malinowski’s death would unseal the documents tied to the warrant but was told the office had not comment other than to say the documents are remaining under seal.
Neighbors shocked by shootout at home of Little Rock airport executive director
Agents with the Arkansas State Police have been investigating the shooting. An ASP spokesperson on Thursday said the agency’s investigation into this incident is ongoing.
Late Thursday, Malinowski’s family released a statement on his death, calling it “an unspeakable tragedy” and questioning the government’s use of deadly force in the raid.
Family of Bryan Malinowski releases statement after his death
On Tuesday afternoon, LIT officials announced that deputy executive director Tom Clarke would serve as the interim executive director for the airport.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK.
