Bryan Malinowski: Arkansas airport executive killed in ATF shootout was being investigated for gunrunning
LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS: Bryan Malinowski, director of the Bill and Hillary Clinton Airport in Arkansas, tragically died in a fatal shootout with federal agents while under investigation for illegal gun dealing.
The shootout unfolded at his home in west Little Rock, resulting in Malinowski's death at noon on Thursday, March 21, just two days after the confrontation with ATF agents.
Family disputes allegations, asserts Bryan Malinowski's innocence
Investigations into Malinowski revealed suspicions of his involvement in trading more than 150 firearms between May 2021 and February of the current year. Shockingly, six of these firearms were later used in crimes, including one that ended up with a 15-year-old gang member in California.
"Even if the allegations in the affidavit are true, they don’t begin to justify what happened," said his family.
"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," reported Daily Mail.
The investigation into Malinowski's activities commenced in November 2023 following a tip-off from authorities in Canada about unlawfully circulating firearms.
Allegations suggested that he purchased guns legally online, declaring them for personal use, but later sold them at gun shows without proper documentation or identification checks.
Insights into tragic shooting
The fatal encounter with ATF agents occurred when they arrived at Malinowski's home on Tuesday, prompting someone inside the residence to open fire.
He reportedly sustained a gunshot wound to the head during the ensuing shootout, leading to his eventual demise.
Matthew Malinowski, Bryan's brother, expressed disbelief at the turn of events, questioning the tactics employed by the ATF.
"There's something fishy here. The ATF went after him in the worst possible way. There's no reason why they couldn't have arrested him at work at the airport. Something stinks to high hell," he added.
Matthew highlighted Bryan's status as a well-connected individual earning more than $250,000 a year, residing in an affluent suburb, and indulging in collections of guns and coins.
The shootout also resulted in injuries to an ATF agent, though non-life-threatening, who was subsequently hospitalized for treatment.
Malinowski had a longstanding tenure at the Clinton National Airport, serving since 2008 in various capacities before assuming the role of executive director in 2019. Under his leadership, the airport witnessed significant growth and success.
