FILE - Bill Walker, chairman of the Little Rock Municipal Airport Commission, left, and Bryan Malinowski, executive director of the Clinton National Airport, listen to a report by an airport director during a meeting of the commission on Feb. 27, 2024, in Little Rock, Ark. (Stephen Swofford/Arkansas Democrat-Gazette via AP, File)
Widow of Little Rock airport director killed in raid sues ATF over husband’s death
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) 鈥 The widow of an Arkansas airport director who was killed during a Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives raid on his home last year sued the agency and several officials, claiming the agency and officers acted recklessly and negligently.
FILE - Bill Walker, chairman of the Little Rock Municipal Airport Commission, left, and Bryan Malinowski, executive director of the Clinton National Airport, listen to a report by an airport director during a meeting of the commission on Feb. 27, 2024, in Little Rock, Ark. (Stephen Swofford/Arkansas Democrat-Gazette via AP, File)
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) 鈥 The widow of an Arkansas airport director who was killed during a Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives raid on his home last year sued the agency and several officials, claiming the agency and officers acted recklessly and negligently.
Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport Executive Director Bryan Malinowski died days after he was shot when ATF agents were March 19, 2024, at his home in Little Rock. The ATF said Malinowski shot at agents, striking and injuring one, after which agents returned fire.
An affidavit released after the shooting said the warrant was related to accusations that Malinowski bought over 150 guns between May 2021 and February 2024 and that he resold many without a dealer鈥檚 license.
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW
In the lawsuit, filed in federal court in Little Rock, Maria 鈥淢aer” Malinowski accused the ATF and 10 agents and task force officers of violating hers and her husband’s constitutional rights. The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages and requested a jury trial.
鈥淭he Constitution requires reasonableness and, specifically here, that defendants both knock and announce their presence and purpose and wait a reasonable time before entry,鈥 the lawsuit said. “The ATF failed to do so, resulting in an entirely predictable, needless and tragic outcome.”
The ATF said it does not comment on ongoing legislation.
A last year said an ATF agent was justified in fatally shooting Bryan Malinowski. Malinowski鈥檚 death prompted criticism from some Republican lawmakers in Arkansas who have called for more information from the ATF.
Malinowski was a lifelong gun collector who would attend shows on weekends where he would buy, sell and trade with others, the lawsuit said. He did not know he was under investigation and reasonably believed the agents entering his home were intruders because they didn’t knock and give him adequate time to come to the door, the complaint said.
鈥淭oday鈥檚 lawsuit seeks justice for the nightmare I鈥檝e been living for the last 14 months,” Maria Malinowski said in a news release.
Error! There was an error processing your request.
There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again.
You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our and . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google and apply.
FIRST UP
You're signed up! You'll start getting First Up in your inbox soon.
Want more of the latest from the Star? Sign up for more at our newsletter page.
You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our and . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google and apply.
EMAIL NEWS ALERTS
When big news breaks, don鈥檛 miss it with our free alerts
Error! There was an error processing your request.
There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again.
You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our and . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google and apply.
EMAIL NEWS ALERTS
You're signed up! You'll start getting news alerts in your inbox soon.
Want more of the latest from the Star? Sign up for more at our newsletter page.
You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our and . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google and apply.
Camp is a place where unexpected fun leads to unleashed potential.
With your support, The 海角社区官网Star Fresh Air Fund provides opportunities for financially vulnerable children to ignite a lifelong love for adventure at camp. Above all, your kindness makes it happen.