Bryan Malinowski, who served as the executive director of the Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport since 2019, has died as a result of injuries sustained during an exchange of gunfire with federal agents at his West Little Rock home on Tuesday. He was 53.
Bill Walker, chair of the Little Rock Municipal Airport Commission, issued a statement through an airport spokesperson:
“With a heavy heart, we announce the passing of our executive director Bryan Malinowski,” Walker said. “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.”
Malinowski was involved in a shootout with federal agents Tuesday morning as officers with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives served a warrant at Malinowski’s house in at 4 Durance Court. He shot at the agents, according to a press release from the ATF, and they returned fire. An unnamed officer sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
Mary HenniganAgents reportedly shot Malinowski in the head when they returned fire, and Malinowski has been on life support since Tuesday. His brother, Matthew Malinowski, told the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette on Wednesday that the family had said their final goodbyes.
The Arkansas State Police is investigating the officer-involved shooting. Authorities still haven’t released any information on the search warrant or why federal agents were at Malinowski’s house. Local, state and federal agencies associated with the case have not issued updates since the initial announcement of Malinowski’s involvement.
ATF officers removed guns and other materials — what appeared to be boxes of ammunition and gun cases — from Malinowski’s house Tuesday evening. A crew was at the house for more than 12 hours, reportedly trying to open a safe.
Mary HenniganShane Carter, the communications director for the Little Rock airport, said ATF agents did not visit the airport to question employees or search Malinowski’s office. Carter said he does not know the reason behind the warrant.
