Little Rock Airport boss Bryan Malinowski is shot in head while federal agents serve warrant at his Arkansas home

The executive director of Arkansas’ Bill and Hillary Clinton Airport was shot in the head Tuesday by federal agents after opening fire on them.

Arkansas State Police said Bryan Malinowski, 53, was injured at his home west of Little Rock around 6 a.m.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives said officers were attempting to execute a warrant when someone inside the home fired at the officers.

Neither the ATF, state police nor federal prosecutors provided details about what agents were looking for, citing an ongoing investigation.

The officers returned fire, striking the shooter, identified as Malinowski, the airport’s executive director.

Malinowski was treated at the scene before being transported to an area hospital, Arkansas State Police said. His condition was not immediately available Wednesday.

Neighbors also say Malinowski is a gun enthusiast who frequently buys and trades guns.

An ATF agent, whose identity has not been released, was also shot and killed in an exchange of gunfire, but his life is not in danger, officials said. The officer was also transported to an area hospital for treatment.

On Tuesday, around 2:35 p.m., Little Rock firefighters carrying a power saw and a Halligan tool — a large pry bar — were seen heading toward the home.

An ATF agent was heard saying he was on hand to help agents open a safe in Malinowski’s home, according to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. reported.

Shea De Bruyn, a neighbor, said KARK that she was woken up on Tuesday by a loud bang.

De Bruyn told the outlet: “My heart was pounding and the dogs were barking. I’m just really curious what was going on a few houses down.

According to his biography on the airport websiteMalinowski has worked in the airline industry for over 30 years.

He previously held management positions at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, El Paso International Airport in Texas and Lehigh Valley International Airport in Pennsylvania.

Malinowski joined Clinton National in 2008 as director of properties, planning and development before being promoted to assistant director in 2009. He took over as CEO in 2019.

In a statement from Clinton National Airport, Airport Commission Chairman Bill Walker said, “Today’s incident saddens us and we pray for everyone involved.

The airport was renamed in honor of Bill Clinton, an Arkansas native and former governor of the state, and his wife, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, in 2012.