New video of an ATF raid against the director of Bill and Hillary Clinton Airport in Arkansas has raised questions about the use of force by federal agents after his death in a shooting.
Bryan Malinowski, 53, died at the hospital at noon Thursday, two days after the confrontation with ATF agents at his house in west Little Rock.
The search warrant revealed that Malinowski was suspected of selling more than 150 firearms between May 2021 and February of this year.
Bud Cummins, an attorney for Malinowski’s estate, posted several clips from the Chenal Valley neighborhood the night of the raid, which the attorney said took place while his client and his wife Maer were sleeping, adding that it’s not clear the officers properly identified themselves. .
One of the clips, taken from a neighbor’s doorbell camera, shows the ATF arriving in at least 10 vehicles at Malinowski’s home that night, leading some to wonder if the feds went too far.
New video of an ATF raid on airport director Bill and Hillary Clinton in Arkansas has raised questions about the use of force by federal agents after his death in a shooting.
Bryan Malinowski, 53, died at the hospital at noon Thursday, two days after the confrontation with ATF agents at his home in west Little Rock.
Both videos show ATF agents cocking their rifles dressed in full tactical gear outside Malinowski’s home.
While police have said Malinowski shot at officers when they served him with a warrant, Cummins claims he was given no such warning.
“At this time there is no publicly available evidence to demonstrate whether the officers knocked on the door or announced their presence, properly identifying themselves,” he said. KATV in a sentence.
He adds that Maer Malinowski “only heard loud bangs followed immediately by the noise of the front door being forced open.”
Cummins cites evidence that Malinowski shot at the officers standing at his feet, while they returned fire, shooting him in the head.
He also says it’s unclear who shot first.
“We don’t know who fired first, but it appears that Bryan fired approximately three times at a decidedly low angle, probably at the feet of the intruders who were approximately 30 feet away,” Cummins said.
Although officers had obtained a warrant to search the principal’s property and vehicles, Cummins believes their methods were suspicious.
One of the clips, taken from a neighbor’s doorbell camera, shows the ATF arriving in at least 10 vehicles at Malinowski’s home that night, leading some to wonder if the feds went too far.
Although officers had obtained a warrant to search the principal’s property and vehicles, Cummins believes their methods were suspicious.
“The Malinowski family believes that the facts already known amply demonstrate that the ATF’s tactics on March 19 were reckless and incompetent and completely unnecessary,” he added.
The ATF has requested an investigation of the incident by the Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division.
The affidavit noted that six of the more than 150 firearms Malinowski dealt in were later used in crimes, one of which He ended up with a 15-year-old gang member in California.
Cummins’ statement follows one released by Malinowski’s family after his death in which they questioned the feds’ approach.
“Even if the allegations in the affidavit are true, they do not begin to justify what happened,” his family said in the statement this afternoon.
“In the worst-case scenario, gun owner and enthusiast Bryan Malinowski was accused of making private sales of firearms to a person who may not have had the legal right to purchase them.”
The investigation began in November 2023, when an informant notified Canadian authorities about the illegal circulation of weapons.
Malinowski would allegedly purchase the weapons legally online, stating that they were for personal use and acknowledging that the ‘The repetitive purchase of firearms for subsequent sale is illegal without a license.
Malinowski was shot by ATF agents at his home in west Little Rock on Tuesday when the agents were attempting to serve a warrant and someone inside the home opened fire.
His brother, Matthew Malinowski, said he believes officers were searching the home because he “bought something he shouldn’t have bought.”
But he was seen selling them at gun shows without asking for any identification or documentation, and he told an undercover agent that none were needed for private sales.
The ATF said that Someone inside Malinowski’s home opened fire when they arrived Tuesday, and in the ensuing gunfight, Malinowski allegedly suffered a gunshot wound to the head.
speaking to Fox News Last week, his brother Matthew Malinowski said doctors did not expect him to survive.
“At this point everything is speculation. I have a feeling she bought something he shouldn’t have bought. It’s the only thing I can think of,” she added.
Matthew also said NBC that the agents “broke down his door” leaving his brother with no choice but to “defend himself.”
He added: “There is something fishy here. The ATF went after him in the worst way possible.
‘There is no reason why he couldn’t have been arrested at work at the airport. Something smells terrible.
Matthew said he found it strange that his brother could get caught up in the law, noting that he was well connected, made more than $250,000 a year, lived in a nice suburb and had collections of guns and coins.
Malinowski joined Clinton National in 2008 as director of properties, planning and development before being promoted to deputy director in 2009.
Malinowski is seen here on the right with Pete Buttigieg, the Secretary of Transportation, during a visit to Clinton National Airport last March.
An ATF agent, whose identity was not released, was also shot in the exchange of gunfire, but suffered a non-life-threatening wound, authorities said. The officer was also taken to an area hospital for treatment.
Around 2:35 p.m. Tuesday, Little Rock firefighters with a chainsaw and a Halligan tool (a large pry bar) were seen walking toward the home.
Shea De Bruyn, a neighbor, said KARK that on Tuesday she was woken up by loud knocks.
De Bruyn told the outlet: ‘My heart was racing and the dogs were barking. I’m just really curious to know what was going on a few houses over.
An ATF agent was heard saying they were at the scene to help agents open a safe at Malinowski’s home, the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reported. reported.
Malinowski joined Clinton National in 2008 as director of properties, planning and development before being promoted to deputy director in 2009. He assumed the role of CEO in 2019.
Bill Walker, chairman of the Little Rock Municipal Airport Commission, noted that under Malinowski’s leadership the airport experienced “significant growth and success” and offered his condolences to Malinowski’s family.
“Bryan was an employee of the airport for 16 years,” Walker said in the statement announcing his death. ‘Under his leadership, our airport has experienced significant growth and success, expanding services and offerings to our community and state. We extend our deepest condolences to Bryan’s wife, Maer, and her loved ones and friends.”