Senators Tom Cotton and John Boozman of Arkansas are seeking answers from the Justice Department regarding the death of Bryan Malinowski, the executive director of the Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport in Little Rock. Malinowski was shot and killed during a search warrant execution by agents from the Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) on March 19. The ATF agents involved in the operation were not wearing body cameras, a violation of the department’s policy. The senators are demanding a full explanation of how this violation occurred and want the circumstances of the tragedy to be disclosed.
Bud Cummins, the attorney for the Malinowski family, pointed out that the ATF had adopted a policy in 2022 requiring the use of body cameras during the execution of search warrants. This policy was implemented in response to the shooting of Breonna Taylor, an EMT worker in Louisville who was killed during a search warrant operation. Cummins emphasized that the ATF’s failure to comply with its own policy raises more questions than it answers. The senators and the family of Malinowski believe that a full accounting of the facts surrounding the incident is necessary.
During the execution of the search warrant at Malinowski’s home, he allegedly opened fire on the agents, resulting in an exchange of gunfire. An agent was wounded but survived, while Malinowski was shot in the head and died two days later. Malinowski had been under investigation for allegedly selling firearms without a license, some of which were used in crimes. He had purchased over 150 guns between May 2021 and February 2024, legally checked the box indicating the firearms were for his own use, but allegedly resold them at gun shows where he acted as a vendor.
The family of Malinowski maintains that he was a gun owner and enthusiast who, at worst, was accused of making private firearm sales to individuals who may not have been legally entitled to purchase them. They believe that the circumstances surrounding his death warrant a thorough investigation and full disclosure of the facts. The senators are pressing the Justice Department to explain how the ATF agents were not wearing body cameras during the operation and are seeking transparency regarding the events that led to Malinowski’s death. The case raises concerns about law enforcement procedures and the use of force in executing search warrants.
The ATF and the Justice Department have not yet responded to inquiries from media outlets regarding the incident. The lack of body camera footage from the agents involved in the search warrant execution has drawn further scrutiny to the case. The death of Bryan Malinowski has sparked controversy and calls for accountability within the law enforcement community. Senators Cotton and Boozman are committed to uncovering the truth behind the events that led to Malinowski’s fatal shooting and ensuring that those responsible for his death are held accountable. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding Malinowski’s death remains ongoing, with calls for transparency and accountability from lawmakers and the public.
