Little Rock Airport Director dies after shootout with federal agents

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Photo provided by Arkansas Business: Bryan Malinowski, executive director of Clinton National Airport (Karen E. Segrave)

Bryan Malinowski, Executive Director of the Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport has died from his injuries following a shootout with ATF agents on Tuesday.

According to Arkansas Business, Little Rock Municipal Airport Commission Chair Bill Walker said in a statement Thursday, “With a heavy heart, we announce the passing of our executive director Bryan Malinowski. 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.”

A release from the Associated Press on Tuesday stated federal agents were involved in the shootout as they tried to serve a search warrant to Malinowski.

An ATF agent, whose identity was not released, also was shot in the exchange of gunfire but suffered a non-life-threatening wound, officials said. The agent, too, was taken to an area hospital for treatment.

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

Around 2:35 p.m., Little Rock firefighters carrying a power saw and a Halligan tool — a large prybar — were seen walking toward the house. An ATF agent was overheard saying they were at the scene to help agents open a safe in Malinowski’s house, the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reported.

Arkansas Business states authorities have not released new information on the shootout. There was also no word on the condition of the federal agent wounded or the reason authorities searched Malinowski’s residence.

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