Arkansas Senators Demand Answers After ATF Agents Kill Airport Executive Without Body Cameras

Arkansas Senators Tom Cotton and John Boozman are demanding answers from the Department of Justice after Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) agents killed Bryan Malinowski, the executive director of the Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport in Little Rock, during a search warrant execution without wearing body cameras, violating the agency's own policy. "The DOJ confirmed to us that the ATF agents involved in the raid on Mr. Malinowski's home were not wearing body cameras," the senators stated. "We will continue to press the Department to explain how this violation of its own policy could have happened and to disclose the full circumstances of this tragedy."

Malinowski, a 16-year employee at the airport, was shot and killed on March 19 when ATF agents attempted to serve a search warrant at his home around 6 a.m. The search warrant was in connection to Malinowski allegedly purchasing at least 150 guns in a three-year span, with six of those firearms recovered at different crime scenes across the United States and three more purchased by undercover ATF agents. However, Malinowski's family attorney, Bud Cummings, said that it is ATF policy to use body-worn cameras during search warrants, and this violation "raises more questions than it answers."

The senators emphasized that Malinowski's family and the public have a right to a full accounting of the facts surrounding the incident. They stated, "Mr. Malinowski's family and the public have a right to a full accounting of the facts." The Arkansas State Police is currently investigating the officer-involved shooting aspect of Malinowski's death.

Why this matters: The lack of body camera footage during the ATF raid that resulted in Malinowski's death has drawn scrutiny and raised questions about the agency's adherence to its own policies. The incident highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in law enforcement operations, especially those involving the use of deadly force.

Malinowski's supporters maintain that he was a legal gun owner and enthusiast who may have made private firearm sales, which was not illegal at the time due to the "gun show loophole." The ATF alleges Malinowski sold guns to criminals. Senators Cotton and Boozman are committed to uncovering the truth and ensuring accountability for Malinowski's death. They will continue to press the Department of Justice for a full explanation of the circumstances surrounding the incident and the ATF's violation of its body camera policy.

Key Takeaways

• ATF agents killed airport exec Bryan Malinowski during a search warrant, no body cams
• Malinowski allegedly bought 150 guns, 9 linked to crimes, ATF claims he sold to criminals
• Senators demand DOJ explain violation of ATF's body cam policy and full circumstances
• Malinowski's family says he was a legal gun owner, may have made private sales
• Lack of body cam footage raises questions about transparency and accountability