The executive director of Little Rock's airport, Bryan Malinowski, tragically passed away after being injured in a shootout with federal agents serving a search warrant at his home earlier this week. The announcement of his death was made by the Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport on Thursday. Malinowski, 53, had been a dedicated employee of the airport for 16 years, starting as director of properties, planning, and development in 2008 before rising to the position of executive director in 2019.
During his tenure, the airport experienced significant growth and success, expanding services and offerings to the community and the state. Bill Walker, chair of the Little Rock Municipal Airport Commission, expressed his condolences to Malinowski's family and praised his leadership in the statement released by the airport.
The fatal incident occurred when ATF agents attempted to serve a warrant at Malinowski's residence in west Little Rock early Tuesday morning. Gunshots were fired at the agents from inside the house, prompting them to return fire. Tragically, Malinowski was struck during the exchange of gunfire, sustaining a fatal injury. An ATF agent was also wounded but is expected to recover from the non-life-threatening injury.
Details regarding the nature of the warrant and the circumstances surrounding the shootout have not been disclosed by the authorities, citing an ongoing investigation. The community mourns the loss of Bryan Malinowski, a respected figure in the aviation industry, and offers support to his family during this difficult time.
