Bryan Malinowski, the executive director of the Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport, found himself in a terrifying situation on Tuesday when federal agents shot him in the head during a shootout at his residence in west Little Rock.
The incident occurred around 6 am when Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) agents arrived at the 53-year-old’s home to execute a warrant, according to reports from Daily Mail on Wednesday, March 20, 2024. Upon their arrival, they encountered gunfire from within the house, prompting them to return fire. Arkansas State Police confirmed that Malinowski was the individual who fired upon the agents.
While the specifics of the warrant and the reasons behind the ATF’s involvement at Malinowski’s residence remain undisclosed, authorities have refrained from providing further details due to the ongoing investigation.
Despite sustaining critical injuries, Malinowski received immediate medical attention at the scene before being transported to a local hospital. As of Wednesday, his current condition remains undisclosed, but a source close to the situation revealed that Malinowski had been shot in the head during the shootout and has been placed on life support, according to KARK.
The incident has cast a pall over the operations of the Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport, leading Airport Commission Chairman Bill Walker to issue a statement expressing condolences and prayers for all those affected. Walker also announced that Tom Clarke, the airport’s deputy executive director, would serve as acting executive director while the investigation progresses.
Bryan Malinowski’s biography on the airport’s website underscores his extensive experience in the airline industry, spanning over 30 years. Before assuming his role at the Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport, Malinowski held leadership positions at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, El Paso International Airport in Texas, and Lehigh Valley International Airport in Pennsylvania. He joined Clinton National in 2008 and became executive director in 2019.
The Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport, formerly known as the Little Rock Municipal Airport, was renamed in honor of Arkansas native and former state governor Bill Clinton and his wife, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, in 2012.
The incident involving Bryan Malinowski has left the community shaken, with many unanswered questions as authorities continue their investigation. As the situation unfolds, the airport and its staff remain dedicated to maintaining normal operations while grappling with the aftermath of this tragic event.