Authorities confirmed that federal agents engaged in a shootout early Tuesday morning while attempting to serve a search warrant at the residence of the individual who leads the Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport in Little Rock, Arkansas.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) reported that the incident occurred just after 6 a.m. in west Little Rock. Upon trying to serve the warrant, shots were fired at the agents from inside the home. In response, the agents returned fire, resulting in the shooter being identified as Bryan Malinowski, 53, the executive director of the airport.
Arkansas State Police stated that Malinowski received on-site medical treatment before being transported to a local hospital. His current condition remains undisclosed.
An ATF agent, whose identity was not disclosed, also sustained a gunshot wound during the exchange but is reported to have a non-life-threatening injury. The injured agent was also taken to a nearby hospital for medical attention.
Details regarding the nature of the search warrant and the purpose of the ATF's operation were not disclosed by the authorities, citing an ongoing investigation.
Later in the day, Little Rock firefighters were observed carrying tools towards the house, with reports indicating their assistance in opening a safe located within Malinowski's residence.
According to Malinowski's professional background outlined on the airport's website, he has accumulated over 30 years of experience in the airline industry. He has held operational leadership positions at various airports, including Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, El Paso International Airport, and Lehigh Valley International Airport in Pennsylvania.
Malinowski initially joined the management team at Clinton National Airport in 2008 as the director of properties, planning, and development. He was subsequently promoted to deputy director in 2009 before assuming the role of executive director in 2019.
