Staff Reports
Federal agents arrived at Bryan Malinowski’s home and fatally shot him less than a minute later. The Little Rock airport director had been a collector of coins, cards, and other items, and had received a gun collection from his father six years ago. His attorney, Bud Cummins, explained to the Select Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government that Malinowski had developed an interest in guns and would attend shows to buy, sell, and trade them as a hobby.
The ATF suspected that Malinowski had crossed a line and was unlawfully dealing firearms without a license, leading to the execution of a search warrant by ten carloads of heavily armed agents on March 19. The attorney described the agents’ aggressive tactics, including covering the doorbell camera and cutting off electricity to the house. When Malinowski, fearing for his wife’s safety, grabbed a pistol and confronted the agents who he thought were home invaders, shots were fired, resulting in his death and the injury of an agent.
Town Hall: 'What Are They Trying to Hide?': Lawmakers Skewer ATF Over Fatal Arkansas Raid https://t.co/w0nELooWNj
— Ian Hansen 🇺🇸🇺🇸 (@IanHansenFeed) May 24, 2024
The ATF alleged that Malinowski had sold 150 firearms, six of which were used in crimes. However, Cummins argued that the tactics used in the search were incompetent and reckless, especially for a low-level crime. Chairman Jim Jordan criticized the ATF for not wearing body cameras, covering the doorbell, and cutting the lights, questioning their motives.
During a House Judiciary Committee hearing, ATF Director Steven Dettelbach defended the investigation and stated that the department’s policy prohibited commenting on pending matters. The tragic outcome of the raid has raised concerns about the ATF’s handling of the situation and the need for transparency in their actions.
Overall, the conservative rewrite highlights the ATF’s aggressive tactics and the need for accountability in their actions, reflecting the viewpoint of those concerned about government overreach and individual rights.
