LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas — Arkansas lawmakers are still seeking answers in the federal raid that killed the former executive director of the Little Rock airport.
Bryan Malinowski died in March when the FBI executed an early-morning search warrant on his home, which led to him being shot and killed.
Since then, there have been little to no answers from the FBI about the nature of the warrant. We know investigators were looking into Malinowski's history of purchasing guns, but they have been tight-lipped about the need for a raid on his property.
On Monday afternoon, the Arkansas Senate Judiciary Committee addressed former FBI agent Mark Bowling, Arkansas State Police Colonel Mike Hagar, and Little Rock Police Chief Heath Helton.
While Bowling is not currently with the FBI, he appeared in front of the Senate as an expert in the field. He said Malinowski died unnecessarily.
Bowling also explained how the ATF used a "dynamic entry," which is the quick and forceful entry of someone's home, so they don't get rid of evidence. He said this happened at the Malinowski home and is typically only used for violent suspects.
Arkansas State Police Colonel Mike Hagar said the agency was asked to investigate the shooting only and nothing else surrounding the FBI raid.
Earlier this year, Arkansas State Police concluded the shooting was justified based on camera audio that caught the entire encounter.
Chief Helton said he would not comment because of active investigations and litigation surrounding the shooting. While no new information was given, the committee was very agitated about the LRPD's no comment.
That received some backlash from the committee and the Malinowski family attorney.
"This isn't going away and I think after today if anybody thought this had been swept under the rug they're wrong. This will be pursued and the truth will eventually come out," said Bud Cummins, the Malinowski family attorney.
The Malinowski family has filed a wrongful death claim against the FBI.
After the LRPD chief said he couldn't comment based on the advice of Little Rock City Attorney Tom Carpenter, the judiciary committee made a motion to subpoena him and Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott Jr. to come before the committee at a later date.