LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — An airport executive who was shot in the head this week during a shootout with federal agents has died, a spokesperson for the airport said Thursday.
“With a heavy heart, we announce the passing of our executive director Bryan Malinowski,” the spokesperson for the Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport said in a statement, adding that Malinowski was a 16-year employee of the airport and that it had experienced significant growth and success under his leadership.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to Bryan’s wife, Maer, loved ones and friends,” the statement said.
Malinowski’s wife declined a request for an interview when reached by phone Thursday before news of his death was announced.
Malinowski, 53, was wounded when agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives tried to serve a search warrant at his home just after 6 a.m. Tuesday. The ATF said one of its agents sustained a “non-life-threatening” wound in the shootout. Malinowski was shot more than once, Arkansas State Police have said.
Malinowski’s brother, Matthew Malinowski, 55, previously told NBC News that his sibling was shot in the head and was not likely to survive.
Earlier Thursday, residents here said they were still struggling to make sense of the bloodshed, recalling Malinowski as a near-perfect neighbor.
“He’s been nothing but an outstanding neighbor — helpful and very giving,” said Sarah Aguirre, 30.
Aguirre spoke Thursday from her front door on a cul-de-sac on Durance Court in the upper-middle-class neighborhood.
Shirley Wofford, 75, said that Malinowski was known to do handiwork around the neighborhood and that his wife often chatted with people as she walked the couple’s two pugs every day.
The couple would also bake cookies and share them with neighbors, Wofford said.
She fondly recalled Thursday that after her husband died in 2014, Malinowski would come over unexpectedly and change the lightbulbs outside her home.
“We are…
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