Arkansas state senators ask Justice Department to probe 2024 death of Bryan Malinowski

Dozens of Arkansas state legislators announced Monday that they have asked the Justice Department to open an investigation into the death of Little Rock resident Bryan Malinowski, who died during an Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives raid in 2024.

Federal agents executed a search warrant of Malinowski's home over allegations that he was selling firearms without the proper licenses—some of which were reportedly used in crimes—and for misrepresenting his purpose on purchase forms.

State Sen. Mark Johnson said the letter to President Donald Trump was penned last week because of "conflicting post-incident narratives," "issues of serious concern to the State of Arkansas," and "inadequacy of civil litigation." 

The letter requests the DOJ to initiate an independent investigation into ATF's motivation, planning, authorization, and execution of the search warrant, whether the ATF's actions were compliant with DOJ policies, constitutional standards, and accepted law enforcement practices and whether systemic failures in training, supervision, or oversight contributed to the fatality.

Malinowski's widow, Maria Malinowski, praised the state legislature for the letter, stating there was never any accountability in the death of her husband.

“I am immensely grateful for this letter to President Trump, signed by so many Arkansas Senators," Maria Malinowski said. "It has been two years since my husband was senselessly killed in our home. The government has never answered obvious questions about what happened or why. This letter shows that our state elected officials do not intend to let ATF sweep this tragedy under the rug without accountability.”

Maria Malinowski sued the ATF last year for the wrongful death of her husband.

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.