Boss of Bill and Hillary Clinton airport who was shot dead in shootout with ATF agents over illegal gun sales is bizarrely posthumously awarded his $24,000 bonus

Bryan Malinowski, the late executive director of Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport, was awarded his $24,000 bonus after being fatally shot.

Commissioners unanimously voted to posthumously award the late executive director his bonus after an executive session on Tuesday.

The 53-year-old died on March 21, two days after he was involved in a fatal shootout with agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). The investigators were trying to carry out a search warrant at his Little Rock home.

One agent was injured during the shooting, and according to ATF, Malinowski was the one who initially opened fire on the agents.

The federal search warrant at Malinowski's residence last month was to uncover whether or not he illegally purchase a firearm.

Bryan Malinowski, the late executive director of Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport, was awarded his $24,000 bonus after being fatally shot

Commissioners unanimously voted to posthumously award the late executive director his bonus after an executive session on Tuesday

He was also suspected of gun trafficking.

According to an affidavit submitted in support of the search, Malinowski acquired over 150 known firearms between May 2021 and late February.

Moreover, the affidavit also stated that ATF made three undercover transactions of firearms and later recovered six firearms linked to a crime. Numerous firearms and ammunition were among the things that authorities took on March 19, according to court documents.

The chair where Malinowski usually sat at the meetings was draped in black along with his airport badge.

A moment of silence was held for Malinowski after the meeting was assembled by Bill Walker, the Airport Commission chairman.

Commissioners then had to decide who would take Malinowski's spot as executive director, which is when they approved the bonus.

The vice chairman and treasurer of the Airport Commission, Patrick Schueck, made the motion and noted that Malinowski had a 'very productive year,' citing the panel's longstanding habit of giving bonuses.

Schueck brought up the airport's recently extended contract with Dassault Falcon Jet as well as grant money obtained for airport projects. 

Shane Carter confirmed that the bonus paid to Malinowski will go towards his estate.

After his annual review last June, Malinowski received a $15,000 bonus as well as a 3% merit pay increase and retirement savings plan contributions.

Furthermore, the Airport Commission decided to use an existing contract with ADK Consulting & Executive Search to help with the hiring of Malinowski's replacement.

They also voted to give a 7% pay increase to Thomas Clarke, the airport's deputy executive director, who was named acting executive director on March 19.

With this increase, Clarke will make $237,968.66 per year. 

The move for the 7% wage increase was made by Commissioner John Rutledge. He argued that it was comparable to 2019, which was the last time the airport had to appoint an interim leader.

That time, Malinowski succeeded retiring executive director Ron Mathieu as the airport's deputy executive director.

The 53-year-old died on March 21, two days after he was involved in a fatal shootout with agents from the Bureau of Alcohol , Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

According to an affidavit submitted in support of the search, Malinowski acquired over 150 known firearms between May 2021 and late February

Moreover, the affidavit also stated that ATF made three undercover transactions of firearms and later recovered six firearms linked to a crime

Walker said during a trip to Washington D.C., he got observe Malinowski's 'passion and love for not only his airport family, but the work that he was doing here at this airport.'

At the meeting, Clarke thanks commissioners for showing him the same confidence as they did Malinowski.

'We will do our best to perform in a way that would make him proud,' Clarke said.