The lawyer representing Bryan Malinowski’s family stated that his client believed he was protecting his wife and home from armed intruders when he fired at ATF agents on March 19.
Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) is questioning why Bryan Malinowski was fatally shot by ATF agents just 57 seconds after they arrived at his home on March 19. Mr. Jordan, who chairs the U.S. House Select Subcommittee on the Weaponization of Government, held a hearing on May 22 to investigate the incident.
During the hearing, the subcommittee heard about alleged abuses by the ATF. Witnesses also testified in defense of the agency, accusing Republicans of attempting to dismantle the ATF at the request of the firearms industry.
Mr. Jordan expressed outrage over the treatment of Mrs. Malinowski, who was reportedly forced out of her home in freezing weather wearing only her night clothes. He demanded answers as to why she was held in a police car for up to 5 hours without access to warmer clothing or a restroom.
Mr. Jordan assured Bud Cummins, the lawyer representing the Malinowski family, that the committee would uncover the truth behind why Bryan Malinowski was shot by ATF agents as soon as they entered his home.
An ATF spokesperson declined to comment on the matter.
At the time of his death, Bryan Malinowski was the executive director of the Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport in Little Rock, Arkansas. According to Mr. Cummins, Malinowski drew the ATF’s attention due to his involvement in purchasing and selling firearms through private sales and gun shows.
Mr. Cummins argued that Malinowski did not believe he needed a federal firearms license (FFL) as he was not making a living from buying and selling guns.
The ATF’s investigation into Malinowski included surveillance, tracking his movements, and obtaining a search warrant based on claims that some of the firearms he sold were used in crimes. However, Mr. Cummins disputed this, stating that the guns were found at or near crime scenes but were not used in the commission of crimes.
Critics of the ATF, including military veteran and attorney Ryan Cleckner, argue that the agency’s focus on minor administrative errors by legal gun dealers is misguided. Cleckner and others believe the ATF should prioritize targeting criminals rather than honest business owners.
Despite criticisms, supporters of the ATF, such as Kelly Sampson from Brady, a gun control organization, argue that the agency plays a crucial role in preventing gun violence. Sampson cited statistics showing that thousands of Americans die from gun-related incidents each year, making firearms a leading cause of death in the U.S.
The debate over the impact and effectiveness of the ATF continues, with both critics and supporters voicing their concerns and perspectives. The Crime Prevention Research Center has highlighted that in order to accurately interpret statistics, it is crucial to consider deaths for individuals under the age of 20, which may include gang members and older teens involved in criminal activities, thereby potentially skewing the data.
Moreover, if the analysis is restricted to individuals under 18, the leading cause of death shifts to automobile accidents, as reported by the CPRC.
In light of these findings, it is suggested that instead of criticizing the ATF, Congress should focus on providing the necessary resources to enhance the agency’s ability to prevent firearms from reaching those prohibited from possessing them.
Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.) emphasized the importance of Congress taking action to protect children and families from gun violence, accusing Republicans of prioritizing the interests of gun manufacturers over the safety of the public.
Additionally, Representative French Hill (R-Ark.) acknowledged the concern surrounding gun violence and underscored the need to address violence stemming from various sectors within the community, highlighting specific cases such as Mare Malinowski’s tragic loss due to gun violence inflicted by the government.
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