🔗 Share this article

An experienced Federal Bureau of Investigation analyst has brought a lawsuit claiming he was terminated on account of having an LGBTQ+ banner at his workstation.

As per the plaintiff, that worked with the bureau since 2009, the firing earlier this year was “illegal and discriminatory”.

Legal Proceedings Alleges First Amendment Breaches

The legal filing states that the FBI breached Maltinsky’s constitutional freedoms and engaged in retaliatory action against him due to participating in protected expression.

The former specialist is seeking a judicial directive to restore his job with the FBI.

Particulars of the Complaint

The comprehensive filing, filed in the US district court for the District of Columbia, alleges that the plaintiff was dismissed from the Quantico facility recently because of before showing the Pride symbol at his workstation.

Per the filing, the Pride flag was given to Maltinsky to acknowledge his work to support the FBI’s equality efforts.

“From a young age, my goal has been to serve my country and safeguard its security together with the skilled and devoted individuals of the FBI,” remarked the plaintiff.

He continued, “I displayed that banner – which in 2021 was raised before the Wilshire federal building – not as a political statement, but as a representation of inclusion, unity and equal service.

These ideals that helped build the FBI strong. Currently it stands as where people like me are singled out. I am convinced I was terminated not because of my identity, but what I am: an openly gay individual,” he affirmed.

Sudden Dismissal Just ahead of Graduation

Earlier this year, the plaintiff was enrolled in the FBI special agent training program at Quantico, Virginia, up until what he called “sudden termination only weeks prior to finishing”.

The complaint also claims that eventually following Donald Trump’s inauguration, a co-worker expressed an issue to his manager concerning the presence of the Pride flag.

As a precaution, Maltinsky requested that the top lawyer for the Los Angeles field office examine if the display of the LGBTQ+ banner was allowed,” the document stated.

The document continued, “The Chief Division Counsel informed Maltinsky that exhibiting of the flag complied with any policy, rule, or regulation.”

Notification of Termination

Nevertheless, in early October, the employee was notified of his dismissal.

In a document cited in the filing, bureau chief the director wrote, I decided that you demonstrated bad decision-making with the presence of a political symbol at your workstation during your previous assignment in Los Angeles.

“Pursuant to Article II of the United States Constitution, and regulations of the nation, your employment with the Federal Bureau of Investigation is hereby terminated.”

Lawyer Comment

In a statement released this week, his legal representative Kerrie Riggs remarked, The current leadership’s illegal termination is part of a broader effort to remove public offices of staff with divergent opinions, or represent minority populations, or who dare speak out against discrimination.

This battle is not just about him, but involves protecting the liberties and protections of all public servants.”

Bureau Reaction

The agency refused to respond about the legal action.

Comparable Legal Cases

This legal action follows an additional filing submitted earlier by ex- senior FBI officials who alleged they were improperly dismissed.

They stated that the official stated he had been ordered by the administration to dismiss any official participating in a probe concerning Donald Trump.

Meanwhile, the agency fired a nearly three-decade veteran recently following Patel allegedly grew upset by reports that the bureau chief flown on a government jet to be present at a wrestling event where his girlfriend sang the Star-Spangled Banner.

The official, a bureau veteran since 1998, was removed from leading the agency’s response team, which manages serious incidents and the bureau’s aircraft.