FBI Intelligence Specialist Claims Unconstitutional Dismissal
A long-serving FBI employee has initiated legal proceedings against the bureau, claiming he was unjustly dismissed for displaying a Pride flag at his workstation. David Maltinsky, who dedicated 16 years to the agency, filed the lawsuit in the US District Court for the District of Columbia on Wednesday.
The legal action names several high-profile defendants, including FBI director Kash Patel, the justice department, and attorney general Pam Bondi. Maltinsky describes his termination as both unconstitutional and politically motivated.
Career Dedication Cut Short
Maltinsky joined the FBI in 2009 and built an impressive career supporting crucial investigations. His work included contributions to public corruption cases and cybercrime probes, notably participating in the investigation into North Korea's 2014 cyberattack on Sony Pictures.
Earlier this year, Maltinsky's career reached a significant milestone when he was accepted into the FBI special agent training academy at Quantico, Virginia. However, his aspirations were dashed when he received what he termed an abrupt dismissal just three weeks before graduation.
The Pride Flag Controversy
According to the 18-page complaint, Maltinsky displayed the Pride flag at his desk with full supervisory approval. The flag held particular significance as it had previously flown from the flagpole at the FBI's Los Angeles building.
The bureau had presented the flag to Maltinsky in recognition of his efforts to advance the FBI's diversity initiatives. He emphasised that his display was not intended as a political statement but as a symbol of inclusion and equal service.
Following Donald Trump's inauguration on 20 January 2025, a colleague raised concerns about the flag display with Maltinsky's supervisor. Demonstrating caution, Maltinsky sought guidance from the Chief Division Counsel for the Los Angeles field office, who confirmed that displaying the flag violated no policies or regulations.
Unexpected Termination
Despite this clearance, Maltinsky received termination notice on 1 October 2025. In a letter cited in the complaint, Director Patel stated that Maltinsky had exercised poor judgment through inappropriate display of political signage.
Maltinsky's lawyer, Kerrie Riggs, released a statement describing the dismissal as part of a broader campaign targeting federal employees from marginalised groups or those expressing differing viewpoints.
The FBI has declined to comment on the ongoing litigation. This case follows another recent lawsuit filed by three former senior FBI officials who similarly allege wrongful termination under the current administration.
