🔗 Share this article

An experienced FBI analyst has filed a lawsuit stating his let go for displaying a Pride flag within his office space.

Based on David Maltinsky, that was employed for the FBI for 16 years, his termination earlier this year is being described as “unconstitutional and politically motivated”.

Judicial Action Asserts Free Speech Violations

The lawsuit argues that the bureau violated the plaintiff’s free speech freedoms and initiated punitive steps in his case because of expressing legally safeguarded speech.

The plaintiff is seeking a legal ruling to reinstate his position within the agency.

Particulars from the Complaint

The comprehensive lawsuit, filed in the US district court in Washington, D.C., alleges that Maltinsky was fired from the Quantico facility recently because of previously exhibiting the banner at his workstation.

According to the filing, the Pride flag was presented to Maltinsky in recognition of his work to support the agency’s diversity initiatives.

Early on, my goal is serve the nation and protect the nation’s safety together with the skilled and devoted men and women in the bureau,” stated the former employee.

He further stated, “I displayed that banner – that previously was displayed at the Wilshire federal building – not for political reasons, but as a symbol of acceptance, solidarity and impartial service.

These ideals that once made the FBI strong. Now it is a place where employees like me are targeted. I think I was terminated not because of who I am, but due to my being: an openly gay individual,” he said.

Sudden Termination Before Graduation

Recently, Maltinsky gained admission to the FBI special agent training program at Quantico, Virginia, up until what he described as “sudden termination just three weeks before finishing”.

The filing also claims that later following Donald Trump’s inauguration, a co-worker reported an alleged concern to the overseeing official concerning the display of the LGBTQ+ symbol.

To be safe, the employee asked that the Chief Division Counsel for the local bureau assess whether the presence of the LGBTQ+ banner was acceptable,” the document noted.

The document continued, The legal officer told the plaintiff that showing of the symbol was not against any bureau guidelines.”

Informing of Termination

Despite this, on 1 October, Maltinsky was informed of his dismissal.

In a document referenced in the complaint, agency head Kash Patel wrote, “I have determined that you demonstrated poor judgment with an inappropriate display of a partisan emblem in your work area in your prior role at the L.A. bureau.

In accordance with Article II of the Constitution, and regulations of the nation, your position at the bureau is hereby terminated.”

Attorney Remarks

In a release provided this week, Maltinsky’s lawyer the attorney remarked, The government’s illegal termination is part of a larger campaign to rid public offices of workers with divergent opinions, or represent minority populations, or who dare speak out against bias.

His case is not only for him, but involves protecting the liberties and protections of all federal employees.”

Bureau Reaction

The FBI declined to comment regarding the case.

Comparable Lawsuits

The case comes after a separate case lodged recently by previous top agency personnel who said they’d been unlawfully fired.

They claimed that the official stated he had been instructed by the White House to terminate any agent involved in a probe concerning Donald Trump.

Meanwhile, the FBI dismissed a long-serving employee recently after the director allegedly grew upset by reports that the bureau chief used an official aircraft to attend a match at which his companion performed the anthem.

The official, an agency staffer since 1998, was removed from his role in the FBI’s critical incident response group, responsible for significant risks and the bureau’s aircraft.