Overview
- David Maltinsky, a 16-year FBI employee, filed an 18-page federal complaint alleging he was unlawfully terminated in October for displaying a Progress Pride flag.
- A termination letter signed by Director Kash Patel cited an "inappropriate display of political signage" as the reason for removal from federal service.
- Maltinsky had completed 16 of 19 weeks at the FBI Academy in Quantico and was summarily dismissed on Oct. 1, according to the lawsuit.
- The flag had flown at the Los Angeles field office in 2021 and, per the complaint, was later displayed at his desk with approval from supervisors and the office’s chief division counsel.
- The lawsuit names Patel, Attorney General Pam Bondi, the FBI and the Justice Department and seeks reinstatement, back pay and declaratory relief, as Maltinsky and advocates describe a chilling effect inside the bureau and the FBI and DOJ decline comment.