🔗 Share this article

An experienced Federal Bureau of Investigation operative has initiated a legal case stating he was let go for having a rainbow symbol at his desk area.

According to the plaintiff, who worked for the FBI since 2009, his dismissal recently was “illegal and discriminatory”.

Legal Action Claims Free Speech Breaches

The complaint argues that the bureau breached Maltinsky’s constitutional protections and took disciplinary steps toward him because of expressing legally safeguarded expression.

Maltinsky is asking for a court order to restore his employment within the agency.

Information of the Complaint

The 18-page complaint, lodged in federal court in the nation’s capital, states that the plaintiff was dismissed from the Quantico facility last month because of earlier displaying the flag on his desk.

Per the document, the rainbow symbol was presented to Maltinsky to acknowledge his contributions to advance the FBI’s equality efforts.

Since childhood, my goal was to serve the United States and protect its security together with the brilliant and dedicated individuals of the FBI,” said the former employee.

He continued, “I displayed that banner – that previously was displayed at the Wilshire federal building – not as a political statement, but as a symbol of diversity, togetherness and fair treatment.

These ideals that helped build the bureau effective. Today it has become where employees like me are targeted. I think I was dismissed not because of my person, but what I am: a proud gay man,” he affirmed.

Sudden Dismissal Before Completion

Recently, the employee was accepted into the federal agent training academy in Virginia, until his “unexpected firing shortly before finishing”.

The filing further alleges that at some point subsequent to the presidential inauguration, another employee raised an issue to his manager about the presence of the Pride flag.

To be safe, the plaintiff requested that the legal advisor for the local bureau examine whether the presence of the Progress Pride flag was allowed,” the complaint stated.

The document continued, The legal officer informed the employee that showing of the banner complied with any policy, rule, or regulation.”

Notification of Firing

Despite this, in early October, Maltinsky received notice of his firing.

In a document mentioned in the lawsuit, bureau chief the director wrote, “I have determined that you used improper judgment with the presence of political signage in your office while previously assigned in Los Angeles.

In accordance with federal law of the United States Constitution, and regulations of the nation, your position with the FBI is now ended.”

Attorney Comment

In a release issued this week, his attorney Kerrie Riggs remarked, “This administration’s illegal termination forms part of a broader effort to purge public offices of employees that possess alternative perspectives, or belong to marginalized groups, or who dare oppose discrimination.

His case is not only for him, but about securing the entitlements and freedoms of all public servants.”

Department Reaction

The FBI did not provide a statement about the legal action.

Related Lawsuits

The case follows a separate case lodged recently by ex- top agency personnel that claimed they’d been unlawfully fired.

They claimed that the director stated he had been directed by the administration to dismiss any employee involved in a probe into Trump.

At the same time, the FBI terminated a long-serving employee earlier this month after the official allegedly grew upset over news that the bureau chief flown on an official aircraft to attend a sports event during which his partner sang the national anthem.

Steven Palmer, an FBI employee since 1998, was fired from his role in the agency’s response team, responsible for serious incidents and the agency’s jet fleet.