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A veteran FBI intelligence specialist has filed a lawsuit stating he was let go for displaying a Pride flag at his workstation.

According to David Maltinsky, that was employed with the bureau since 2009, his dismissal recently is being described as “improper and biased”.

Judicial Action Asserts First Amendment Infringements

The complaint contends that the bureau violated the employee’s constitutional protections and took disciplinary measures toward him because of expressing constitutionally covered communication.

Maltinsky is asking for a judicial directive to return his position with the FBI.

Particulars of the Lawsuit

The comprehensive filing, lodged in the US district court in the nation’s capital, alleges that the plaintiff was terminated from his training last month because of earlier displaying the banner at his workstation.

According to the filing, the Pride flag was given to the employee to honor his work to advance the agency’s inclusion programs.

Since childhood, my only desire has been to serve the United States and safeguard the nation’s safety beside the talented and committed individuals in the bureau,” stated the former employee.

He added, “I displayed that banner – that previously was raised before the Los Angeles office – not to make a political point, but as a symbol of inclusion, unity and equal service.

“These are the values that previously strengthened the bureau effective. Now it is a place where people like me face discrimination. I am convinced I was dismissed not due to who I am, but what I am: an openly gay individual,” he affirmed.

Abrupt Firing Prior to Finish

Earlier this year, the plaintiff was enrolled in the FBI special agent training program at Quantico, Virginia, until his “unexpected firing only weeks prior to completion”.

The filing additionally states that eventually subsequent to the 2017 inauguration, a co-worker reported an issue to Maltinsky’s direct supervisor regarding the display of the Pride flag.

To be safe, the employee requested that the Chief Division Counsel for the Los Angeles field office assess whether the display of the Progress Pride flag was allowed,” the document noted.

It added, The advisor advised the employee that the display of the symbol did not violate the agency’s standards.”

Informing of Dismissal

Despite this, in early October, the plaintiff was informed of his firing.

In correspondence referenced in the complaint, FBI director the official commented, I have concluded that you demonstrated poor judgment with the presence of political signage at your workstation while previously assigned at the Los Angeles Field Office.

“Pursuant to the Constitution of the Constitution, and regulations of the United States, your job with the FBI is hereby terminated.”

Attorney Remarks

In a statement provided recently, his legal representative Kerrie Riggs remarked, The government’s wrongful dismissal is a component of a broader effort to remove federal agencies of workers who may have different viewpoints, or are from minority populations, or those who oppose discrimination.

His case is not just about him, but about securing the liberties and protections of every government worker.”

Department Response

The FBI declined to comment regarding the case.

Related Legal Cases

Maltinsky’s lawsuit comes after a separate case filed in September by three former top agency personnel who alleged they were improperly dismissed.

They alleged that the official stated he had been ordered by the White House to terminate any agent participating in an investigation regarding the former president.

Meanwhile, the bureau fired an experienced official recently after Patel allegedly grew upset by reports that the FBI director had taken a federal plane to be present at a sports event during which his partner performed the national anthem.

The veteran, an agency staffer since 1998, was removed from his role in the FBI’s critical incident response group, that handles significant risks and FBI planes.