Lawsuit alleges FBI retaliated against employee for displaying Pride flag

A former FBI employee, David Maltinsky, has filed a lawsuit against the FBI, its director, and several other officials, alleging that he was wrongfully terminated for displaying a Pride flag at his desk. The lawsuit claims that the FBI violated Maltinsky’s First Amendment rights and retaliated against him for engaging in protected speech.

Maltinsky, an intelligence specialist who served with the bureau for 16 years, claims his termination was "unconstitutional and politically motivated." He is seeking a court order to restore his job, The Guardian reports.

According to the complaint filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, Maltinsky had displayed the Pride flag at his workstation with the support and permission of his supervisors. The flag had been gifted to Maltinsky in recognition of his contributions to the FBI's diversity initiatives, including the bureau flying the Pride flag at its Los Angeles building.

"From a young age, all I have wanted to do is serve my country and ensure its security alongside the brilliant and dedicated men and women of the FBI," Maltinsky stated. He emphasized that the Pride flag was displayed "not as a political statement, but as a symbol of inclusion, unity, and equal service." He added, "These are the values that once made the FBI strong. Now it is a place where people like me are targeted. I believe I was fired not because of who I am, but what I am: a proud gay man."

Maltinsky’s lawsuit states that after Donald Trump's inauguration, a co-worker raised concerns about the Pride flag. However, the Chief Division Counsel for the Los Angeles field office advised Maltinsky that displaying the flag did not violate any policy, rule, or regulation. Despite this, Maltinsky was terminated on October 1st.

According to the lawsuit, a letter from one of the defendants stated that Maltinsky was terminated for "poor judgment with an inappropriate display of political signage" at his previous assignment.

Maltinsky’s lawyer, Kerrie Riggs, stated that the firing is "part of a larger campaign to rid federal agencies of employees who may have different viewpoints, or are from marginalized groups, or who dare speak out against discrimination. David’s fight is not just about him, but about securing the rights and freedoms of all federal employees."

The FBI and the Justice Department have declined to comment on the lawsuit.

This lawsuit follows similar claims of wrongful termination by other former senior FBI officials.