FBI Employee Says He Lost Job Over Pride Flag

A long-time FBI worker is taking legal action, saying he was let go because he had a Pride flag near his desk. David Maltinsky, who had been with the FBI for 16 years, claims his firing was unfair and has made other LGBTQ+ employees nervous. Maltinsky was close to becoming a full agent when he was fired. He says the FBI broke his rights to express himself. The lawsuit mentions the First Amendment, which protects people from being punished for speaking up on important issues. The flag in question was given to Maltinsky after it was displayed outside the FBI's Los Angeles office. Maltinsky says the government allowed Pride flags in federal buildings, so he didn't think he was doing anything wrong. A coworker complained about the flag on Inauguration Day in 2025. Soon after, Maltinsky got a letter from FBI Director Kash Patel, saying he was fired for poor judgment. The letter mentioned the flag as the reason. Maltinsky's lawyer says this is about more than one person's job. It's about whether the government can punish people for being themselves. Maltinsky says many of his colleagues have taken down their Pride flags because they're scared. Since January 20, many people have left or been fired from the Justice Department. Over 5, 000 employees have left this year alone. Maltinsky says he's not afraid and will keep fighting for his rights.