Rep. Jamaal Bowman accused of triggering fire alarm before House vote.
OAN’s Abril Elfi
3:52 PM – Wednesday, October 25, 2023
Democrat Representative Jamaal Bowman has been charged with a misdemeanor after pulling the fire alarm minutes before a House vote.
Bowman (D-N.Y.) is now charged with falsely activating a fire alarm at a congressional office building before a vote with the House of Representatives on a stopgap budget plan to finance the government.
After being charged, the Democrat released a statement saying that he was responsible, has now pleaded guilty, and will be paying the fine issued.
“I’m thankful for the quick resolution from the District of Columbia Attorney General’s office on this issue and grateful that the United States Capitol Police General Counsel’s office agreed I did not obstruct nor intend to obstruct any House vote or proceedings. I am responsible for activating a fire alarm, I will be paying the fine issued, and look forward to these charges being ultimately dropped,” Bowman said. “I think we all know that Republicans will attempt to use this to distract everyone from their mess, but I look forward to putting this behind me and to continue working hard to deliver for New Yorkers.”
According to court documents, Bowman pulled the fire alarm on September 30th in the Cannon House office building.
Security camera footage shows Bowman looking at the doors that read “Emergency Exit Only Push Until Alarm Sounds,” then, as he notices that the doors are locked, he gazes at the fire alarm and pulls it.
According to the lawsuit, after pulling down the fire alarm, Bowman strolled by Capitol police officers without saying anything or alerting them that he was the individual who pulled the alarm.
Bowman then entered the Capitol again four minutes after pulling the alarm. Soon after, he admitted to pulling the alarm but claimed that the incident was an “innocent mistake.”
“I was rushing to make a vote,” Bowman said. “I didn’t know it would trigger the whole building.”
Bowman is reportedly scheduled to be arraigned in D.C. Superior Court on Thursday at 9:30 a.m.
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What measures should be implemented to prevent unauthorized activation of fire alarms and ensure the safety and security of elected officials and Capitol buildings
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Democrat Representative Jamaal Bowman Charged with False Activation of Fire Alarm
Democrat Representative Jamaal Bowman, representing New York, has been charged with a misdemeanor after allegedly pulling a fire alarm in a congressional office building just minutes before a House vote. The incident occurred during a vote on a stopgap budget plan to finance the government. Bowman now faces charges of falsely activating the fire alarm.
According to reports, Bowman has pleaded guilty to the charges and has agreed to pay the fine issued. In a statement released after being charged, Bowman expressed his gratitude to the District of Columbia Attorney General’s office for the quick resolution and thanked the United States Capitol Police General Counsel’s office for acknowledging that he did not obstruct or intend to obstruct any House vote or proceedings. He also expressed his intention to put this incident behind him and continue working hard for the people of New York.
Court documents reveal that the incident took place on September 30th in the Cannon House office building. Security camera footage reportedly shows Bowman observing the emergency exit doors, which read “Emergency Exit Only Push Until Alarm Sounds,” and subsequently pulling the fire alarm after realizing the doors were locked. After pulling the alarm, the lawsuit states that Bowman walked past Capitol police officers without acknowledging his involvement or alerting them to the situation.
Four minutes later, Bowman reentered the Capitol, where he admitted to pulling the alarm but claimed it was an “innocent mistake.” He stated that he was rushing to make a vote and was unaware that it would trigger the entire building’s alarm system.
Bowman is scheduled to be arraigned in D.C. Superior Court on Thursday at 9:30 a.m. The charges against him are expected to be dropped, as he has accepted responsibility and reached a plea agreement with the authorities.
This incident has raised questions about the security protocols and actions of elected officials within the Capitol. The unauthorized activation of a fire alarm without proper cause not only poses a safety risk but also disrupts the normal functioning of legislative proceedings. The consequences of such actions can be severe, as they can divert the attention of law enforcement agencies from genuine emergencies and jeopardize the overall security of the Capitol.
It remains to be seen how this incident will impact Bowman’s political career, as well as the measures that will be put in place to prevent similar occurrences in the future. As lawmakers, it is essential for representatives to uphold the highest standards of conduct and respect the sanctity of the legislative process.
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