Rep. Jamaal Bowman charged with falsely pulling fire alarm during government shutdown talks
Rep. Jamaal Bowman, D-N.Y., was charged in Washington D.C. court with a misdemeanor after he pulled a fire alarm in the Cannon House office building last month.
Bowman, in an agreement with the D.C. Attorney General, is expected to provide an apology to U.S. Capitol Police and pay a $1,000 fine, according to a congressional aide.
The New York lawmaker was ordered to appear in Superior Court for the District of Columbia Thursday for his booking on one misdemeanor count of falsely pulling a fire alarm. An affidavit in the case says Bowman told area law enforcement authorities he pushed on a door labeled “emergency exit only push to open” and pulled a lever next to the door, but he was unable to exit the office building.
Bowman also explained at the time that he did so because he "did not want to miss the votes to keep the government funded," according to the affidavit. He also said he did not intend to disrupt Congress’ proceedings or cause a security concern.
Bowman pulled the alarm as lawmakers negotiated a deal to temporarily avoid a government shutdown.
The lawmaker in a statement on Wednesday said "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," he added. "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."
Bowman has rejected accusations from some Republicans that he was trying to delay House lawmakers from voting on an agreement to avoid a government shutdown, known as a continuing resolution.
Contributing: Ken Tran, Paste BN