New York Rep. Jamaal Bowman has pleaded guilty to pulling a fire alarm in a federal building. He says it was a mindless mistake. He claims he thought it would open an emergency door, but that was not the case, video shows.
Now, the representative will have to wait for the courts to sentence him before he pays a fine and writes an apology letter to the US Capitol Police. Some Republicans are calling for him to go to jail.
On Sept. 30, the Bronx native was captured on a security camera pulling the fire alarm while trying to get out of the Cannon House Office Building, leading to the evacuation of the building.
Capitol Police, after reviewing security camera footage, stated Bowman was seen reading the sign that says “Emergency Exit Only Push Until Alarm Sounds” doors. He noticed the doors were locked and then turned his attention to the fire alarm before pulling the lever. The video shows Bowman removing the warning signs.
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As the alarm rang out, Bowman did not tell authorities that he pulled the alarm in a fit of confusion. Instead, he just walked by the officers and kept the information to himself.
He walked over to the Capitol, entering that building four minutes after he pulled the alarm.
The incident occurred just before the House of Representatives was set to vote on a crucial spending bill to fund the government. This vote held significant importance, as it had the potential to result in a government shutdown.
He said it was an “innocent mistake,’ and he was rushing out so that he would not miss the important vote.
“I didn’t know it would trigger the whole building,” Bowman said.
Falsely triggering a fire alarm is a misdemeanor offense.
After being indicted, Bowman released a statement, saying he was “thankful” that authorities were swift with a resolution for the charges.
“I’m thankful for the quick resolution from the District of Columbia Attorney General’s office on…
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