New York Democratic Rep. Jamaal Bowman pleaded guilty Thursday to a misdemeanor charge for accidentally setting off a fire alarm inside the Capitol, The Hill reported.
District of Columbia Attorney General Brian Schwalb charged Bowman with violating D.C. regulations for setting off a fire alarm inside the Cannon House office building during a Sept. 30 House vote on a Republican funding package. I made an accusation. As the 2023 fiscal year winds down, the House rushed to vote on a funding measure to keep the government running. (Related: House passes short-term government funding bill to avoid shutdown)
The attorney general handed down the charges Wednesday. Says There is “sufficient reason to believe that the defendant intentionally or knowingly set off false fire alarms within the District of Columbia.”It is a violation of local law “Intentionally or knowingly” setting off a fire alarm in the District of Columbia;
‘Squad’ members must send apology letter to US Capitol Police, The Hill report. He could face six months in prison and a $1,000 fine, according to FOX News’ Chad Pergram.
From my colleague Jake Gibson. Democratic New York Rep. Bowman pleaded guilty last month to setting off a Cap Hill fire alarm. He must write a letter of apology to the USCP. The judge told Bowman that if he did not write the letter he could be sentenced to six months in prison and a $1,000 fine.
— Chad Pergram (@ChadPergram) October 26, 2023
bowman Said He believed that pulling the fire alarm would automatically open the door and allow him to enter the House chamber in time for the vote. He denied setting off the alarm to disrupt voting in the chamber. (Related: Republican Rep. Jason Smith says Rep. Bowman “should be held accountable” for setting off the fire alarm during floor vote)
“Today, as I was rushing to vote, I came to the door that is usually open to vote, but today it wasn’t open,” Bowman said in a statement on Sept. 30. “I realized that I had set the fire. I’m embarrassed to admit it.” I set off the alarm and mistakenly thought the door would open. We regret this and sincerely apologize for the confusion caused. But let me be clear: this was in no way an attempt by me to delay voting. ”
“It was just the opposite. I was rushing to vote and ended up voting and joining my colleagues in a bipartisan effort to keep government open.” continued Mr. Bowman.
Republican New York State Representative Nicole Malliotakis announced He plans to introduce a resolution to expel Bowman from the House on suspicion of committing a federal crime. Other House Republicans called for a criminal investigation and for Bowman to be held accountable.
then-House Speaker Kevin McCarthy Said He said he was “appalled” by “Democrats’ actions” to delay the vote.Several House Democrats tried walk slowly The funding bill was voted on because of the lack of support for Ukraine.
