(RepublicanJournal.org) – The Superior Court of the District of Columbia officially charged Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-NY) for falsely pulling a fire alarm. The representative, who has since agreed to a plea deal, set off the system while attempting to use an emergency exit ahead of a budget vote that would avert a government shutdown. There had been previous speculation that he’d pulled the stunt on purpose in an attempt to delay the proceedings.
Security footage shows Bowman made attempts to exit through both of the emergency doors before he pulled the alarm, evidence that the representative may have been telling the truth about his motivations. Still, considering the fact that the New York representative was once a high school principal — someone who should know all the details of how a fire alarm works — his argument raises more questions than answers.
Documents state that a bald, black male wearing a suit and flag lapel pin pulled the fire alarm at approximately 12:05 p.m. on September 20, roughly five minutes after the House was called to vote. Capitol police evacuated the building and began a search for their suspect, whom they promptly identified as Bowman. He admitted to pulling the alarm during an interview, alleging that he always used the same exit, but it was usually unlocked, and he was in a rush to get to the vote. His actions led to the Cannon House Office Building being evacuated for about an hour and a half.
Bowman’s arraignment was on Thursday, October 25, when he pleaded guilty to the charges. He will have to pay a $ 1,000 fine and write a letter of apology to the DC Capitol Police. If he fails to produce a letter of apology, he’ll also face 6 months in prison. The court will drop all charges if he complies. The New York representative will return to court for a review hearing on January 29, 2024.
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