Newly released footage has raised questions about the actions of Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-NY) in September when he pulled a fire alarm in the Cannon House Office Building. The video, which was first reported exclusively by Breitbart News, shows Bowman discarding emergency warning signs and pulling the fire alarm, then swiftly leaving the scene without attempting to open any doors. This footage contradicts Bowman’s earlier claim that he pulled the alarm in an attempt to access the building to make a vote in the Capitol before it closed.
Bowman had initially stated, “I was literally just in a rush to go vote, man! That’s all it was!” However, some Republicans alleged that his real intention was to disrupt the Capitol and delay the vote, giving Senate negotiators more time to craft a government spending bill that would be more favorable to Democrats.
The video shows Bowman’s actions in stark contrast to his explanation. After pulling the alarm, he does not make any effort to open the door but instead quickly departs the area. Sources from Breitbart News confirmed that Bowman went down a set of stairs and exited the building through another exit.
🚨 NEW FOOTAGE: Democrat Rep. Jamaal Bowman removes warning signs before pulling the fire alarm in a House office building last month pic.twitter.com/dhwOQN2G6y
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) October 26, 2023
In response to his actions, the D.C. Attorney General (AG) brought criminal charges against Bowman, charging him with a misdemeanor for pulling the fire alarm. This misdemeanor carried a maximum prison sentence of six months. However, on the same day, an agreement was reached between Bowman and the AG. Under the terms of the agreement, Bowman would avoid jail time by paying a $1,000 fine and writing a formal apology letter to the U.S. Capitol Police. Furthermore, the charge would be dropped in three months.
Statement from Congressman Jamaal Bowman pic.twitter.com/n4NT5k0vjt
— Congressman Jamaal Bowman (@RepBowman) October 25, 2023
This development has sparked debate and controversy, as it raises questions about whether Bowman’s actions were indeed a result of an urgent need to cast a vote or if they had other motivations, as some of his colleagues have suggested. The newly released footage, which contradicts his initial explanation, has added fuel to the ongoing discussions surrounding this incident.
