Congressman Jamaal Bowman pleads guilty to misdemeanor over fire alarm pull in D.C.

Asher Stockler, Rockland/Westchester Journal News
Updated ·1 min read
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Congressman Jamaal Bowman (D-Yonkers) pleaded guilty Thursday morning to a misdemeanor charge for pulling a fire alarm at the Cannon House Office Building last month.

Bowman had been charged the day prior with violating the Code of the District of Columbia, which prohibits the false activation of a fire alarm, and was issued a summons to appear in court. However, the charge and guilty plea are expected to be withdrawn once Bowman pays a $1,000 fine and abides by certain conditions over the next three months.

The congressman also agreed to write an apology letter to the chief of the U.S. Capitol Police.

Rep. Jamaal Bowman, D-N.Y., pulled a fire alarm in the Cannon House office building on Sept. 30, 2023, as both parties negotiated over a deal to avert a government shutdown.
Rep. Jamaal Bowman, D-N.Y., pulled a fire alarm in the Cannon House office building on Sept. 30, 2023, as both parties negotiated over a deal to avert a government shutdown.

"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," the statement said. "I am responsible for activating a fire alarm, I will be paying the fine issued, and look forward to these charges being ultimately dropped."

Westchester reacts to fire alarm pull Jamaal Bowman pulled fire alarm in Washington. How did Westchester react?

Why did Bowman pull the fire alarm in D.C.?

Shortly after the Sept. 30 incident, Bowman released a statement seeking to "clear up confusion surrounding today's events."

Bowman said he was "rushing" to a vote and encountered a door that "would not open."

"I am embarrassed to admit that I activated the fire alarm, mistakenly thinking it would open the door," he said.

Critics accused him of seeking to delay a vote on an interim spending bill to keep the government open for several more weeks. Bowman denies that was his intention. The bill ultimately passed.

Asher Stockler is a reporter for The Journal News and the USA Today Network New York. You can find him on Twitter at @quasiasher or send him an email at astockler@lohud.com. Reach him securely: asher.stockler@protonmail.com.

This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Jamaal Bowman pleads guilty to pulling alarm in D.C.