The Washington, D.C., attorney general is charging Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-NY) with a D.C. area code violation.
Bowman was ordered on Wednesday to report to the United States Capitol Police Headquarters on Thursday, where he will be processed. In a statement following the announcement, Bowman thanked the D.C. attorney general and said he was looking forward to putting the matter behind him.
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“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. I am responsible for activating a fire alarm, I will be paying the fine issued, and look forward to these charges being ultimately dropped,” he said, according to Semafor’s Kadia Goba.
“I think we all know that Republicans will attempt to use this to distract everyone from their mess, but I look forward to putting this behind me and to continue working hard to deliver for New Yorkers,” he added.
NEWS: Bowman responds to Capitol Police referring the fire alarm incident to prosecutors: pic.twitter.com/HxfTdgyEjO
— Kadia Goba (@kadiagoba) October 25, 2023
The court filing described the incident and Bowman’s actions.
“Due to the defendant’s actions, the Cannon House Office Building was evacuated for approximately 1 1/2 hours,” the filing read.
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“When the defendant pulled the emergency fire alarm in the Cannon House Office Building, located at 25 Independence Avenue, SE in the District of Columbia at approximately 12:04 pm on September 30, 2023, there was no fire at that location. Therefore, based upon the evidence, this affiant has probable cause to believe that the defendant willfully or knowingly gave a false fire alarm within the District of Columbia, in violation of D.C. Code 22-1319(a).”
Bowman claimed that he pulled the fire alarm thinking it would open the door he was trying to get through. He has faced fierce criticism from congressional Republicans over his actions.
