Misdemeanor Charge Stems From Capitol Incident

Bowman Pleads Guilty to False Fire Alarm

Misdemeanor Charge Stems from Capitol Incident

Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-NY) pleaded guilty on Thursday to a misdemeanor charge for falsely pulling a fire alarm in a House office building last month.

Prosecutors in the District of Columbia charged Bowman on Wednesday with one count of falsely pulling a fire alarm, a misdemeanor offense. Bowman has agreed to pay the maximum fine of $1,000.

The charges stem from an incident on February 2, when Bowman pulled a fire alarm in the Longworth House Office Building. The House Administration Committee is investigating the incident.

In a statement, Bowman said he was trying to get to a vote in a hurry and a door was locked that isn't usually. He said he pulled the alarm to get the attention of a Capitol Police officer.

The House Administration Committee is investigating why Bowman pulled the fire alarm. The committee has not yet released its findings.

Conclusion

Bowman's guilty plea is a reminder that even members of Congress are not above the law. The House Administration Committee is right to investigate the incident and determine whether Bowman violated any other rules or regulations.