A good rule of thumb is that, given that the Capitol complex is full of video cameras and security, committing outright crimes right in front of said video cameras is not something you should do. But it appears to be what Rep. Jamaal Bowman did when the House was muddling its way through appropriations votes.
That came on Saturday, when the House managed to dodge a government shutdown by passing bills that have much in them for Republicans to dislike, despite Republicans ostensibly controlling the House. During that already long day, Bowman caused a delay by pulling a fire alarm, as was caught on security camera and quickly released by Capitol police.
Rep. Bowman, for his part, insists that he thought pulling the fire alarm would open the door. “I want to personally clear up confusion surrounding today’s events. Today, as I was rushing to make a vote, I came to a door that is usually open for votes but today would not open. I am embarrassed to admit that I activated the fire alarm, mistakenly thinking it would open the door. I regret this and sincerely apologize for any confusion this caused,” Rep. Bowman said.
He continued, “But I want to be very clear, this was not me, in any way, trying to delay any vote. It was the exact opposite — I was trying urgently to get to a vote, which I ultimately did and joined my colleagues in a bipartisan effort to keep our government open. I also met after the vote with the Sergeant at Arms and the Capitol Police, at their request, and explained what had happened. My hope is that no one will make more of this than it was. I am working hard every day, including today, to do my job, to do it well, and deliver for my constituents.”
The fire alarm was clearly marked as such and the door he claims to have been trying to open was clearly marked as an emergency exit, as can be seen in the warning signs on the doors themselves and the red sign in front of Rep. Bowman in the picture.
Republicans, noting that his story was implausible to a high degree, argued that Rep. Bowman did not pull the fire alarm in confusion, but rather with the intent of obstructing a Congressional proceeding, the same charge faced by many of the January 6th prisoners.
Washington Examiner provided an in-depth political news report showing the possible punishments Rep. Bowman could receive. The report stated Bowman runs the risk of being charged with three crimes and a minimum of 6 months in prison and a $1,000 fine. The maximum consequence for Bowman’s actions appears to be just over 35 years in prison. This falls under federal law 18 U.S.C. § 1505, putting Bowman in the felony category of crimes.
The political analysis report on Washington Examiner also stat that “Bowman’s act could also conceivably be tried as an obstruction of justice charge under D.C. law, which includes “corruptly, or by threats of force, any way obstructs or impedes or endeavors to obstruct or impede the due administration of justice in any official proceeding.” This Class A felony would carry a punishment of at least three years and no more than 30 years and a fine as low as $12,500.”
Members of Congress spoke out as well. “NY Democrat Jamaal Bowman literally pulled a fire alarm to stall and prevent our efforts to force a vote to keep the federal government open. Pathetic. Criminal investigation needs to happen,” Rep. Nick Langworthy (R-N.Y.) said, according to the New York Post.
“This is the United States Congress, not a New York City high school. To pull the fire alarm to disrupt proceedings when we are trying to draft legislation to AVERT A SHUTDOWN is pathetic…even for members of the socialist squad,” Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-N.Y.) posted.
Featured image credit: By The White House – V20211022LJ-0225, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=113580711
"*" indicates required fields