A Democrat representative pulled a fire alarm in the Cannon House Office Building ahead of the House vote on a stopgap measure to fund the government, causing an evacuation.
Representative Jamaal Bowman, a Democrat from New York and member of the progressive “Squad”, pulled the fire alarm in what he claims was his rush to make the vote.
Republicans accused him of trying to sabotage the vote and have launched an investigation into the incident.
“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,” he said in a statement.
“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.”
Capitol Police are investigating the incident along with the House Administration Committee, which has obtained video of the moment the alarm was pulled.
“This is serious,” House Speaker Kevin McCarthy said in a press conference. “This should not go without punishment.”
McCarthy said he would speak to House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries about Bowman’s actions.
Jeffries said he would not comment on the incident until he has reviewed the video.
The House ultimately passed the stopgap measure which the Senate passed with less than three hours until the government shutdown was set to begin.
President Joe Biden signed it into law just before the midnight deadline.
It keeps the government funded until November 17th, notably lacking any funding for Ukraine, any spending cuts, or any border policy changes.
Under investigation? They have clear pics and a video of that lout pulling the alarm. PROSECUTE!
The Democrats will stop at NOTHING when it comes to getting their way. Even if it’s illegal, immoral, or corrupt. The ends justify the means in their camp.
Wasn’t there a lot of hub bub over a bunch of people “obstructing “ the Congress to perform its duties and certify the election? Aren’t some of them in jail today?
By intentionally pulling the fire alarm, was this an “obstruction” to the functioning of Congress?
Just asking for a friend.
Impeach
Fire
Prosecute all in one
When Dems. pull this BS it is an unintended error, But they will impeach a republican on the basis of Dem. funded made up lie.
Stop investigating! Arrest his worthless ass! You’ve got video evidence. Do your job & lock him up!
This was no ‘mistake’ and deliberately done to stop/delay the vote. It is typical Democrat practice of shenanigans to interrupt processes they do not like as they fear no repercussions of penalty. Such is their arrogance.