Rep. Bowman apologizes for ‘mistakenly’ pulling fire alarm during House shutdown vote

He claims he was rushing to vote and came to a door that was normally open but, at the time, was not.

News 12 Staff

Oct 1, 2023, 2:35 PM

Updated 376 days ago

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Democratic Rep. Jamaal Bowman released a statement Saturday admitting that he pulled the fire alarm right before the vote for a bill that would prevent another government shutdown. 
Bowman’s statement says that pulling the alarm was an accident. He claims he was rushing to vote and came to a door that was normally open but, at the time, was not.
"I am embarrassed to admit that I activated the fire alarm, mistakenly thinking it would open the door,” Bowman’s statement says. “I regret this and sincerely apologize for any confusion this caused."  
However, other lawmakers believe he pulled the fire alarm on purpose to delay the vote. 
VIDEO: Westchester political figures react to Bowman's apology
Bowman did meet with the sergeant at arms and Capitol police. There is no word at this time on whether the lawmaker will face any consequences.