Democratic Representative Jamaal Bowman’s explanation for triggering a fire alarm in Congress has raised further doubts, especially after images of red warning signs were shared on social media.
As previously reported, Bowman activated the alarm on Saturday, causing an evacuation and delaying a crucial vote on a resolution that involved funding for Ukraine. Security camera footage captured the congressman triggering the alarm at an emergency exit.
🚨USCP release photo evidence of Rep Jamaal Bowman pulling the fire alarm and committing a felony
When will he be arrested and charged the same as all the J6 defendants? pic.twitter.com/23chwLLS7j
— DC_Draino (@DC_Draino) September 30, 2023
The incident triggered significant outrage, and Capitol Police took Bowman into custody. Some Republicans pointed out that intentionally triggering a fire alarm could constitute a felony, leading to growing demands for Bowman’s expulsion from Congress.
Rather than admitting to his actions, Bowman claimed that he accidentally set off the alarm. In a statement, he explained that he was confused and merely trying to pass through the door. According to Bowman, he believed that pulling the fire alarm trigger would unlock the door as he hurried to participate in an urgent vote.
However, Bowman’s statement was met with widespread mockery, especially as images of the exit with its prominent red warning signs circulated on social media platforms. The door Bowman attempted to open by triggering the fire alarm was clearly marked with red cautionary signs that read, “Emergency Exit Only” and “Push Until Alarm Sounds.”
Okay this sign is genuinely confusing https://t.co/0N2xeUWoSy pic.twitter.com/j3u10x2WKT
— Armand Domalewski (@ArmandDoma) September 30, 2023
Bowman’s press secretary, Emma Simon, claims that the signs confused the lawmaker.
“Congressman Bowman did not realize he would trigger a building alarm as he was rushing to make an urgent vote,” she said, according to Axios’s Andrew Solender.
“The Congressman regrets any confusion.”
NEW: Bowman spox Emma Simon on him pulling the fire alarm.
“Congressman Bowman did not realize he would trigger a building alarm as he was rushing to make an urgent vote. The Congressman regrets any confusion.”
— Andrew Solender (@AndrewSolender) September 30, 2023