Mark Meadows Says 2020 Presidential Election Was The Most Secure Election In U.S. History, Is He Right?

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New York Democratic Congressman Jamaal Bowman is facing charges for reportedly triggering a fire alarm in a House of Representatives building just before an important vote aimed at preventing a government shutdown. Bowman’s arraignment is set to take place on Thursday morning.

According to legal documents submitted by Joseph McAtee, a Supervisory Special Agent with the U.S. Capitol Police, authorities were alerted on September 30 at approximately 12:05 p.m. about the activation of a fire alarm on the second floor of the Cannon House Office Building. During questioning by Capitol Police, Bowman confirmed that he was aware of the incident. He stated that he was rushing to partake in a vote and was under the impression that the door was typically unlocked.

The arrest warrant details that Bowman noticed doors labeled “emergency exit only push to open,” and consequently pushed the door and the lever next to it. He believed the lever to be the door handle, unintentionally setting off the alarm. The warrant notes that Bowman then proceeded to a Democratic caucus meeting and a congressional vote. It was afterwards that the House Sergeant at Arms got in touch with him.

Bowman, for his part, claimed he had no intent to create a disturbance or hamper congressional activities. He later announced that he would seek legal counsel and refrained from making additional comments. Documents from the Capitol Police corroborate that security footage showed Bowman attempting to open two doors before unintentionally activating the fire alarm.

Following the charges, Bowman informed Fox News that he is relieved the matter has been quickly resolved. He stated that he’s entered a plea agreement that requires him to pay a $1,000 fine and avoid any legal trouble for the next three months.

When the incident occurred, Bowman’s Chief of Staff issued a statement on an unspecified platform, explaining that the Congressman didn’t realize his actions would set off the building’s alarm system and regretted any ensuing confusion. He emphasized that Bowman’s actions were a result of hurriedness to attend an urgent vote and not a deliberate act of misconduct.