US congressman ​Jamaal Bowman fined for setting off fire alarm

Democratic Congressman Jamaal Bowman confessed to intentionally triggering a fire alarm at the US Capitol complex, resulting in the evacuation of an office building before a crucial vote.

Bowman, 47, who appeared in DC Superior Court, agreed to pay a $1,000 fine and write an apology to the police in exchange for the charges being dropped in three months, according to court documents and a statement from the New York lawmaker.

The Congressman said that he accidentally pulled the alarm while rushing to the September 30 vote on a funding bill, mistaking it to open a door he couldn't access.


This incident led to the evacuation of the Cannon House office block for an hour.

Amid allegations that he sought to delay the vote, Republicans initiated a motion to remove him from his committee assignments.

House administration committee chairman Bryan Steil criticized Bowman's explanation, stating that he had ample opportunity to rectify his mistake after triggering the alarm.

"Rep. Bowman's excuse does not pass the sniff test," Steil said in a statement, while adding: "After pulling the fire alarm, Rep. Bowman fled the scene, passed by multiple Capitol Police officers and had every opportunity to alert USCP of his mistake."

Despite the controversy, Bowman expressed gratitude that the police "agreed I did not obstruct nor intend to obstruct any House vote or proceedings."

"I am responsible for activating a fire alarm, I will be paying the fine issued, and look forward to these charges being ultimately dropped," he said.

The House ultimately passed the 45-day stop-gap funding bill, including a positive vote from Bowman, soon after the incident.

(With inputs from AFP)