House Ethics panel votes against Rep Jamaal Bowman's fire alarm inquiry, Internet says 'he should be expelled'
WASHINGTON, DC: Rep Jamaal Bowman will not be facing an investigation for pulling a fire alarm in a Capitol Hill office building on September 30 while the lower chamber was preparing to vote on a bill to avert a government shutdown, the House Ethics Committee has decided.
The chairman of the panel, Rep Michael Guest, stated the decision not to set up an investigative subcommittee or issue a report on November 22.
The New York congressman had pleaded guilty to one count of falsely pulling the alarm on October 26. In an agreement with DC Attorney General Brian Schwalb, he consented to pay a $1,000 fine and have the charges against him dismissed after three months. Bowman also pledged to write a personal apology letter to Tom Manger, the Chief of US Capitol Police, reported the New York Post.
Jamaal Bowman's statement following plea announcement
“I’m thankful for the quick resolution from the DC Attorney General’s office on this issue and grateful that the United States Capitol Police General Counsel’s office agreed I did not obstruct nor intend to instruct any House vote or proceedings,” stated the 57-year-old Democrat.
"I think we all know that Republicans will attempt to use this to distract everyone from their mess, but I look forward to putting this behind me and to continue working hard to deliver for New Yorkers," he added.
A subsequent statement from the US Capitol Police read, "Our General Counsel did not, nor anyone in our Department, make that determination. We sent the thoroughly investigated case to the US Attorney’s Office and prosecutors there did not pursue it.”
An incident report from a Capitol Police investigator did state that there was “probable cause to believe” Bowman “willfully or knowingly gave a false fire alarm.”
Jamaal Bowman claimed he pulled the fire alarm by accident
“I was just trying to get to my vote and the door that’s usually open wasn’t open, it was closed,” he said after the incident, adding that he “thought the alarm would open the door.”
However, security footage showed Bowman taking down two emergency exit signs from the doors before pulling the alarm and leaving in a hurry.
Internet reacts to House Ethics Committee decision
Netizens were not happy with the panel's decision.
"Just release him of his duties and fire him," posted a user on X.
"He should be expelled!" echoed another.
"Nobody is fooled by Bowman's lies," wrote a third.
"Such bias for a crime that was caught on videotape," commented a user.
"What a joke," exclaimed another.