(ConservativeSense.com) – Democratic New York Rep. Jamaal Bowman has pleaded guilty in a Washington, DC, court for setting off a fire alarm in the House of Representatives during a crucial vote on government spending. The incident happened on the last day of September, when lawmakers debated legislation to prevent a government shutdown on October 1.
Bowman initially said he thought the red lever labeled with the word fire functioned as a door-opening device. Nevertheless, DC Assistant Attorney General Peter Saba charged the Democrat with the misdemeanor offense of causing a false fire alarm in the Cannon House Office Building.
On the morning of October 19, Rep. Bowman went to court and took responsibility for the incident, but still maintained it was not malicious or deliberate. As part of a plea deal, the Representative must write a letter of apology to the US Capitol Police and pay a $1,000 fine. When this is complete, charges against him will be dropped. He could go to jail for six months if he does not write the letter or pay the penalty.
Mr. Bowman said, “I will be paying the fine issued and look forward to these charges being ultimately dropped.” He added that he expects to be attacked by Republicans attempting to use the issue to “distract everyone from their mess.”
The call to have Bowman prosecuted was led by Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, who has a history of disagreement with the Congressman. “I am demanding that the Department of Justice prosecute him,” she said in September.
Bowman and Taylor Greene had a public spat on the steps of the House in May, which was filmed by reporters and went viral online. The New York Democrat said Republican George Santos should be expelled from the House for lying during his election campaign, while Taylor Greene said Biden should be expelled. Taylor Greene alleged she felt threatened by Bowman during the subsequent row. He accused her of racism in return.
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