Rep. Jamaal Bowman’s Fire Alarm Pull Sparks Controversy and Investigation Ahead of Crucial House Vote

On Saturday, U.S. Capitol Police responded to a fire alarm that was pulled in the Cannon office building, causing an evacuation of the building. The alarm was pulled by Democratic Rep. Jamaal Bowman of New York, who was reportedly rushing to make an urgent vote.

Bowman’s office acknowledged he pulled the alarm, but suggested it was unintentional. However, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy called for Bowman to be punished, comparing it to the Jan 6 rioters who attacked the Capitol building. McCarthy said the Ethics Committee should take the pulled fire alarm “seriously.”

It is unclear why Bowman pulled the alarm. Capitol Police confirmed that the building was checked for any threats and was reopened after it was determined that there was no threat.

The incident occurred ahead of a crucial, last-minute House vote that could avert a government shutdown. An investigation into what happened and why continues. McCarthy said he would have a discussion with the Democratic leader about the incident.

Bowman has yet to comment on the incident. It remains to be seen what the outcome of the investigation will be and how Bowman will be punished, if at all.