Democrat pulls Congress fire alarm sparking evacuation amid shutdown vote

30 September 2023 , 18:29

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A man who looks like Democrat Jamal Bowman appears to pull the fire alarm

Democrat Jamaal Bowman pulled a fire alarm in a Congress building sparking a huge evacuation amid a crucial shutdown vote which was averted.

A picture on social media being circulated by police shows the moment the politician was caught on camera pulling the fire alarm in the Capitol earlier today.

In a statement, Bowman said: "I want to personally clear up confusion surrounding today’s events. Today, as I was rushing to make a vote, I came to a door that is usually open for votes but today would not open.

"I am embarrassed to admit that I activated the fire alarm, mistakenly thinking it would open the door. I regret this and sincerely apologize for any confusion this caused. But I want to be very clear, this was not me, in any way, trying to delay any vote. It was the exact opposite -- I was trying urgently to get to a vote, which I ultimately did and joined my colleagues in a bipartisan effort to keep our government open.

"I also met after the vote with the Sergeant at Arms and the Capitol Police, at their request, and explained what had happened. My hope is that no one will make more of this than it was. I am working hard every day, including today, to do my job, to do it well, and deliver for my constituents. Peace and Love."

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Democrat Jamaal Bowman appears to pull the fire alarm

United States Capitol Police confirmed it is investigating the fire incident. In a statement they said: "Today at 12.05pm, a fire alarm was activated on the 2nd floor of the Cannon House Office Building. The building was evacuated while USCP officers checked the building. The building was reopened after it was determined that there was not a threat. An investigation into what happened and why continues.

Republican rival and controversial loudmouth Marjorie Taylor Greene has demanded the prosecution of Jamaal Bowman after unconfirmed reports that he pulled a House Office building fire alarm during a vote. Republican Nicole Malliotakis has ALSO confirmed she will try to expel Bowman from the House. She wrote on X: "This action warrants expulsion & I’m introducing a resolution to do just that."

It comes as the House on Saturday swiftly approved a 45-day funding bill to keep federal agencies open as Speaker Kevin McCarthy dropped demands for steep spending cuts and relied on Democratic votes for passage to send the package to the Senate. The new approach would leave behind aid to Ukraine, a White House priority opposed by a growing number of GOP lawmakers, but the plan would increase federal disaster assistance by $16 billion, meeting President Joe Biden's full request. The package was approved 335-91, with most Republicans and almost all Democrats supporting the bill.

Republicans led by Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, who has championed the package with its aid for Ukraine, were stalling action as they waited for the House to act. “We’re going to do our job,” McCarthy said after the morning meeting. “We’re going to be adults in the room. And we’re going to keep government open.”

With no deal in place before Sunday, federal workers will face furloughs, more than 2 million active-duty and reserve military troops will work without pay and programs and services that Americans rely on from coast to coast will begin to face shutdown disruptions. The House measure would fund government at current 2023 levels for 45 days, through November 17, moving closer to the Senate’s emerging approach. But the Senate package adds $6 billion for Ukraine to fight the war against Russia and $6 billion for U.S. disaster relief.

Both chambers came to a standstill as lawmakers assessed their options. “The American people deserve better,” said House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York, warning in a lengthy floor speech that “extreme” Republicans were risking shutdown.

Cannon House building was evacuated

For the House package to be approved, McCarthy will be forced to rely on Democrats because the speaker’s hard-right flank has said it will oppose any short-term measure. Republicans hold a 221-212 majority, with two vacancies. Relying on Democratic votes and leaving his right-flank behind is something that the hard-right lawmakers have warned will risk McCarthy’s job as speaker. They are almost certain to quickly file a motion to try to remove McCarthy from that office, though it is not at all certain there would be enough votes to topple the speaker.

Liam Buckler