Accused Of Causing Evacuation Of House Office Building

Jamaal Bowman Pleads Guilty to Falsely Triggering Fire Alarm

Accused of Causing Evacuation of House Office Building

Representative Apologizes for “Unintentional” Actions

Washington, D.C. - New York Democrat Jamaal Bowman pleaded guilty Thursday to a misdemeanor charge for falsely triggering a fire alarm in a Capitol office building last month. The charge stemmed from an incident on September 29, when Bowman accidentally activated the fire alarm, forcing the evacuation of the building.

"I am deeply sorry for the disruption that I caused," Bowman said in a statement. "My actions were unintentional, and I take full responsibility for them." The plea deal allows Bowman to avoid a trial and possible jail time. He was fined $500 and ordered to perform 25 hours of community service.

The incident occurred when Bowman attempted to open an emergency door in the Longworth House Office Building. According to an investigator's report, surveillance footage showed Bowman struggling to open the door and then pulling the fire alarm. He was subsequently charged by the DC Attorney General's office with knowingly and willfully activating a fire alarm without reasonable cause.

Bowman's plea comes amid a broader crackdown on false fire alarms in Capitol buildings. In recent months, several other individuals have been charged with similar offenses. The increased scrutiny reflects growing concerns about the potential dangers of false alarms, which can lead to unnecessary evacuations and emergency responses.