DC Court issues criminal summons to Rep. Bowman for pulling fire alarm

The Washington, D.C. Superior Court has issued a criminal summons to New York Democratic Rep. Jamaal Bowman on the charge of falsely pulling a fire alarm.

The summons order Bowman to appear before the court on Oct. 26 at 9:30 a.m. on the charge of a "false fire alarm."

BREAKING: The Superior Court of DC has issued a criminal summons to Jamaal Bowman on the charge of False Fire Alarm pic.twitter.com/8L2oLt2D9R

— Jack Poso 🇺🇸 (@JackPosobiec) October 25, 2023

Bowman's office stated on Wednesday that he had reached a deal with the D.C. Attorney General in which he would pay a $1,000 fine and write an apology to Capitol Police in exchange for the District withdrawing the charge in three months, The Hill reported.

"I’m thankful for the quick resolution from the District of Columbia 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 obstruct any House vote or proceedings," he said. "I am responsible for activating a fire alarm, I will be paying the fine issued, and look forward to these charges being ultimately dropped."

Bowman in early October pulled a fire alarm in the Cannon Office Building on Capitol Hill. He admitted to pulling the alarm at the time, but contended he mistakenly believed that doing so would open a locked door in the building. Republicans have contended he pulled the alarm to delay a vote on a continuing resolution to avert a government shutdown.

"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," he said on X at the time. "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."

Ben Whedon is an editor and reporter for Just the News. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter.