Newly uncovered video footage posted online on Thursday appears to contradict claims made by far-left “Squad” Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-N.Y.) that he accidentally pulled a fire alarm ahead of a floor vote.
Earlier in the day, Bowman pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge that stemmed from the Sept. 30 incident where he pulled the alarm in the Cannon House Office Building. Afterward, Bowman claimed in a statement he was attempting to open a door and became confused, thereby pulling the alarm.
But video posted online by Spectrum News NY1 Washington, D.C., correspondent Kevin Frey shows Bowman taking down emergency exit signs on the door before casually pulling the alarm.
“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,” Bowman said in the September statement. “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.”
WATCH:
Obtained by @NY1: Footage of Rep. Bowman pulling the fire alarm in the Cannon House Office Bldg on Sept. 30.
Bowman pleaded guilty this morning in court to "willfully or knowingly giving false fire alarm" in DC. pic.twitter.com/HaBBAaLQqI
— Kevin Frey (@KevinFreyTV) October 26, 2023
The Daily Caller notes:
The 30-second video posted by Frey shows Bowman removing signs from the door, pulling the fire alarm, and walking away while holding the signs. Bowman did not appear to make any effort to open the doors in the video.
“I was trying to get out the door. I was rushing to a vote,” Bowman told reporters Thursday, according to ABC News. “I’m thankful that we have an agreement in place, and I’m thankful that in three months it’s going to be dismissed. And now let’s move on.”
After Republicans criticized him for pulling the alarm, Bowman’s office circulated talking points to fellow Democrats calling GOP lawmakers, among other things, “Nazis.”
Earlier this week, Rep. Lisa McClain (R-Mich.) introduced a resolution to censure Bowman over the incident.
Also, the Foundation for Accountability and Civic Trust accused Bowman of violating House ethics rules by pulling the alarm in a complaint filed Oct. 13 with the Office of Congressional Ethics.
