The House Ethics Committee has opted not to probe Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-N.Y.) for triggering a fire alarm in a House office building in September. In a statement on Wednesday, the panel, composed of an equal number of Republicans and Democrats, stated that a majority of the committee did not agree to establish an investigative subcommittee. The committee is mandated to decide on a course of action within 30 days of a lawmaker being indicted or formally charged with criminal conduct.
Bowman pleaded guilty last month to falsely sounding a fire alarm and agreed to pay the maximum fine of $1,000 for the incident that occurred just before a vote on a stopgap measure to fund the government. While Republicans alleged that the Democrat pulled the alarm to delay the vote, Bowman maintained that he activated it by mistake, believing it would open an emergency exit door. He was captured on camera attempting to open the door before triggering the alarm.
In a statement, Bowman expressed accountability for the incident, expressed his intention to pay the fine, and expressed anticipation for the charges to be dropped. He also apologized for any confusion caused by the situation.
