The House Ethics Committee has decided not to investigate Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-NY) for pulling a fire alarm in a Capitol Hill office building. The incident occurred while the lower chamber was preparing to vote on a bill to avert a government shutdown. According to Chairman Michael Guest (R-Miss.), the panel declined to establish an investigative subcommittee or issue a report after Bowman pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor last month for triggering the alarm on September 30.

Bowman has agreed to pay a $1,000 fine as part of an agreement with DC Attorney General Brian Schwalb. The charges will be dismissed after three months, provided Bowman writes a personal apology letter to US Capitol Police Chief Tom Manger. In a statement, Bowman expressed gratitude for the quick resolution and stated that he did not obstruct or intend to interrupt any House vote or proceedings. He also anticipated that Republicans would try to use this incident to distract from other issues.

However, a spokesperson for US Capitol Police contradicted Bowman's statement, saying that their General Counsel did not make the determination mentioned. The case was thoroughly investigated and sent to the US Attorney's Office, but prosecutors did not pursue it. A Capitol Police investigator's report revealed that there was "probable cause to believe" Bowman "willfully or knowingly gave a false fire alarm."

Before the plea, Bowman maintained that he had pulled the alarm by accident, thinking it would open the door. However, security camera footage showed him yanking two emergency exit signs before triggering the fire alarm and then leaving the scene. The investigator noted that other security footage depicted Bowman jogging down a staircase after pulling the alarm and walking at a normal pace when exiting onto New Jersey Ave. He passed multiple Capitol Police officers without notifying them about the incident, leading to an evacuation of the building that lasted for an hour and a half.

Despite the incident, the House was able to pass the government funding measure, which maintained federal spending at current levels until November 17. House Speaker Mike Johnson later passed a bill to extend funding into the next year. Bowman's compliance with the plea agreement will be assessed during a court hearing on January 29, 2024, where the charge may be dismissed.

The House Ethics Committee's decision not to launch an investigation follows Bowman's guilty plea to a misdemeanor charge in Washington, D.C. The committee stated that since the majority of the House did not vote to launch an ethics investigation, no investigative subcommittee was established. House ethics rules require the launch of an investigative subcommittee or a report within 30 days when a member is indicted or formally charged with a criminal offense.

According to an arrest warrant filed by U.S. Capitol Police Supervisory Special Agent Joseph McAtee, the police were alerted to the fire alarm being pulled on the second floor of the Cannon House Office Building on September 30. When questioned by Capitol Police agents, Bowman admitted to knowing about the fire alarm. He explained that he was in a rush due to ongoing votes and believed that the door would open when he pulled the lever next to it. He stated that this door was normally open during votes.

Bowman expressed satisfaction with the quick resolution and stated that he has entered into a plea agreement requiring him to pay a $1,000 fine and stay out of trouble for three months. He described the incident as a lapse in judgment rather than a conscious decision to do something wrong.

Overall, the ethics committee's decision not to investigate Rep. Jamaal Bowman's actions in pulling a fire alarm during a critical government shutdown vote has sparked controversy and debate. While Bowman has accepted the consequences of his actions, the incident raises questions about the possible disruption of House proceedings and the responsibility of lawmakers to maintain the integrity of the legislative process.