In a recent incident on Capitol Hill, Representative Jamaal Bowman of New York was caught on camera pulling a fire alarm, an act that has sparked controversy and debate.
Fellow New York representative, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, has come to his defense, arguing that Bowman's actions were driven by panic and confusion, not malice.
Speaking to CNN's Jake Tapper, Ocasio-Cortez explained the circumstances that led to the incident. "The government was on the verge of a shutdown, the vote clock was ticking down, and the usual exits in the building were suddenly closed," she said. When Tapper asked if Bowman had indeed pulled the fire alarm, Ocasio-Cortez confirmed that he had, but emphasized that he had apologized and was cooperating with the ongoing investigation.
Ocasio-Cortez also criticized Republicans for their swift calls for Bowman's expulsion, contrasting their reaction to this incident with their response to George Santos' indictment on 13 federal charges. "They are protecting someone who has lied to the American people, lied to the United States House of Representatives, lied to congressional investigators. Yet they're filing a motion to expel a member who, in a moment of panic, was trying to escape a vestibule? Give me a break," she told Tapper.
Bowman himself has stated that he pulled the alarm handle in an attempt to open a door, which he claims was usually unlocked and had confusing signage. "I was rushing to make a vote, I was trying to get through a door. I thought the alarm would open the door," he said. He also clarified that his actions were not intended to delay the vote, but rather to expedite his arrival at the vote.
In the aftermath of the incident, Bowman has met with the Sergeant at Arms and the Capitol Police to explain his actions. "My hope is that no one will make more of this than what it was," he said.
In the same interview with CNN, Ocasio-Cortez also expressed her intention to support a motion to oust House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. "Absolutely. I think Kevin McCarthy is a very weak speaker. He clearly has lost control of his caucus," she said. However, she also noted that such a move would require a "real conversation" between the Republican and Democratic caucuses. "I don't think we [will] give up votes for free," she added.
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