Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez discussed an incident on CNN’s “State of the Union” where her colleague, Rep. Jamaal Bowman, activated a fire alarm in a congressional building. She attributed his actions to the pressing situation caused by the imminent government shutdown vote, explaining that normal exits were suddenly inaccessible.
When host Jake Tapper inquired if Bowman had indeed set off the alarm, Ocasio-Cortez clarified that the event was a “misunderstanding” and mentioned that Bowman is fully cooperating with House administration and Capitol Police.
Video footage from the incident shows Bowman in front of two shut doors, apparently triggering the fire alarm. In a statement, Bowman acknowledged his mistake, thinking that activating the alarm would unlock the doors. He was attempting to participate in a crucial vote and was not seeking to delay it. He expressed his remorse for any confusion he might have caused.
Subsequently, Ocasio-Cortez criticized the Republicans, accusing them of hypocrisy for potentially aiming to remove Bowman while concurrently supporting Rep. George Santos, who’s facing allegations including money laundering and false statements to Congress in a prior financial disclosure. She emphasized Bowman’s apology and contrasted it with the charges against Santos, stating that it reflects poorly on the Republican caucus. She ended her remarks by suggesting that Republicans reconsider their priorities.
