New York Democratic congressman Jamaal Bowman
In a statement on Saturday evening, the New Yorker said he mistakenly thought the alarm, which prompted the Cannon House office building to be evacuated, would open a door.
“Today, as I was rushing to make a vote, I came to a door that is usually open for votes but today was not open. I am embarrassed to admit that I activated the fire alarm, mistakenly thinking it would open the door,” said Bowman.
“I regret this and sincerely apologize for any confusion this caused.”
He dismissed accusations from Republicans that he pulled the alarm in an attempt to delay the vote.
Some things stand out to me about this statement:
1. Jamaal Bowman WAS supposed to be at the capital- Jan 6 folks were NOT.
2. He immediately admitted to what he did, and said it was his error. Jan 6 folks said they were led there, and didn't know they did anything wrong.
3. He said he was sorry that it caused any confusion or issues, and had some sort of plausible reason/ excuse., vs. toting a gallows etc. to the capital.
4. Hakeem Jeffries isn't going to say anything about it, just as a GOP member wouldn't condemn thier own. (nor have they ever except on Jan 7th, but even that was short lived and would be a thread on it's own).
5. The GOP went on to approve a CR to fund- so really was there any harm?
In total, the ruse of cause and impact is null. So the debate is really about the same as well.