House censures New York Democrat Jamaal Bowman for pulling fire alarm

The U.S. House of Representatives has officially censured New York Democratic Representative Jamaal Bowman after he pulled a fire alarm in the U.S. Capitol in January. House Resolution 929 stated that Bowman’s action “violated the rules of decorum and brought discredit upon the House” and calls for him to apologize on the House floor for his actions.

Bowman, who was sworn in as a member of the 117th Congress in January, pulled the fire alarm in the Capitol building during a Jan. 6 protest against the police shooting of Daunte Wright. Bowman said he wanted to raise attention to the violence against Black people in the United States.

The resolution notes that Bowman’s actions created an unnecessary disturbance and misled Capitol Police officers, and further calls on him and other members of the House “to be mindful of the serious responsibilities entrusted to them in better discharging the duties of the House.”