Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez came to the defense of New York lawmaker Jamaal Bowman on Sunday after he pulled the fire alarm on Capitol Hill — claiming he acted in “panic” to open the door as Democrats tried to stop a vote on a government funding bill.
“I think if you really look at some of the pictures of the signs, I think there’s something to be said, the government is going to shut down, there’s a voting clock that’s running down, the exit door that’s normally open in the building is suddenly closed,” said member of parliament from the Bronx and Queens while speaking to CNN’s “State of the Union.”
Host Jake Tapper then asked, “So he pulled the fire alarm?”
Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) responded that Bowman apologized for the incident — which was caught on camera — and insisted the far-left lawmaker was cooperating with officials’ investigations.
The “Squad” member then took aim at Republicans for being quick to demand Bowman’s ouster for what he considered an honest mistake — and blasted his GOP colleagues for not pushing harder for the Rep.’s ouster. George Santos (R-NY) who was charged.
“They are protecting someone who has lied to the American people, lied to the United States House of Representatives, lied to congressional investigators, but they filed a motion to impeach a member who, in a panic, tried to flee the lobby? Give me a break,” Ocasio-Cortez told Tapper.
The AOC on Sunday insisted Bowman’s actions stemmed from a “moment of panic.” USCP
“He himself admitted to being ashamed. He issued a statement last night, he apologized,” he added.
Bowman has insisted that he pulled the alarm handle because he thought it would open the door — which Democrats claim is usually unlocked and has confusing signage.
“I was in a hurry to vote, I was trying to get through the door. I thought the alarm would open the door,” he said.
“I didn’t mean to cause confusion … I didn’t know it would hit the whole building.”
He also added: “I want to be very clear, this is not me, in any way, trying to delay the vote. It was the other way around – I tried immediately to get the vote, which I eventually did.”
New York Democrats blasted Republicans for being quick to demand Bowman’s deportation when they did not do the same for George Santos. SteveSands/NewYorkNewswire/MEGA
Bowman said he “met with the sergeant-at-arms and the Capitol Police” and explained his side of the story, adding: “My hope is that no one will make more of what happened.”
However, the image shows the alarm pulled by Bowman clearly marked with the word “FIRE” — and located next to two signs that provide detailed information on how to open the emergency doors in the Cannon House Office Building.
“Emergency Exit Only!” signs are read. “Push until the alarm sounds (3 seconds). The door will open in 30 seconds.”
“This is not confusing at all,” wrote former Rep. Justin Amash (R-Mich.) on X, formerly known as Twitter. “There is a push bar on the door under the sign. Members of Congress see these signs all the time and know exactly what they mean.
Bowman has apologized and is cooperating with the investigation into the incident. Breitbart News
“I can’t imagine that it has anything to do with the pull of the fire alarm on the wall,” Amash added. “Stop excusing his carelessness.”
AOC also said Sunday he “absolutely” intends to support a motion to oust House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.).
“I think Kevin McCarthy is a very poor speaker. He clearly lost control of his caucus,” he said.
“I certainly don’t think we’re going to see that unless there’s a real conversation between the Republican and Democratic caucuses,” he added. “I don’t think we are [will] give up votes for free.”
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
