Democratic Representative Jamaal Bowman of New York made a scene on Saturday by activating the fire alarm in a House office building to postpone a vote on a Republican stopgap budget measure. Multiple witnesses backed up the incident that was caught on camera.
According to a representative of the GOP-led Administration Committee, “Bowman pulled a fire alarm in Cannon this morning… An investigation into why it was pulled is underway.”
Also read | Who is Jamaal Bowman? Democrat pulls fire alarm to delay vote to fund government | Watch video
Emma Simon, the Bowman’s spokesman, said her employer had made a mistake. According to her, “Congressman Bowman did not think he would set off a building alarm as he was hurrying to cast an important vote. Confusion is regrettable, says the congressman.
A false fire alarm must not be intentionally set off within the District of Columbia, according to district law. If charged, Bowman would be subject to a misdemeanor violation, which carries a maximum jail term of six months and a maximum fine of $100.
Also read | Five killed in truck crash in Illinois, five more seriously injured; ammonia leak forces evacuation in area
Prior to the vote, Republican representative Marjorie Taylor Greene tweeted a video of the false fire alarm event.
After the incident, Bowman gathered a lot of media attention, many people were showing interest in his personal life. He is married to Melissa Oppenheimer.
Who is Oppenheimer?
Melissa Oppenheimer is recognized as the spouse of Jamaal Bowman, a U.S. Representative representing New York’s 16th congressional district. She is well-known for her writing and teaching abilities, and she has experience working in both public and private schools as a teacher and administrator. She met her husband while attending Riverdale Country School.
Oppenheimer has written several articles emphasizing the importance of diversity and inclusivity within educational environments. She is a devoted advocate of social justice and educational equity. She has actively participated in the development of initiatives and resources aimed at empowering marginalized students. She also actively participates in her husband’s political initiatives, supporting him wholeheartedly.
The couple has three children and lives in Yonkers, New York.
