Rep. Bowman to pay fine for setting off fire alarm in congress

New York Democrat Jamaal Bowman set off a fire alarm during chaotic efforts to fund the government. Presumed by many (though not admitted) to be a stupid joke, he's been charged with a misdemeanor, reports CNN, and will pay a fine to clear it.

If he abides by conditions of a deal with the DC attorney general's office, including three months of probation, the misdemeanor charge will be dropped. The deal also requires Bowman to provide a formal apology to the US Capitol Police and pay a $1,000 fine for wrongly pulling a fire alarm, his office told CNN.  "I'm thankful for the quick resolution from the District of Columbia Attorney General's office on this issue and grateful that the United States Capitol Police General Counsel's office agreed I did not obstruct nor intend to obstruct any House vote or proceedings," Bowman said in a statement Wednesday. "I am responsible for activating a fire alarm, I will be paying the fine issued, and look forward to these charges being ultimately dropped."

Bowman claims that doors usually open were locked, and he thought the fire alarm was the button to open them.