Lawmaker who pulled fire alarm could be charged the same as Jan. 6 rioters: experts

A lawmaker who has admitted to pulling a fire alarm in a House office building on Saturday risks being hit with the same charges as alleged January 6th insurrectionists, according to reporters and onlookers.

Raw Story reported earlier in the day that a lawmaker had been caught on camera pulling a fire alarm in the Cannon House Office Building amid a continuing-resolution vote for funding the U.S. Authorities are currently investigating that matter, according to news reports.

If charges do end up being brought against Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-NY), they could mirror charges in Jan. 6 cases, according to Politico's Kyle Cheney.

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"A lot of Jan. 6 defendants charged with 5104 disorderly/disruptive conduct in a Capitol building are going to be very interested in the outcome of this episode," Cheney said.

He also quoted the language of 40 usc 5104(e)(2)(d), "a staple misdemeanor charge against Jan. 6 defendants," as Cheney said.

Political investigations reporter Hugo Lowell of the Guardian also chimed in, saying, "I also like the idea of an 1512 obstruction of an official proceeding charge here."

Amee Vanderpool, a lawyer and a contributor to Resolute Square, had similar thoughts.

"Rep. Bowman (D-NY) was caught on camera pulling a fire alarm as Dems tried to delay a House vote on the GOP bill," she wrote Saturday. "Bowman says he 'did not realize he would trigger a building alarm as he was rushing to make an urgent vote.' Here is 40 USC §5104(e)(2)(d) which requires intent."