Rep. Jamaal Bowman has been officially censured after Republicans unified to punish the Democrat for illegally pulling a fire alarm during an important House vote. Bowman pleaded guilty in late October to the charge while still maintaining it was all a big misunderstanding. 

Video would emerge that same day showing the congressman removing warning signs and not even attempting to open the door he claims he was trying to open. Instead, he pulled the alarm and walked away, causing an evacuation that obstructed an official proceeding (a House vote). 

Democrat Rep. Jamaal Bowman — who pulled the fire alarm in a bizarre attempt to delay a congressional vote — has officially been censured by the House of Representatives pic.twitter.com/gezsyZokZp

— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) December 7, 2023

Notably, three Democrats voted to censure Bowman, though it isn't clear at this point who they were. Those names will be released when we get an official roll call of the vote. Also notable is that 191 Democrats (and 15 who abstained) did not vote to censure Bowman. 

That would seem rather hypocritical given their proclamations that being charged with a crime is not only worthy of censure but expulsion in the case of George Santos. Bowman's explanation that he accidentally pulled the fire alarm has never made sense. The alarm itself is emblazoned with huge letters that say exactly what it is. The removal of the signs is also a clear sign of intent. 

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez tried to make the case for her colleague, but it was apparently unconvincing. 

First, New York Republicans supported George Santos. Then they voted to expel him. They’re so embarrassed by their behavior that they’re trying to distract people by censuring @RepBowman — doing their best My Cousin Vinny impersonation to break down an incident with a fire alarm. pic.twitter.com/g4muOWjGBb

— Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@RepAOC) December 7, 2023

It was not an "incident" with a fire alarm. Bowman clearly pulled it on purpose to obstruct Congress. He then pleaded guilty to a crime. That shouldn't just lead to censure; it should lead to expulsion. In that sense, he's getting off easy, and perhaps Ocasio-Cortez should settle down a bit.

There's something deeply satisfying about watching far-left Democrats flail about knowing that their words hold no power. That's one of the good things about winning elections. Republicans should try it more often.