Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-NY) released a new statement on Saturday night about why he allegedly decided to pull a fire alarm earlier in the day which has landed him under investigation and sparked calls that he should be criminally charged and expelled from Congress.

Bowman, who is a former school principal, pulled the fire alarm in the House Cannon office building as House Democrats were trying to delay a vote on a GOP stopgap spending bill, which sparked an evacuation of the building.

“I want to personally clear up confusion surrounding today’s events,” Bowman said in a statement. “Today, as I was rushing to make a vote, I came to a door that is usually open for votes but today would not open. I am embarrassed to admit that I activated the fire alarm, mistakenly thinking it would open the door. I regret this and sincerely apologize for any confusion this caused.”

“But I want to be very clear, this was not me, in any way, trying to delay any vote,” he claimed. “It was the exact opposite – I was trying urgently to get to a vote, which I ultimately did and joined my colleagues in a bipartisan effort to keep our government open. I also met after the vote with the Sergeant at Arms and the Capitol Police, at their request, and explained what had happened. My hope is that no one will make more of this than it was. I am working hard every day, including today, to do my job, to do it well, and deliver for my constituents.”

Punchbowl News co-founder John Bresnahan posted a photo of the door where Bowman pulled the fire alarm which shows that a red sign that reads “EMERGENCY EXIT ONLY” was present at the time that Bowman pulled the lever.

An additional photo showed that the fire alarm was the only thing fixed to the wall that could be activated that did not require a maintenance key.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE DAILY WIRE APP

This doesn’t really seem that confusing pic.twitter.com/EXM5VOWJAp

— John Bresnahan (@bresreports) September 30, 2023

Related: McCarthy Hammers Bowman For Pulling Fire Alarm: ‘This Should Not Go Without Punishment’

Louisiana Tech announced on Saturday that the program is suspending a player who appeared to stomp on the head of an opposing player during a game on Friday night.

Brevin Randle, a 6-foot 230-pound linebacker, was suspended by the school for his actions during the second quarter of the team’s matchup against the University of Texas at El Paso.

Louisiana Tech athletic director Eric Wood said in a statement, “Coach Cumbie and I met with Brevin Randle today and informed him that he has been suspended indefinitely as a result of the incident during last night’s game versus UTEP.”

“In speaking with Brevin, he acknowledges that his action was wrong and understands the consequence of that action,” the statement continued. “Our university, athletic department, and football program believe in culture, class, and competitive excellence and in no way was that displayed in that moment.”

Sports Illustrated noted that Randle pushed UTEP offensive lineman Steven Hubbard into the turf after a play and that while he was on the ground he “stepped on the player’s head and neck area with his right foot.”

Officials appear to have missed seeing the incident as no penalty flags were thrown.

Louisiana Tech beat UTEP by two touchdowns, 24-10.

The incident sparked widespread condemnation online.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE DAILY WIRE APP

“This is disgusting – Louisiana Tech LB Brevin Randle deliberately stomped over a defenseless player’s head,” football analyst Dov Kleiman wrote on X. “Somehow this wasn’t flagged but he should be suspended immediately.”

Some called for Randle to be banned from playing football for the rest of his life.

WATCH:

This is disgusting – Louisiana Tech LB Brevin Randle deliberately stomped over a defenseless player's head.

Somehow this wasn't flagged but he should be suspended immediately.pic.twitter.com/qMGr3W0n4J

— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) September 30, 2023