“Threatening” Mail Sent to Congressman Riley’s Binghamton Office
A section of a downtown Binghamton building was sealed off by police after a "threatening letter" was received at Congressman Josh Riley's district office.
Police officers were sent to the MetroCenter at 49 Court Street shortly before 5 p.m. Friday after an envelope containing the letter and a "suspicious" white power was reported.
Riley's office occupies a suite on the second floor of the commercial complex.
Police closed an area of the MetroCenter around the congressman's office.
City fire department units were sent to the building to assess the situation. Members of the department's hazmat team also were dispatched to the scene.
Two firefighters wearing protective suits entered the office and spent a few minutes inside.
The few people who remained in the MetroCenter building were not informed about the incident.
The hazmat team tested the white powder and determined it was harmless. The material was identified as active yeast.
Congressman Riley issued this statement about the incident Friday evening:
Today, a member of our team in Binghamton opened an envelope containing a threatening letter and unidentified powder. We immediately contacted law enforcement, which tested the substance and informed us it was nonhazardous, and our team member was evaluated and cleared by medical professionals.
My team’s safety and security is my highest priority, and I will not tolerate any attempt to threaten or intimidate them. I’m so grateful to law enforcement, emergency responders, medical professionals, and the Binghamton Mayor’s Office for their swift and professional response.
Details about the nature of the threat and other aspects of the mailing were not disclosed by Riley's office or by Binghamton police.
In recent days, dozens of suspicious letters have been received by election officials and congressional offices in several states. Federal investigators have been trying to determine who is responsible for sending the letters.
WNBF NEWS VIDEO: Binghamton police and firefighters outside Congressman Josh Riley's district office in the MetroCenter on October 16, 2026.
Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com or (607) 545-2250. For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.
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