In a tense display of political discord, anti-Israel protesters disrupted a town hall event hosted by Democratic New York Rep. Josh Riley on Oct. 6, 2025, forcing the freshman lawmaker to briefly exit the room amid relentless heckling.
According to the Daily Caller, the incident, which unfolded at SUNY Sullivan campus in upstate New York, highlighted growing divisions within the Democratic Party over Israel’s war in Gaza, as Riley faced criticism for his stance on military aid to Israel and refusal to condemn the conflict as genocide.
The town hall, held in Riley’s sprawling swing district in upstate New York, was meant to be a platform for constituents to voice concerns directly to their representative. Instead, it quickly devolved into chaos as protesters confronted Riley over his support for Israel. For nearly six minutes, attendees shouted at the congressman, accusing him of ignoring public sentiment on the issue.
A gray-haired woman in the crowd was particularly vocal, pointing to polling data to challenge Riley’s position. “Seventy-five percent of Democratic voters are against you — the United States — giving arms to Israel. Why are you voting for arms to Israel?” she demanded. “Just answer it. People are dying. Americans do not want to support genocide,” she added, pressing her point further.
Riley attempted to respond, saying, “I would love to answer your question,” but was interrupted by shouts of “You’re filibustering!” from a male attendee. The gray-haired woman continued, insisting, “You’re supposed to listen to your voters!” to which Riley replied, “I’m trying to.” Unable to quell the disruptions, Riley briefly left the room, while a vocal female protester also exited the venue before the event could resume.
The confrontation reflects a broader shift within the Democratic Party, where support for Israel has significantly declined among voters. A Quinnipiac poll released in August 2025 revealed that three in four Democratic voters oppose additional military aid to Israel for its conflict with Hamas. Lawmakers like Riley face increasing pressure from the party’s left wing to take a harder stance against Israel’s actions in Gaza.
Adding fuel to the protesters’ frustration, Riley traveled to Israel in August 2025 with a group of House Democrats. The trip was sponsored by the American Israel Education Foundation, an affiliate of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), a prominent pro-Israel advocacy group. This visit likely intensified criticism from constituents who view such engagements as evidence of unwavering support for Israel’s policies.
Riley is not the only Democratic figure facing such backlash, as anti-Israel protesters have also repeatedly interrupted events tied to former Vice President Kamala Harris during her multi-city book tour. These disruptions underscore the growing challenge for Democratic leaders navigating internal party tensions over foreign policy. Meanwhile, a ceasefire deal between the Israeli military and Hamas, brokered in part by President Donald Trump, was reached on a recent Friday, though specific details remain unclear.
Beyond foreign policy, Riley has drawn attention for his stances on domestic issues, including immigration and law enforcement. He has expressed support for a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants with no criminal records, a position that has sparked criticism from opponents. The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) condemned Riley, with spokeswoman Maureen O’Toole stating, “Radical Democrat Josh Riley has zero respect for anyone who disagrees with his dangerous, far-left agenda that prioritizes criminals and illegal immigrants above law enforcement heroes and hardworking New Yorkers.”
Riley has also criticized federal law enforcement agents for wearing masks, despite heightened risks and attacks on officers. “Local law enforcement no matter who you are should not be wearing masks,” Riley stated, drawing further ire from critics who argue such measures are necessary for officer safety. The NRCC highlighted this stance as part of their broader critique of Riley’s policies, accusing him of undermining law enforcement.
On immigration-related legislation, Riley’s voting record shows a mixed approach to border security and migrant issues. He supported a GOP-authored bill aimed at addressing criminal activities by undocumented migrants, signaling some alignment with tougher enforcement measures. However, he opposed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which included funding for ICE detention facilities, border wall construction, and reforms to Medicaid and food assistance programs.
Adding another layer to Riley’s public profile, he has invested up to $15,000 in a distillery described as “women-owned, queer-led,” according to a report by the New York Post. The distillery markets products with politically charged names like “Fascist Tears” vodka and “Dissent” gin, reflecting left-leaning messaging. This investment has drawn scrutiny as Riley navigates his role in a politically diverse swing district.
As Riley looks to the future, early analysis of the 2026 race for New York’s 19th congressional district rates the contest as “Lean Democrat,” suggesting a competitive but favorable outlook for his reelection. Riley defeated Marc Molinaro in 2024 during what was the most expensive House race of that cycle, a significant victory for the freshman lawmaker. Molinaro, now serving as head of the Federal Transit Administration, is not expected to challenge Riley again in the upcoming election.
The town hall incident serves as a microcosm of the challenges Riley faces in representing a district with diverse viewpoints while managing national party dynamics. His support for Israel, coupled with progressive domestic policies, places him at the intersection of competing ideological pressures. As tensions over Gaza and other issues persist, Riley’s ability to address constituent concerns will likely shape his political future in upstate New York.