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U.S. Rep. Claudia Tenney, whose district includes northern Cayuga County, is temporarily closing her district offices due to threats. 

Tenney, R-Cleveland, said in a statement that her staff contacted police three times Wednesday after "threats of violence and intimidation against our staff members." She lauded Capitol Police and local law enforcement for responding to the calls and ensuring the safety of constituents and staff. 

"I am appalled by these threats and am calling on everyone to express their First Amendment rights in a peaceful and compassionate way," Tenney said. 

Tenney, who represents the 24th Congressional District that extends from western New York to the North Country, has three full-time district offices in Canandaigua, Lockport and Oswego. She also has a satellite office in Watertown that is open every Tuesday. 

There is no timetable for when the offices will reopen. For now, Tenney is directing constituents to her website, , to contact her office. 

"Our team of expert caseworkers are dedicated to serving all of the constituents in NY-24 with compassion and professionalism," Tenney said. "I can confidently say that our team is among the very best in Congress."

Members of Congress, including Cayuga County's representatives, have faced an increasing number of threats over the years. 

Former Congressman John Katko, who represented Cayuga County from 2015 to 2023, received two death threats that led to federal charges against the callers. 

In 2023, former U.S. Rep. Brandon Williams was the target of a "swatting" call at his Sennett home. 

U.S. Capitol Police reported this week that it investigated 9,474 "concerning statements and direct threats" against members of Congress, their families and staff in 2024 — the second-highest total on record. There were 9,625 threats in 2021, according to the agency. 

The number of threats against members of Congress has increased 140% since 2017, when there were 3,939 cases.