How Binghamton Responded to the 2009 Tragedy on Front Street

Binghamton-area residents are reflecting on the mass shooting that resulted in 13 people being killed at the American Civic Association 15 years ago.

The tragic events at the building at 131 Front Street occurred on the morning of April 3, 2009.

The first word that a man had opened fire inside the facility came in a 911 call at 10:31 a.m.

Matthew Ryan, who was mayor at the time, was learned of the shooting as was returning to City Hall after an off-site meeting.

Speaking on WNBF Radio's Binghamton Now program Wednesday morning, Ryan said a police officer gave him a bullet-proof vest and they went directly to the scene.

Ryan said "it was just devastating news" which got worse as he heard additional information about the number of people who were feared dead as a result of the shooting.

The former mayor said "it was a very volatile situation" because police initially did not know exactly how many people were in the building. They also didn't know whether the shooter was dead or alive.

Ryan said it took quite awhile before authorities determined that there had been only a single shooter and he apparently had taken his own life.

[A memorial service will be held at the American Civic Association building on Front Street at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday.]

LISTEN: Former Binghamton Mayor Matthew Ryan discussed the American Civic Association tragedy on WNBF Radio on April 3, 2024.

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Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com. For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.