Former U.S. Representative Carolyn McCarthy, known for her passionate advocacy for gun control, has passed away at 81. Friday’s announcement by Long Island officials and the New York State Democratic Committee’s chair, Jay Jacobs, came without specific details on her death. McCarthy rose to prominence in the political realm after the tragic 1993 Long Island Rail Road massacre, which killed her husband and critically wounded her son. Despite her determined efforts in Congress, challenges persisted against powerful organizations like the National Rifle Association. In 2013, McCarthy revealed her battle with lung cancer and decided to retire from politics in 2014.
Her son, Kevin McCarthy, one of the survivors of the train shooting, expressed heartfelt sentiments about his mother. “Mom dedicated her life to transforming personal tragedy into a powerful mission of public service,” he shared with Newsday. He acknowledged her as a “tireless advocate” and praised her legacy of compassion, strength, and purpose that touched numerous lives. In her honor, New York Governor Kathy Hochul ordered flags on all state buildings to be flown at half-staff on Friday. Hochul remarked on McCarthy’s strong leadership and her unwavering advocacy for gun control.
Fellow Democratic Representative Tom Suozzi lamented the nation’s loss of a passionate advocate, stating that McCarthy had turned her personal grief into a mission for change in the realm of gun violence prevention. Over the years, McCarthy regularly appeared on national news platforms, discussing gun violence, especially after incidents such as the Columbine and Sandy Hook shootings. Referred to as the “gun lady” in Washington, she conveyed deep sorrow upon hearing about the shooting of her former colleague, Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, in 2011. She likened gun violence to a cancer in society that would proliferate unless combated.
Her emotional devotion to the cause was evident in a notable moment during a 1999 House debate on gun show loopholes, where she shed tears in the early hours of the morning. “I made a promise to my son and to my husband,” she said, expressing her commitment to preventing other families from encountering similar tragedies. Born in Brooklyn and raised on Long Island, Carolyn McCarthy pursued a career in nursing before marrying Dennis McCarthy. Their son, Kevin, was born during a challenging period in their marriage that led to divorce and subsequent reconciliation.
Originally a Republican, McCarthy’s course shifted dramatically after the Dec. 7, 1993 railway shootings by a gunman, culminating in her decision to enter politics when her Republican congressman voted against an assault weapons ban. Her unexpected electoral victory translated into a made-for-TV movie from Barbra Streisand. Despite representing a predominantly Republican district east of New York City, McCarthy secured her seat repeatedly since her initial triumph in 1996. While some critics suggested she primarily focused on gun control, McCarthy countered these claims, underscoring her additional engagement in healthcare and educational reforms. Reflecting on her career, she once admitted, “I’ve come to peace with the fact that [gun control advocacy] will be in my obituary.”