Former Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy, A Leading Voice For Gun Control, Dies At 81

LONG ISLAND, NY — Carolyn McCarthy, who became a major voice for gun control after her husband was killed in the 1993 Long Island Rail Road mass shooting, died at age 81.

McCarthy launched a career as a public servant following the train massacre, where Colin Ferguson six killed people when he boarded at the Merillon Avenue station.

She was elected to New York's 4th Congressional District in 1996, and served on Capitol Hill for 18 years. McCarthy retired in 2015 following a cancer diagnosis.

“Carolyn McCarthy was one of New York’s very best. She turned her own personal tragedy into lasting public service, becoming one of the most determined and effective voices for gun safety," Senator Charles Schumer said. "Her work helped shape federal policy on assault weapons and gun locks, all of it driven by her deep compassion for others and rooted in her years as a nurse."

Born in Brooklyn, McCarthy was raised in Mineola.

Rep. Tom Suozzi (D-NY 3) called McCarthy "one of our nation’s great champions in the fight against gun violence."

"I first met Carolyn in early 1994, when I was the young mayor of Glen Cove, and her son, Kevin, was undergoing rehabilitation at Glen Cove Hospital. I followed her closely from her entry into politics and throughout her years in office. Our nation and our Island have lost a fierce champion," Suozzi said on X.

The current member of Congress representing the 4th District, Democrat Laura Gillen said:

"I was sad to learn of the passing of former Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy, a tireless advocate for Long Island. We must honor her legacy by continuing her life's work to keep our communities and our children safe from the scourge of gun violence."

Assemblyman Charles Lavine (D-North Shore) said McCarthy was "one of the best people that I have ever worked with. Thanks to her tireless efforts in Congress, countless lives have been saved."

Governor Hochul announced flags would be lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Friday.

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman announced that flags will be lowered to half-staff until her burial. Additionally, he has instructed the county's Department of Public Works to find a suitable location for street naming in her honor.