Former U.S. Rep. Carolyn McCarthy, a gun safety advocate, dies at 81 | Long Island Business News

Carolyn McCarthy, a former congresswoman who championed gun-safety measures, has died. She was 81.

A former nurse, McCarthy became an outspoken advocate for gun control after a 1993 Long Island Rail Road massacre left her husband among the six killed. Her son was also injured in the attack.

McCarthy turned that pain into advocacy and went on to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives. A Democrat, she served in this role from 1997 to 2015, representing New York’s Fourth Congressional District. In Congress, McCarthy spearheaded efforts to strengthen Brady background checks and enhance community safety.  She declined to run again while battling lung cancer.

In January, she received The Presidential Citizens Medal from President Joe Biden for her “exemplary service” and tireless advocacy to prevent gun violence.

Born Carolyn Cook in Brooklyn, she later married Dennis McCarthy. As a graduate from Mineola High School in Garden City Park, she attended Glen Cove Nursing School and became a licensed practical nurse in the intensive care unit of Glen Cove Hospital.

As a public figure, McCarthy was widely admired across the aisle.

U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer, a Democrat, described McCarthy as “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. 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. She worked with me in the fight for gun safety, health care, education, and better transportation for Long Islanders with unwavering focus – a true public servant who loved the people of her district, Long Island, and all of New York. Her legacy is a powerful reminder that courage, integrity and commitment can lead to real change. I will miss her dearly, and am praying for her and her family.”

“Carolyn MaCarthy was a tireless advocate for Long Island,” U.S. Rep. Laura Gillen, a Democrat, who now serves the same district as McCarthy once did, said in written statement.

“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,” Gillen said.

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, a Republican, said he was “sad to hear of the passing of Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy. I recently spoke with her about the 125th anniversary of Nassau County and invited her to attend the county’s gala as an honored guest. Unfortunately, she wasn’t feeling up to it, but she expressed her best wishes and love for Nassau County. Carolyn was a true leader and a very decent person. She will be sorely missed.”

Blakeman has ordered flags to be flown at half-staff from now until McCarthy’s burial.

He plans to name a street in McCarthy’s honor.