Carolyn McCarthy, a former New York state senator and prominent gun control advocate, has died at 81, according to family sources. Her legacy is defined by her relentless advocacy for gun safety following the 1993 Long Island commuter train shooting, where a deranged gunman killed her husband and seriously wounded her son. This personal tragedy became the catalyst for her national crusade against gun violence.
McCarthy’s dedication to this cause led her to the U.S. House of Representatives, where she played a pivotal role in the 1994 federal assault weapons ban. The legislation, which prohibited the manufacture, sale, and transfer of assault weapons, was a landmark achievement in the U.S. gun control debate. Her efforts were driven by both personal grief and a deep commitment to public safety.
Her advocacy extended beyond the 1994 ban, as she continued to push for stricter gun control measures and gun safety reforms. McCarthy’s work has had a lasting impact on national discussions about gun violence and public policy. Her passing marks the end of an era for those who supported her cause.