Former U.S. Representative Carolyn McCarthy, known for her tireless advocacy for gun control following the tragic 1993 Long Island Rail Road massacre, has died at the age of 81. McCarthy’s journey into political activism began after a shooting claimed the life of her husband, Dennis, and injured her son, Kevin, prompting her to champion significant legislative changes in gun safety.
During her 18 years in Congress, McCarthy played a pivotal role in advocating for stronger background checks, childproof gun mechanisms, and disallowing firearm access for individuals with mental health issues or criminal histories. Her determination grew in the wake of numerous mass shootings, marking her as a leading voice in the movement for gun reform. After battling lung cancer, she spent her final years in Florida reflecting on a legacy that has profoundly influenced the gun control debate in America.
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