Thursday, October 15, 2026
Carolyn McCarthy, a former U.S. representative from Long Island who transformed personal tragedy into a two-decade-long crusade for gun control in Congress, died on June 26. She was 81.
Born Carolyn Cook on Jan. 5, 1944, in Brooklyn, and raised in Mineola, McCarthy overcame early struggles with dyslexia and aspired to become a physical education teacher. Ultimately, her compassion led her to a career in nursing after she cared for a seriously injured boyfriend, becoming a licensed practical nurse.
Her life was forever changed on Dec. 7, 1993, when a mass shooting on the Long Island Rail Road claimed the life of her husband, Dennis, and left her son, Kevin, critically wounded.
The attack, in which a gunman — Colin Ferguson — killed six and injured 19 others, turned McCarthy into a national symbol of resilience and galvanized her entry into public service. Channeling her grief into advocacy, she ran for Congress as a Democrat in 1996, defeating Republican incumbent Dan Frisa in a stunning upset.
"Sad to hear of the passing of Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy, “Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman said in a statement. “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.”
McCarthy represented New York’s 4th congressional district, which covers a large swath of Nassau County's South Shore, from 1997 until her retirement in 2015. During her 18 years in the House of Representatives, she was widely regarded as one of the nation’s most tenacious and outspoken champions for gun reform.
She was dubbed “the doyenne of anti-gun advocates in the House” and often referred to herself as “the gun lady,” though she also worked on education and local constituent issues.
McCarthy, a former Republican, whose political views evolved over time, proved to be a loyal Democrat, voting with her party the vast majority of the time in Congress.
Her story was dramatized in the 1998 television movie “The Long Island Incident,” with actress Laurie Metcalf portraying her.
McCarthy announced her decision not to seek re-election in 2014, citing health reasons, and stepped down in January 2015. Fellow Democrat Kathleen Rice succeeded her.
Rep. Laura Gillen, who now represents the district, called McCarthy a "tireless advocate for Long Island," and noted what she did after the LIRR shooting.
“Carolyn turned her pain into action, running for Congress and advocating for commonsense gun reform, including comprehensive background checks,” Gillen said in a 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. My family and New York’s Fourth Congressional District join the nation in mourning Carolyn’s passing, and our prayers are with her family and all those who knew and loved her.”
Governor Kathy Hochl said flags on all state buildings will be flown at half-staff in honor of McCarthy.
“Representative Carolyn McCarthy was a strong advocate for gun control and an even more fierce leader,” Hochul said in a statement. “From her days as a Congresswoman to advocacy, Carolyn McCarthy touched the lives of many through her work in public service, and I join her family, loved ones and Long Islanders in mourning this loss.”
