Former U.S. Representative Carolyn McCarthy, a prominent figure in the fight for gun control, died at the age of 81. Her passing was confirmed by numerous officials in Long Island and Jay Jacobs, chair of the New York State Democratic Committee. The details of her death were not immediately disclosed.

Carolyn McCarthy's political career was born from tragedy. In 1993, her life changed dramatically when her husband was killed and her son severely injured in a mass shooting on a Long Island Rail Road train. This event propelled her from a nursing career into the national spotlight as a determined advocate for gun control.

Despite facing strong opposition from the National Rifle Association and other Second Amendment advocates, McCarthy became one of the most vocal proponents of gun legislation in Congress. Her efforts, however, met with limited legislative success.

In 2013, McCarthy was diagnosed with lung cancer, leading to her retirement from Congress in January 2014. "Mom dedicated her life to transforming personal tragedy into a powerful mission of public service," her son Kevin McCarthy told Newsday. "As a tireless advocate, devoted mother, proud grandmother, and courageous leader, she changed countless lives for the better. Her legacy of compassion, strength, and purpose will never be forgotten."

New York Governor Kathy Hochul ordered flags on all state government buildings to be flown at half-staff to honor McCarthy's contributions. "Representative Carolyn McCarthy was a strong advocate for gun control and an even more fierce leader," Hochul stated.

Democratic U.S. Rep. Tom Suozzi described McCarthy as a "fierce champion" who turned her grief into a relentless fight against gun violence. She frequently appeared on national TV following major gun-related tragedies, advocating for stricter gun control measures.

Known colloquially as the "gun lady" on Capitol Hill, McCarthy was deeply affected by gun violence, not only in her personal life but also as it impacted her colleagues and the nation. She once emotionally noted on the House floor, "I am Irish and I am not supposed to cry in front of anyone. But I made a promise a long time ago... If there was anything that I could do to prevent one family from going through what I have gone through then I have done my job."

Born in Brooklyn and raised on Long Island, McCarthy initially entered politics after her then-congressman voted to repeal an assault weapons ban, sparking her to switch from the Republican Party and run for office herself. Her unexpected victory in a predominantly Republican district sparked a wave of national attention, eventually inspiring a television movie produced by Barbra Streisand.

Despite criticisms of being a one-issue lawmaker, McCarthy’s advocacy extended beyond gun control, with significant interests in health care and education. Reflecting on her legacy, she once acknowledged that her tireless work on gun control would define her public life, a testament to her dedication to the cause.