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Newsweek
17-07-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
Anti-Trump Protest Held in President's Florida Stronghold
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. An anti-President Donald Trump protest is being planned for Thursday in a traditionally Republican stronghold. The protest is being held in The Villages, a sprawling retirement community of more than 150,000 residents across three Central Florida counties with a largely GOP-voting population of retirees, per Gulf Live. It is part of nationwide Good Trouble Lives On protests on Thursday, the anniversary of the death of civil rights leader and former Representative John Lewis, known for his slogan of making "Good Trouble." John Lewis addresses a crowd at a rally protesting the National Rifle Association's annual convention a few blocks away in Atlanta, April 29, 2017. John Lewis addresses a crowd at a rally protesting the National Rifle Association's annual convention a few blocks away in Atlanta, April 29, 2017. David Goldman, file/AP Photo Why It Matters The state of Florida voted 56.1 percent for Trump in 2024, and the three Central Florida counties which hold The Villages, Marion, Sumter and Lake, voted above the state average, at 65.5 percent, 68.3 percent, and 61.8 percent respectively, in favor of Trump. This protest in a pro-Trump stronghold comes as the president is suffering in the polls, over the White House's handling of the Jeffrey Epstein investigation, which is also rattling a segment of his own supporters. What To Know More than 1,600 Good Trouble Lives On protests are being held across the country, including in states that voted for Trump in 2024 such as Arizona, Arkansas, South Carolina and Florida. Katherine Garcia, press officer for Public Citizen, a group involved with Good Trouble Lives On spoke to Newsweek about why protests are being held in The Villages, saying: "The Trump Administration's attacks on the American people's civil rights, Medicaid, SNAP, Social Security and other health programs, reproductive rights, due process, and more impacts all Americans. The bounds of these impacts are not defined by state lines or party affiliations." The organizing site for the protest in The Villages says: "This is more than a protest; it's a moral reckoning. A continuation of the movement Lewis helped lead, and a new front in the struggle for freedom." This is not the first anti-Trump protest in The Villages. Some Villages residents also organized one of the No Kings Day protests held on June 14. The No Kings protests were the largest nationwide demonstration against the president, and coincided with a miltary parade that was held in Washington, D.C, as well as Trump's birthday. This is the fifth-annual Good Trouble Lives On protest following Lewis' death on July 17, 2020. Lewis participated in the first lunch counter sit-ins in the 1960s, was a Freedom Rider in Montgomery, Alabama, and was a speaker at the March on Washington in 1963. In 1987, he became a member of Congress, representing Georgia's 5th district until he passed away. Good Trouble Lives On organizers told Newsweek via a press release: "In memory of John Lewis, we will take to the streets, courthouses and community spaces to carry forward his fight for justice, voting rights and dignity for all." Garcia told Newsweek: "As of this morning, July 17, more than 1,600 events have been confirmed, 184,000 have RSVP'd to attend Good Trouble Lives On, and we expect at least several hundred thousand people will attend across the country." Good Trouble Lives On protest locations across the U.S. Good Trouble Lives On protest locations across the U.S. What People Are Saying Congressman John Lewis: "Get in good trouble, necessary trouble, and help redeem the soul of America." Katherine Garcia, press officer for Public Citizen, a group involved with Good Trouble Lives On, told Newsweek: "Good Trouble" is the act of coming together to take peaceful, non-violent action to challenge injustice and create meaningful change. We're encouraging communities to come together to march, protest and engage in service work – any action where we can take a stand against wrongdoings, and speak truth to power. Though Good Trouble has been hosted every year since Congressman Lewis' passing in 2020, this year's event is especially important as it comes at a critical time to protect civil rights across the nation." Liz Huston, White House spokesperson told Newsweek: "Nearly 80 million Americans gave President Trump a historic mandate to Make America Great Again and he is delivering on that promise in record time." What Happens Next Garcia told Newsweek: "Many of our organizers are also partnering upcoming actions on Labor Day, which will continue the mobilization of the American people and propel the demands of Good Trouble further to stop the billionaire takeover and rampant corruption of the Trump administration, protect social programs for working people, and stop attacks on immigrants, Black, indigenous, trans people and all our communities."
Politico
26-06-2025
- Politics
- Politico
Gun control crusader and former US Rep. Carolyn McCarthy dead at 81
Former U.S. Rep. Carolyn McCarthy, who successfully ran for Congress in 1996 as a crusader for gun control after a mass shooting on a New York commuter train left her husband dead and her son severely wounded, has died. She was 81. News of her death was shared Thursday by several elected officials on her native Long Island and by Jay Jacobs, chair of the New York State Democratic Committee. Details about her death were not immediately available. McCarthy went from political novice to one of the nation's leading advocates for gun control legislation in the aftermath of the 1993 Long Island Rail Road massacre. However, the suburban New York Democrat found limited success against the National Rifle Association and other Second Amendment advocates. McCarthy announced in June 2013 that she was undergoing treatment for lung cancer. She announced her retirement in January 2014. 'Mom dedicated her life to transforming personal tragedy into a powerful mission of public service,' her son, Kevin McCarthy, who survived the shooting, 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 Gov. Kathy Hochul directed flags on all state government buildings to be flown at half-staff Friday in honor of the congresswoman. 'Representative Carolyn McCarthy was a strong advocate for gun control and an even more fierce leader,' Hochul said. Democratic U.S. Rep. Tom Suozzi said the nation has 'lost a fierce champion.' 'Carolyn channeled her grief and loss into advocacy for change, becoming one of the most dedicated gun violence prevention advocates,' Suozzi said on X. She became a go-to guest on national TV news shows after each ensuing gun massacre, whether it was at Columbine High School or Sandy Hook Elementary School. Known as the 'gun lady' on Capitol Hill, McCarthy said she couldn't stop crying after learning that her former colleague, Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, had been seriously wounded in a January 2011 shooting in Arizona. 'It's like a cancer in our society,' she said of gun violence. 'And if we keep doing nothing to stop it, it's only going to spread.' During one particularly rancorous debate over gun show loopholes in 1999, McCarthy was brought to tears at 1 a.m. 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. I made a promise to my son and to my husband. 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,' she said. 'Let me go home. Let me go home,' she pleaded. McCarthy was born in Brooklyn and grew up on Long Island. She became a nurse and later married Dennis McCarthy after meeting on a Long Island beach. They had one son, Kevin, during a tumultuous marriage in which they divorced but reconciled and remarried. McCarthy was a Republican when, on Dec. 7, 1993, a gunman opened fire on a train car leaving New York City. By the time passengers tackled the shooter, six people were dead and 19 wounded. She jumped into politics after her GOP congressman voted to repeal an assault weapons ban. Her surprise victory inspired a made-for-television movie produced by Barbra Streisand. Since that first victory in 1996, McCarthy was never seriously challenged for reelection in a heavily Republican district just east of New York City. Some critics described McCarthy as a one-issue lawmaker, a contention she bristled about, pointing to interests in improving health care and education. But she was realistic about her legacy on gun control, once telling an interviewer: 'I've come to peace with the fact that will be in my obituary.'
Chicago Tribune
26-06-2025
- Politics
- Chicago Tribune
Carolyn McCarthy, former US representative and longtime gun control advocate, dies at 81
Former U.S. Rep. Carolyn McCarthy, who successfully ran for Congress in 1996 as a crusader for gun control after a mass shooting on a New York commuter train left her husband dead and her son severely wounded, has died. She was 81. News of her death was shared Thursday by several elected officials on her native Long Island and by Jay Jacobs, chair of the New York State Democratic Committee. Details about her death were not immediately available. McCarthy went from political novice to one of the nation's leading advocates for gun control legislation in the aftermath of the 1993 Long Island Rail Road massacre. However, the suburban New York Democrat found limited success against the National Rifle Association and other Second Amendment advocates. McCarthy announced in June 2013 that she was undergoing treatment for lung cancer. She announced her retirement in January 2014. 'Mom dedicated her life to transforming personal tragedy into a powerful mission of public service,' her son, Kevin McCarthy, who survived the shooting, 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 Gov. Kathy Hochul directed flags on all state government buildings to be flown at half-staff in honor of the congresswoman on Friday. 'Representative Carolyn McCarthy was a strong advocate for gun control and an even more fierce leader,' Hochul said. Democratic U.S. Rep. Tom Suozzi said the nation has 'lost a fierce champion.' 'Carolyn channeled her grief and loss into advocacy for change, becoming one of the most dedicated gun violence prevention advocates,' Suozzi said on X. She became a go-to guest on national TV news shows after each ensuing gun massacre, whether it was at Columbine High School or Sandy Hook Elementary School. Known as the 'gun lady' on Capitol Hill, McCarthy said she couldn't stop crying after learning that her former colleague, Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, had been seriously wounded in a January 2011 shooting in Arizona. 'It's like a cancer in our society,' she said of gun violence. 'And if we keep doing nothing to stop it, it's only going to spread.' During one particularly rancorous debate over gun show loopholes in 1999, McCarthy was brought to tears at 1 a.m. 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. I made a promise to my son and to my husband. 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,' she said. 'Let me go home. Let me go home,' she pleaded. McCarthy was born in Brooklyn and grew up on Long Island. She became a nurse and later married Dennis McCarthy after meeting on a Long Island beach. They had one son, Kevin, during a tumultuous marriage in which they divorced but reconciled and remarried. McCarthy was a Republican when, on Dec. 7, 1993, a gunman opened fire on a train car leaving New York City. By the time passengers tackled the shooter, six people were dead and 19 wounded. She jumped into politics after her GOP congressman voted to repeal an assault weapons ban. Her surprise victory inspired a made-for-television movie produced by Barbra Streisand. Since that first victory in 1996, McCarthy was never seriously challenged for reelection in a heavily Republican district just east of New York City.. Some critics described McCarthy as a one-issue lawmaker, a contention she bristled about, pointing to interests in improving health care and education. But she was realistic about her legacy on gun control, once telling an interviewer: 'I've come to peace with the fact that will be in my obituary.'
NBC News
26-06-2025
- Politics
- NBC News
Gun control crusader and former US Rep. Carolyn McCarthy dead at 81
Former U.S. Rep. Carolyn McCarthy, who successfully ran for Congress in 1996 as a crusader for gun control after a mass shooting on a New York commuter train left her husband dead and her son severely wounded, has died. She was 81. News of her death was shared Thursday by several elected officials on her native Long Island and by Jay Jacobs, chair of the New York State Democratic Committee. Details about her death were not immediately available. McCarthy went from political novice to one of the nation's leading advocates for gun control legislation in the aftermath of the 1993 Long Island Rail Road massacre. However, the suburban New York Democrat found limited success against the National Rifle Association and other Second Amendment advocates. McCarthy announced in June 2013 that she was undergoing treatment for lung cancer. She announced her retirement in January 2014. 'Mom dedicated her life to transforming personal tragedy into a powerful mission of public service,' her son, Kevin McCarthy, who survived the shooting, 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 Gov. Kathy Hochul directed flags on all state government buildings to be flown at half-staff in honor of the congresswoman on Friday. 'Representative Carolyn McCarthy was a strong advocate for gun control and an even more fierce leader,' Hochul said. Democratic U.S. Rep. Tom Suozzi said the nation has 'lost a fierce champion.' 'Carolyn channeled her grief and loss into advocacy for change, becoming one of the most dedicated gun violence prevention advocates,' Suozzi said on X. She became a go-to guest on national TV news shows after each ensuing gun massacre, whether it was at Columbine High School or Sandy Hook Elementary School. Known as the 'gun lady' on Capitol Hill, McCarthy said she couldn't stop crying after learning that her former colleague, Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, had been seriously wounded in a January 2011 shooting in Arizona. 'It's like a cancer in our society,' she said of gun violence. 'And if we keep doing nothing to stop it, it's only going to spread.' During one particularly rancorous debate over gun show loopholes in 1999, McCarthy was brought to tears at 1 a.m. 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. I made a promise to my son and to my husband. 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,' she said. 'Let me go home. Let me go home,' she pleaded. McCarthy was born in Brooklyn and grew up on Long Island. She became a nurse and later married Dennis McCarthy after meeting on a Long Island beach. They had one son, Kevin, during a tumultuous marriage in which they divorced but reconciled and remarried. McCarthy was a Republican when, on Dec. 7, 1993, a gunman opened fire on a train car leaving New York City. By the time passengers tackled the shooter, six people were dead and 19 wounded. She jumped into politics after her GOP congressman voted to repeal an assault weapons ban. Her surprise victory inspired a made-for-television movie produced by Barbra Streisand. Since that first victory in 1996, McCarthy was never seriously challenged for reelection in a heavily Republican district just east of New York City. Some critics described McCarthy as a one-issue lawmaker, a contention she bristled about, pointing to interests in improving health care and education. But she was realistic about her legacy on gun control, once telling an interviewer:
26-06-2025
- Politics
Gun control crusader and former US Rep. Carolyn McCarthy dies at 81
Former U.S. Rep. Carolyn McCarthy, who successfully ran for Congress in 1996 as a crusader for gun control after a mass shooting on a New York commuter train left her husband dead and her son severely wounded, has died. She was 81. News of her death was shared Thursday by several elected officials on her native Long Island and by Jay Jacobs, chair of the New York State Democratic Committee. Details about her death were not immediately available. McCarthy went from political novice to one of the nation's leading advocates for gun control legislation in the aftermath of the 1993 Long Island Rail Road massacre. However, the suburban New York Democrat found limited success against the National Rifle Association and other Second Amendment advocates. McCarthy announced in June 2013 that she was undergoing treatment for lung cancer. She announced her retirement in January 2014. Democratic U.S. Rep. Tom Suozzi said the nation has 'lost a fierce champion.' 'Carolyn channeled her grief and loss into advocacy for change, becoming one of the most dedicated gun violence prevention advocates,' Suozzi said on X. She became a go-to guest on national TV news shows after each ensuing gun massacre, whether it was at Columbine High School or Sandy Hook Elementary School. Known as the 'gun lady' on Capitol Hill, McCarthy said she couldn't stop crying after learning that her former colleague, Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, had been seriously wounded in a January 2011 shooting in Arizona. 'It's like a cancer in our society,' she said of gun violence. 'And if we keep doing nothing to stop it, it's only going to spread.' During one particularly rancorous debate over gun show loopholes in 1999, McCarthy was brought to tears at 1 a.m. 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. I made a promise to my son and to my husband. 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,' she said. 'Let me go home. Let me go home,' she pleaded. McCarthy was born in Brooklyn and grew up on Long Island. She became a nurse and later married Dennis McCarthy after meeting on a Long Island beach. They had one son, Kevin, during a tumultuous marriage in which they divorced but reconciled and remarried. McCarthy was a Republican when, on Dec. 7, 1993, a gunman opened fire on a train car leaving New York City. By the time passengers tackled the shooter, six people were dead and 19 wounded. She jumped into politics after her GOP congressman voted to repeal an assault weapons ban. Her surprise victory inspired a made-for-television movie produced by Barbra Streisand. Since that first victory in 1996, McCarthy was never seriously challenged for reelection in a heavily Republican district just east of New York City.. Some critics described McCarthy as a one-issue lawmaker, a contention she bristled about, pointing to interests in improving health care and education. But she was realistic about her legacy on gun control, once telling an interviewer:
