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L.I. Rep. To Introduce Gun Legislation In House

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Long Island Rep. Carolyn McCarthy, one of the strongest gun-control advocates on Capitol Hill, said she has been offered federal protection in the aftermath of Saturday's shooting that left Arizona Rep. Gabrielle Giffords fighting for her life.

McCarthy said the FBI and Capitol Police asked her if she wanted body guards in light of shootings. The congresswoman said her first instinct was to reject it, but said she would consider the matter at a meeting in Washington this week.

"We were offered security. I turned it down. Someone on my staff kindly called the commission [and] said 'she's crazy, give her protection,'" she told reporters including 1010 WINS' Mona Rivera.

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1010 WINS Reporter Mona Rivera with comment from Rep. McCarthy on increased protection

McCarthy also criticized two members of the House -- Rep. Heath Shuler (D-North Carolina) and Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-Utah) -- for announcing they would carry their own guns when visiting their home districts.

"It's a shame that a member of Congress or any public official or any federal judge or any judge feels the need to carry a gun," McCarthy said.

A gunman on the Long Island Rail Road killed her husband and injured her son in 1993.

She plans to introduce legislation making high capacity gun clips, like the one allegedly used by the Tucson shooting suspect, illegal.

Jared Loughner, 22, was in court Monday, and is being held without bail. He is accused of killing six people -- including New Jersey native Phyllis Schneck and the granddaughter of former Yankees and Mets manager Dallas Green. Fourteen others were also injured.

McCarthy will introduce the bill when the House returns to session.

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