A devastating incident unfolded on Monday night in Northwest Washington, D.C., resulting in the tragic death of a 21-year-old congressional intern, Eric Tarpinian-Jachym. According to police reports, Tarpinian-Jachym was caught in targeted gunfire near the intersection of 7th and M Street, ultimately succumbing to his injuries on Tuesday.
Eric Tarpinian-Jachym hailed from Granby, Massachusetts, and had been serving as an intern for Rep. Ron Estes (R-Kan.) since June. He was a dedicated student at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, where he was in his senior year, majoring in finance with a minor in political science. His commitment to public service and education reflected his bright future.
The shooting occurred around 10:28 p.m. on Monday when multiple suspects emerged from a vehicle and opened fire on a group of individuals. Although the shooting was determined to be targeted, investigators confirmed that Tarpinian-Jachym was not among the intended victims. In addition to Tarpinian-Jachym, two other individuals—a female adult and a 16-year-old male—were also injured during the incident. While the other two victims were conscious when emergency responders arrived, Tarpinian-Jachym was found unconscious and subsequently transported to a local hospital, where he tragically passed away the next day.
Rep. Ron Estes and his wife, Susan, expressed their heartfelt condolences to the Tarpinian-Jachym family in a statement. "I will remember his kind heart and how he always greeted anyone who entered our office with a cheerful smile," Estes remarked in a press release. He emphasized their gratitude for Eric's service to Kansas' 4th District and the nation, highlighting the loss felt by those who knew him.
The Metropolitan Police Department is actively investigating the shooting and has recovered the suspect vehicle involved in the incident. They have announced a reward of up to $25,000 for any information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for this tragic event. Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact the police at (202) 727-9099 or text tips to 50411.
The loss of Eric Tarpinian-Jachym serves as a somber reminder of the ongoing issues of gun violence in our communities. As investigations continue, the community rallies together to support the Tarpinian-Jachym family and honor the memory of a promising young life cut short.
