A promising young life was cut short this week in Washington, D.C., as Eric Tarpinian-Jachym, a 21-year-old congressional intern for Rep. Ron Estes (R-KS), was killed in a senseless act of urban violence.
Tarpinian-Jachym, a rising senior at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, was struck by gunfire on Monday night while in the 1200 block of 7th Street NW, according to the Metropolitan Police Department. Two other individuals—a 16-year-old male and an adult female—were also injured and transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Police say the shooting unfolded when a vehicle stopped near the group and multiple suspects exited before opening fire on bystanders. Authorities do not believe Tarpinian-Jachym was the intended target, further underscoring the indiscriminate nature of the violence.
In a statement issued Tuesday, Congressman Ron Estes and his wife Susan remembered Eric as “a kind heart and a cheerful presence” in their office.
“We are grateful to Eric for his service to Kansas’ 4th District and the country,” Estes said. “Please join Susan and me in praying for his family and respecting their privacy during this heartbreaking time.”
Tarpinian-Jachym had been participating in a fellowship through The Fund for American Studies, a respected program aimed at fostering civic and public service engagement among college students. The organization confirmed that he was from Aberdeen, Mississippi, and described him as a “hardworking intern” and “well-regarded by his peers.”
His friend, Phillip Peterson, shared a personal reflection with Fox News, calling Eric “very easy-going” and expressing regret that their plans to live together in D.C. had fallen through.
“I legitimately do regret now not going back to D.C. just so I could have spent more time with my friend,” Peterson said.
Eric was majoring in finance with a minor in political science, and on track to graduate with the UMass Amherst Class of 2026. The Massachusetts Republican Party called his death “a loss for Massachusetts and our nation,” and expressed condolences to his family and Rep. Estes’ office.
The shooting has reignited concerns about urban crime and public safety, particularly in the nation’s capital, where rising violence has become a persistent issue.
The Metropolitan Police Department is offering a $25,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible. Tips can be submitted by calling (202) 727-9099.
