Congressional Intern Killed in Washington, D.C. Shooting; Officials Say He Was Not the Intended Target

A promising young congressional intern from Massachusetts has tragically died following a shooting in Northwest Washington, D.C., that police believe he was not intended to be part of.

The victim, Eric Tarpinian-Jachym, 21, of Granby, Massachusetts, was shot Monday night near the intersection of 7th and M Street. According to the Metropolitan Police Department, the gunfire erupted around 10:28 p.m. when several suspects exited a vehicle and opened fire on a group of people. Tarpinian-Jachym and two others—a woman and a 16-year-old boy—were struck.

Authorities say the shooting was targeted, but Tarpinian-Jachym was not one of the intended victims. He was found unconscious at the scene and was rushed to a local hospital, where he died the following day from his injuries. The other two victims survived.

Eric had been interning for Rep. Ron Estes (R-Kan.) since June and was set to begin his senior year at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where he majored in finance and minored in political science.

Rep. Estes and his wife, Susan, issued a heartfelt statement mourning the loss:

“I will remember his kind heart and how he always greeted anyone who entered our office with a cheerful smile. We are grateful to Eric for his service to Kansas' 4th District and to our country.”

Eric’s sudden death has left both Capitol Hill and his home community in mourning. Friends and colleagues have described him as bright, driven, and full of potential.

The Metropolitan Police Department is actively investigating the incident and has already recovered the suspect vehicle. They are offering a reward of up to $25,000 for information that leads to an arrest and conviction. Anyone with tips is encouraged to call (202) 727-9099 or send a message to 50411.

As investigations continue, tributes to Eric’s memory have poured in online from classmates, fellow interns, and political leaders. His death marks another tragic chapter in the nation’s ongoing struggle with gun violence, with many calling for action to ensure safety in the nation’s capital and beyond.

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