A 21-year-old Congressional intern, Eric Tarpinian-Jachym, was shot and killed in Washington, D.C. on Monday night, marking a tragic incident that has left the local community and national politicians in shock. The Metropolitan Police Department described the shooting as an ambush, with multiple individuals exiting a car and firing at a group of people. Tarpinian-Jachym, an intern for Rep. Ron Estes (R-Kan.), was a rising senior majoring in finance at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
The shooting occurred around 10:28 p.m. on the 1200 block of 7th Street, Northwest, where Tarpinian-Jachym was reportedly not the intended target, according to officials. The incident also resulted in the injury of an adult female and a 16-year-old male, both of whom were taken to local hospitals. The Metropolitan Police Department is offering a $25,000 reward for anyone who provides information leading to an arrest and conviction, and are encouraging the public to contact the department at (202) 727-9099 for further details.
Tarpinian-Jachym, who was described as a kind-hearted individual by his colleagues, was an intern for Rep. Ron Estes (R-Kan.) and was studying finance with a minor in political science at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. His colleagues and friends remember him as a bright and cheerful person who always greeted anyone who entered their office with a smile. Phillip Peterson, one of Tarpinian-Jachym’s friends, recounted their friendship, stating that he was a very easy-going person to be around. They met in early January and were planning to become roommates, but the plans fell through due to Peterson’s reluctance to move back to Washington, D.C. He now expresses regret for not pursuing the opportunity to spend more time with his friend.
Tarpinian-Jachym had also participated in a spring fellowship with The Fund for American Studies, which indicated that his hometown is Aberdeen, Mississippi. In a statement, Rep. Estes expressed his gratitude for Tarpinian-Jachym’s service to Kansas’ 4th District and the country, while also asking the public to respect the privacy of the family during this difficult time. His passing has left a void in the community, with friends and family mourning the loss of a young life.
As the investigation into the shooting continues, the community is left to grapple with the tragedy, with many calling for increased safety measures in the area. The Metropolitan Police Department continues to work closely with the community and is encouraging anyone with information about the incident to come forward. Tarpinian-Jachym’s family and friends are left to cope with the aftermath of this senseless act of violence.