The mother of a congressional intern, Eric Tarpinian-Jachym, who was killed in a drive-by shooting in Washington, D.C., has expressed deep frustration with the local government’s handling of violent crime. Tarpinian-Jachym, a 21-year-old student at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, was a congressional intern for Rep. Ron Estes. He was shot on June 30 and died the following day. The mother, Tamara Jachym, has accused the D.C. Council of treating violent crime with indifference, calling it a ‘joke’ and demanding more action to protect residents.
The incident occurred in the 1200 block of 7th Street, Northwest, near the Mt Vernon Sq 7th St-Convention Center Metro stop. According to the Metropolitan Police Department, the shooting, which did not specifically target Tarpinian-Jachym, also left a 16-year-old male and an adult female injured. As of Friday, no suspects are in custody. The FBI and Metropolitan Police Department are offering a $40,000 reward for any information leading to an arrest and conviction, encouraging the public to contact 202-727-9099.
Jachym expressed her outrage at the lack of protection for residents, stating that the council should work with the federal government to address the issue. She emphasized the need for more police officers, adequate funding, and an end to what she called ‘pettiness’ in governance. ‘This isn’t a joke anymore. People are getting killed. I don’t care what color you are. I don’t care if you have money or not,’ she said.
Former homicide Det. Ted Williams commented on the challenges of solving such cases, noting the intimidation factor in the District of Columbia. ‘Drive-by shootings are always very difficult to resolve,’ he said. ‘And, yet, there are a lot of individuals who know a great deal and who, and some of these individuals, these witnesses, actually know who the shooter or shooters are. But because of the intimidation factor here in the District of Columbia, you’ll find that these individuals will remain silent.’
Rep. Ron Estes acknowledged the loss in a statement, recalling Tarpinian-Jachym’s ‘kind heart’ and his cheerful smile when greeting visitors to the congressional 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.’
In response to the tragedy, the FBI and Metropolitan Police Department have intensified their efforts, seeking public assistance to bring the perpetrators to justice. The case has also sparked a broader conversation about public safety and the role of the local government in ensuring the security of its residents. As the investigation continues, the community and the families of the victims await answers and justice in a city that has long struggled with violent crime.