A 21-year-old intern at the office of Congressman Ron Estes, a Republican from Kansas, was shot and killed on Monday night near the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC. The intern, Eric Tarpinian-Jachym, a student at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst majoring in finance and minoring in political science, had recently started his internship on Capitol Hill. He was reportedly walking on the street when he was tragically shot by an unidentified assailant.
According to law enforcement officials, the incident took place around 10:28 p.m. on Monday in the Northwest Washington area at the intersection of 7th and M Streets. Several suspects got out of a car and began shooting at a group of people, resulting in Tarpinian-Jachym being fatally shot. A woman and a 16-year-old boy were also injured but are not in critical condition.
Congressman Estes expressed his condolences in a statement, remembering the intern for his kindness and warm welcoming smile at their office. He thanked Eric for his contributions to Kansas’ 4th District and the nation, and asked for prayers for the intern’s family while respecting their privacy.
The Massachusetts Republican Party Committee also released a statement, calling Jachym’s death a loss for the state and the country, noting that his parents have lost a son and the University of Massachusetts-Amherst has lost a promising young graduate of the Class of 2026.
Authorities have located the vehicle involved in the shooting and believe Tarpinian-Jachym was not the intended target of the ambush. The investigation is still ongoing, and no arrests have been made at this time.
The Metropolitan Police Department is offering a reward of $25,000 for any information related to the case. Anyone with tips can contact the police at (202)-727-9099 or text the tip line at 50411.