In a tragic turn of events, Eric Tarpinian-Jachym, a 21-year-old congressional intern, was killed near a metro station in Washington, D.C., on Monday night. The incident occurred close to the bustling intersection of 7th and M Street NW shortly before 10:30 p.m., as reported by the Metropolitan Police Department. Tarpinian-Jachym, originally from Aberdeen, Mississippi, was struck by a stray bullet when multiple suspects alighted from a vehicle and began shooting at a crowd, injuring three in total.
Upon arrival, officers found Tarpinian-Jachym unconscious, with the other two victims, a woman and a 16-year-old boy, conscious but wounded. All three were immediately transported to local hospitals, where, despite efforts to save him, Tarpinian-Jachym passed away early Tuesday morning. The other victims are expected to recover from their non-life-threatening injuries, as noted by The Post Millennial.
Authorities have since located the vehicle they believe was used in the shooting but have yet to make any arrests. The police have called on the public for assistance in tracking down the suspects and have announced a reward of up to $25,000 for information leading to their arrest and conviction.
A senior at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, Tarpinian-Jachym was studying finance with a minor in political science. He had spent the summer interning in the office of Representative Ron Estes (R-KS), where he gained valuable experience in federal government operations. Estes, deeply affected by the loss, remembered Tarpinian-Jachym for his kind heart and cheerful disposition. "We are grateful to Eric for his service to Kansas’ 4th District and the country. Please join Susan and me in praying for his family and respecting their privacy during this heartbreaking time," Estes stated, as reported by the National Review.
Estes, having served Kansas’s 4th District since 2017, is a member of important committees such as Ways and Means, the Budget Committee, and the Joint Economic Committee, where he actively focuses on economic and fiscal policies. Friends of Tarpinian-Jachym described him as personable and easygoing. Phillip Peterson, a close friend, expressed his regret to Fox News Digital about not spending more time with him.
In addition to his internship with Estes, Tarpinian-Jachym was a spring fellow with The Fund for American Studies, an organization aimed at fostering future leaders in government and public policy. His untimely death underscores the persistent issue of violent crime in Washington, D.C., and the need to ensure safety for all, including young professionals serving the nation's capital. The investigation into the shooting continues, with authorities urging anyone with information to step forward.
