DC Street Shooting Claims Life of Congressional Intern; Police Assert Victim Was Not Intended Target
In a tragic turn of events, Eric Tarpinian-Jachym, a 21-year-old senior at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst and a Congressional intern for U.S. Rep. Ron Estes of Kansas, lost his life in a triple shooting in Washington, D.C., on Monday, June 30, 2025.
The incident occurred in northwest D.C., near the intersection of 7th and M Streets NW. According to the Metropolitan Police Department, Tarpinian-Jachym was struck by gunfire when multiple suspects exited a vehicle and began firing at a group. Police believe Tarpinian-Jachym was not the intended target of the shooting. He was found unconscious at the scene and later died at a hospital after lifesaving efforts failed on July 1st. Two other victims, an adult female and a 16-year-old male, were also shot but were conscious and transported to hospitals.
The Metropolitan Police Department has recovered the suspect vehicle and is actively investigating the case. They have appealed for anyone with information to come forward by calling 202-727-9099 or texting the tip line at 50411. A reward of up to $25,000 is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.
Eric was majoring in finance with a minor in political science and had started his internship with Rep. Estes’ office in June 2025. U.S. Rep. Ron Estes and his wife, Susan, have released a statement expressing their deepest condolences and prayers to Tarpinian-Jachym's family. Rep. Estes also expressed his condolences, stating Eric's kind heart and cheerful smile in the office.
The Massachusetts Republican Party extended deep sorrows to Tarpinian-Jachym's family and the office of Rep. Ron Estes. Chris Ryan, State Committeeman, expressed sorrow for the loss of Tarpinian-Jachym, calling him a loss for Massachusetts and the nation.
Tarpinian-Jachym was once part of a group of students completing a Washington Fellowship with The Fund for American Studies. The Fund for American Studies expressed sympathies for Tarpinian-Jachym, stating he was a hardworking intern, dedicated student, and well-thought-of by his peers. They also mentioned Tarpinian-Jachym's participation in the Washington Fellowship held from January to April 2025.
The University of Massachusetts Amherst has expressed its condolences to Tarpinian-Jachym's family and will be communicating with the campus to offer support. Tarpinian-Jachym was a resident of Granby, Massachusetts.
The University community and the nation mourn the loss of a promising young student and dedicated intern. Our thoughts and prayers are with Tarpinian-Jachym's family during this difficult time.
[1] Washington Post, "UMass Amherst student shot and killed in Washington, D.C.," June 30, 2025. [2] NBC Washington, "Triple Shooting in Northwest D.C. Leaves One Dead, Two Injured," June 30, 2025. [3] The Hill, "Rep. Ron Estes Mourns Loss of Intern Killed in Shooting," July 1, 2025. [4] Boston Globe, "UMass Amherst Student Killed in Washington, D.C. Shooting," July 1, 2025.
- The tragic shooting of Eric Tarpinian-Jachym, a university student and Congressional intern, has emerged as a general-news story that is being closely followed, alongside the ongoing crime-and-justice investigation into the incident.
- As the nation mourns the loss of Eric Tarpinian-Jachym, a promising young Mind with a keen interest in politics, both local and national news outlets continue to report on the ongoing investigation, appealing to the public for any information that could lead to the apprehension of those responsible.
