Congressional Intern Eric Tarpinian-Jachym Fatally Shot in Washington, D.C.

Eric Tarpinian-Jachym, a 21-year-old congressional intern and rising senior at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, was tragically shot and killed in Washington, D.C., on Monday evening.

Majoring in finance and minoring in political science, Tarpinian-Jachym was interning for Kansas Representative Ron Estes when he was caught in gunfire near the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. According to the Metropolitan Police Department, he was not the intended target.

Police reported that multiple suspects exited a vehicle and opened fire on a group of people, injuring three individuals. Tarpinian-Jachym, a woman, and a 16-year-old boy were all transported to the hospital. While the woman and teen are expected to recover, Tarpinian-Jachym died from his injuries the following day.

Rep. Estes and his wife, Susan, expressed their sorrow: “I will remember his kind heart and how he always greeted anyone who entered our office with a cheerful smile.”

Massachusetts Rep. Richard Neal also issued a heartfelt statement, calling Eric a “Granby native and passionate public servant,” and acknowledging the pain his family must be experiencing.

The Metropolitan Police Department is offering a $25,000 reward for information leading to arrests in the case. Tips can be submitted by calling (202) 727-9099 or texting 50411.

Eric’s tragic death has shaken both Capitol Hill and his UMass community, where he was admired for his dedication to civic engagement and public service.