Another senseless act of violence in our nation’s capital ended the life of a promising young conservative. Even though officials say that violent crime has decreased in American cities, 21-year-old Eric Tarpinian-Jachym, a congressional intern for Republican Rep. Ron Estes, was shot dead Monday night in the area of Mount Vernon Square in Washington, D.C.
Congressional Intern Murdered in D.C. Shooting
The deadly incident occurred around 10:30 p.m. on June 30 when multiple suspects exited a vehicle and opened fire on a group of people. Police responded to find Tarpinian-Jachym, a 16-year-old boy, and an unconscious woman suffering from gunshot wounds at the scene.
Police said 21-year-old Eric Tarpinian-Jachym, who worked for Rep. Ron Estes of Kansas, was killed when a car pulled up and started shooting at people. A 16-year-old and an adult woman were also shot. https://t.co/oSDObkCZV3
— NBC4 Washington (@nbcwashington) July 2, 2025
Tarpinian-Jachym was rushed to a nearby hospital, where medical professionals attempted lifesaving measures, but he succumbed to his injuries on July 1. The other two victims survived with non-life-threatening injuries, according to Metropolitan Police Department reports.
Breaking: Eric Tarpinian-Jachym, a 21-year-old intern for Republican Rep. Ron Estes of Kansas through a program at UMass Amherst, was killed in a triple shooting in Washington, D.C. https://t.co/o2Vu36K1Rw
— NBC10 Boston (@NBC10Boston) July 3, 2025
Authorities have recovered what they believe to be the getaway vehicle used in the shooting, but have made no arrests as of July 3. The Metropolitan Police Department is offering a $25,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the individual responsible for the case.
Bright Future Destroyed by Senseless Violence
Tarpinian-Jachym, from Granby, Massachusetts, was a senior at the University of Massachusetts Amherst studying finance and political science. He had only recently begun his internship with Rep. Estes in June, embarking on what should have been the start of a promising career in public service.
Rep. Estes released a statement honoring the young man’s memory and his brief but impactful service. The congressman noted that despite his short time in the office, Tarpinian-Jachym had already made a positive impression on everyone he encountered.
Investigators do not believe Tarpinian-Jachym was the intended target of the shooting, making his death all the more tragic. Police are currently reviewing surveillance camera footage from the area in an effort to identify the perpetrators.
Rising Crime Concerns in the Nation’s Capital
This tragic shooting marks the 85th homicide in Washington, D.C. this year alone. Despite claims from city officials that overall violent crime has decreased by approximately 25% compared to the previous year, the brutal murder of a young congressional intern highlights the ongoing safety concerns in the nation’s capital.
“I will remember his kind heart and how he always greeted anyone who entered our office with a cheerful smile. We are grateful to Eric for his service to Kansas’ 4th District and the country.”
Former Kansas Governor Jeff Colyer also issued a statement expressing condolences and highlighting the tragedy of the situation. Colyer emphasized that no one should come to Washington to serve their country as an intern with concerns about their safety or whether they will be able to return home.
The Metropolitan Police Department continues to investigate the shooting and is urging anyone with information to come forward. Tarpinian-Jachym’s family, friends, and colleagues are left to mourn a life full of potential that was needlessly cut short in an act of violence on the streets of Washington, D.C.
Sources:
https://www.theblaze.com/news/intern-killed-shooting-dc-estes
https://thehill.com/homenews/house/5383242-dc-shooting-kills-capitol-hill-intern/