The capital’s rampant crime crisis has claimed another victim after a congressional intern was gunned down in Democrat-run Washington, D.C.
Eric Tarpinian-Jachym was a bright finance and political science student from Massachusetts who had just begun his internship in June.
The 21-year-old congressional intern was working for Republican Rep. Ron Estes (KA).
Tarpinian-Jachym was fatally shot near the Mt. Vernon Square Metro Station while simply walking through the city.
His tragic death highlights the growing danger facing Americans in major urban centers where soft-on-crime policies continue to put innocent lives at risk.
The shooting occurred near 7th and M Street in Northwest D.C., an area that has seen escalating violence despite its proximity to government buildings.
According to police reports, multiple assailants exited a vehicle and opened fire on a group of people.
The criminals struck three victims, including Tarpinian-Jachym, an adult woman, and a 16-year-old boy.
Law enforcement officials confirmed that the young intern was not the intended target but merely an innocent bystander caught in the crossfire between rival groups.
The vehicle used in the shooting was later recovered in Prince George’s County, Maryland, as authorities continue to track down the suspects responsible for this senseless act of violence.
Despite being rushed to a nearby hospital, medical personnel were unable to save Tarpinian-Jachym, who died from his injuries the following day.
The other two victims survived their wounds, but a promising young life dedicated to public service was needlessly cut short.
Rep. Estes released a heartfelt statement mourning the loss of his young intern.
“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,” Estes said.
The shooting has renewed concerns about the deteriorating safety situation in Washington, D.C., where violent crime continues to plague residents and visitors alike.
This tragic incident occurred just as thousands of Americans were arriving in the nation’s capital to celebrate Independence Day.
The Metropolitan Police Department has yet to announce any arrests in connection with the case.
Tarpinian-Jachym was a senior at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, studying finance and political science.
He had traveled to Washington, D.C., with hopes of gaining practical experience in government.
Friends described him as someone who genuinely wanted to make a positive difference in the country.
“He was one of the few good, kind-hearted, honest, moral, trustworthy people in Washington D.C.,” expressed Phillip Peterson, a friend of the victim.
Still reeling from the loss, Peterson suggested a memorial bill in Tarpinian-Jachym’s name to honor his commitment to public service.
Representative Richard Neal (D-MA) also offered condolences: “Any parent will tell you there is no greater pain than the pain of losing a child. As a father, my thoughts and prayers are with Eric’s family and loved ones during this difficult time.”
The tragedy has briefly united lawmakers from both sides of the political aisle in grief.
