The FBI has joined efforts to find who shot and killed a congressional intern in Washington, D.C.
Eric Tarpinian-Jachym, a 21-year-old student at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, was shot on June 30 at approximately 10:28 p.m., as reported by police, and succumbed to his injuries on July 1. According to the Metropolitan Police Department, the incident occurred on the 1200 block of 7th Street, Northwest. Along with Tarpinian-Jachym, a 16-year-old male and an adult female were injured and transported to local hospitals.
Authorities revealed that several individuals exited a vehicle and opened fire on a crowd that included Tarpinian-Jachym. It is believed that he was not the intended victim of the attack.
In a statement to Fox News Digital, an FBI spokesperson said the agency is assisting the Metropolitan Police Department in the investigation.
Eric Tarpinian-Jachym is seen fishing. (Facebook/Eric Tarpinian-Jachym )
“It’s a troubling reality that in the District of Columbia and other major cities, such unfortunate incidents can happen,” Williams commented. “One cannot assume safety in any part of a metropolitan city.”
Tarpinian-Jachym was an intern for Rep. Ron Estes, R-Kan., according to a statement from his office. He was set to return for his senior year at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where he majored in finance with a minor in political science.
“I will remember his kind heart and how he always greeted anyone who entered our office with a cheerful smile,” Estes said in a statement. “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.”
Tamara and Robert Jachym, Eric’s parents, told Fox News Digital in a statement they are “devastated” by his death.
“We are devastated by the tragic and senseless loss of our beloved Eric, a 21-year-old young man full of promise, purpose, and heart. Eric was an exceptionally bright and kind soul, with a deep love for the outdoors,” his parents said. “He found joy and peace in nature – whether hiking through the woods or casting a line into a quiet stream while fishing. He loved deep sea fishing, fishing off the shore in the Atlantic, and river fishing.”
Rep. Ron Estes leaves a meeting of the House Republican Conference at the Capitol Hill Club on June 10, 2025. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)
“Eric was passionate about learning and dedicated to public service. His recent internship with Representative Ron Estes in Washington, D.C. meant the world to him. He believed deeply in using his voice and talents to make the world a better, more just place,” they added.
The Metropolitan Police Department is offering a $25,000 reward for anyone who provides information leading to an arrest and conviction, and are encouraged to contact (202) 727-9099.
