The mother of a young congressional intern, who was tragically killed in Washington, D.C., has made a heartfelt plea to the police, urging them to identify and apprehend those responsible for her son’s death. She also issued a warning to other parents about the potential risks their children might face.
Eric Tarpinian-Jachym, a 21-year-old student from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, was shot on the evening of June 30 at approximately 10:28 p.m. He succumbed to his injuries the next day, on July 1. The incident occurred in the 1200 block of 7th Street, Northwest, as reported by the authorities.
Both a 16-year-old boy and an adult woman were also injured in the shooting but managed to survive. Currently, no suspects have been arrested, as confirmed by a representative from the Metropolitan Police Department to Fox News Digital on Tuesday.
According to investigators, several individuals exited a vehicle and began firing shots at a group of people, which included Tarpinian-Jachym. Tarpinian-Jachym wasn’t the intended target of the shooting, they added.
Eric Tarpinian-Jachym pictured with his mother, Tamara Jachym. (Tamara Jachym )
Eric Tarpinian-Jachym seen celebrating with his mother. (Tamara Jachym )
Jachym described her son as a “very kind, sweet, compassionate young man.”
“He was kind to everybody. He loved the animals. He loved to fish,” she said. “He was just a really special boy. He really loved DC, loved to walk around the streets. He loved to walk to the Wharf and he liked to go out to eat. And he loved the people in D.C.”
The University of Massachusetts Amherst student 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 and minored 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.”
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 was shot on June 30. (Phillip Peterson)
“We are aware of the incident and are assisting our law enforcement partners,” the spokesperson said.
The FBI and Metropolitan Police Department are offering a $40,000 reward for anyone who provides information leading to an arrest and conviction, and are encouraged to contact (202) 727-9099.
