Congressional Intern Working for GOP Rep. Shot and Killed in D.C.

A congressional intern working for Representative Ron Estes, Republican of Kansas, has been fatally shot in Washington, D.C. The incident occurred Monday night in the northwest part of the city.

Eric Tarpinian-Jachym, 21, of Granby, Massachusetts, was walking near the intersection of 7th and M streets when unidentified suspects emerged from a vehicle and opened fire on a group of people. The Metropolitan Police Department reports that this occurred at approximately 10:28 p.m. Eastern Time.

Detectives believe that Tarpinian-Jachym, who had only begun his internship on Capitol Hill last month, was not the intended target of this shooting. Two other individuals, a woman and a 16-year-old boy, were also reportedly injured in the incident, though their wounds are described as non-life-threatening.

Tarpinian-Jachym was a rising senior at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, majoring in finance with a minor in political science. Reports indicate he was enrolled in the university’s Isenberg School of Management.

This tragedy raises important questions about safety in the nation’s capital and the security of those working in and around government institutions. Representative Estes and his wife have offered condolences to the family, praising Tarpinian-Jachym’s service and his “cheerful smile.”

The significance of this should not be overlooked. While the vehicle used in the attack has been recovered, no arrests have been made as of Thursday. The Metropolitan Police Department is offering a reward of up to $25,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspects.

This is a developing story, and we will continue to report as more information becomes available. Police are asking anyone with information about the shooting to call (202) 727-9099 or text the department’s text tip line at 50411.