Washington, D.C. — Authorities have identified 21-year-old Eric Tarpinian-Jachym, a congressional intern and rising senior at UMass Amherst, as the young man killed in a triple shooting in downtown Washington, D.C., on Tuesday night, July 1.
Tarpinian-Jachym, originally from Granby, Massachusetts, was interning for U.S. Representative Ron Estes of Kansas at the time of his death.
According to the Metropolitan Police Department, he was an innocent bystander caught in a spray of bullets near the Walter E. Washington Convention Center around 10:28 p.m.
Remembering Eric
Tarpinian-Jachym was majoring in finance and minoring in political science at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
“He always greeted anyone who entered our office with a cheerful smile,” Rep. Estes said. “We are grateful to Eric for his service to Kansas’ 4th District and the country.”
Rep. Richard Neal of Massachusetts, who also lectures at UMass, remembered Eric as an embodiment of “community, learning, and civic engagement.”
“As a father, my thoughts and prayers are with Eric’s family,” Neal added. “There is no greater pain than the pain of losing a child.”
What Happened?
Police say Eric was not the intended target. He was struck in a burst of gunfire intended for someone else. He was unconscious at the scene and later pronounced dead at the hospital.
Two others were also injured:
- A 16-year-old male
- An adult woman
Both were conscious and breathing when first responders arrived.
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Investigation and Reward
As of now, no arrests have been made, and the investigation is ongoing. The Metropolitan Police Department is offering a $25,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.
Anyone with information is urged to contact police at (202) 727-9099 or text tips to 50411.
Eric Tarpinian-Jachym came to D.C. with the dream of public service — a dream cut short by senseless violence.
What steps do you believe D.C. and other cities should take to protect young professionals and students pursuing public service? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.
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