Eric Tarpinian-Jachym Obituary, Death: Man killed near Mt. Vernon Square was congressional intern in triple shooting

Eric Tarpinian-Jachym Obituary, Death – A young man who was fatally shot near the Mt. Vernon Square Metro Station on Monday night has been identified as a congressional intern for U.S. Representative Ron Estes of Kansas. The congressman’s office confirmed on Wednesday that 21-year-old Eric Tarpinian-Jachym, a native of Granby, Massachusetts, was the victim.

The shooting occurred late Monday near the intersection of 7th and M Streets in Northwest Washington, D.C. Authorities reported that a suspect opened fire on a group, striking three people — including Tarpinian-Jachym, an adult woman, and a child. All three were transported to the hospital, where Tarpinian-Jachym later died from his injuries.

According to officials, Tarpinian-Jachym was not the intended target of the shooting. The circumstances surrounding the attack remain under investigation, and authorities have not yet released further details about potential suspects or motives.

Congressman Estes issued a heartfelt statement following the young man’s death, remembering him for his warmth and dedication. “I will remember his kind heart and how he always greeted anyone who entered our office with a cheerful smile,” Estes said. “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.”

Tarpinian-Jachym was a student at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where he was entering his senior year. He was studying finance and minoring in political science. He joined Congressman Estes’ Washington, D.C. office as an intern in June and had quickly become a valued member of the team.

His unexpected death has shocked both his university community and those who worked with him on Capitol Hill. Known for his positive energy and enthusiasm, Tarpinian-Jachym had shown great promise in his academic and professional pursuits. Friends, classmates, and colleagues have expressed their sorrow and condolences to his grieving family.

The woman and child injured in the same shooting are expected to survive, but no new information has been provided regarding their conditions. Police continue to search for the shooter and are asking anyone with information to come forward.

The tragic incident has sparked renewed concerns about gun violence in the nation’s capital, particularly when innocent bystanders — including young professionals and students — are caught in the crossfire. Tarpinian-Jachym’s death adds to the growing number of lives lost to senseless violence in public spaces.

Law enforcement officials are reviewing surveillance footage from the area and speaking with witnesses as part of their ongoing investigation. They have not confirmed if the shooting was connected to a broader dispute or if any arrests are imminent.

As the investigation continues, family, friends, and coworkers of Eric Tarpinian-Jachym mourn the loss of a bright, kind, and promising young man whose future was tragically cut short.