**UMass Student and Congressional Intern Killed in D.C. Triple Shooting**

UMass Student and Congressional Intern Killed in D.C. Triple Shooting

Eric Tarpinian-Jachym, 21, was a rising senior at UMass Amherst, majoring in finance with a political science minor. He began his summer internship in June in the Washington, D.C., office of Kansas Republican Rep. Ron Estes. Known for his “cheerful smile” and inviting warmth, Eric had amassed four years of government experience by the time of his internship .

💥 The Shooting Incident

Late Monday evening, just before 10:30 p.m., Eric was in Northwest D.C. near the Walter E. Washington Convention Center when violence erupted . Police say multiple people stepped out of a vehicle at 7th and M Streets and began firing into a crowd . Tragically, Eric—an innocent bystander—was struck and suffered fatal injuries  A woman and a 16-year-old boy were also wounded; the youth had been involved in an earlier altercation with the gunmen

🧩 Investigation & Evidence

• Suspect vehicle, believed to be a black Acura, was recovered nearby

• Investigators have obtained grainy surveillance footage and are collaborating with the FBI and ATF to enhance images and conduct ballistic analysis

• Authorities emphasize Eric was not the target, calling the shooting a case of indiscriminate street violence .

🕊️ Paying Tribute to Eric

Rep. Estes and his wife said they’ll remember Eric for greeting everyone with a smile and expressed gratitude for his service to Kansas’s 4th District
Massachusetts Rep. Richard Neal called Eric “kind-hearted” and praised his commitment to civic engagement 
At UMass Amherst, campus leaders have offered their sympathies and support to Boston and D.C. communities alike

Friends from programs like Fund for American Studies remembered him as charismatic and inspiring—a friend who could light up a room and run up hills with the Rocky theme playing

🌆 Broader Implications

The shooting marked D.C.’s 85th homicide of the year, a stark reminder of the city’s ongoing struggles with violent street crime
Community leaders and lawmakers are highlighting the challenge of protecting Capitol Hill staff and interns from violence, with some calling for renewed focus on public safety in D.C. .

🛡️ What Comes Next

• An enhanced video may lead to identifying the shooters

• The recovered vehicle is undergoing forensic and ballistic tests

• A $25,000 reward is being offered by Metropolitan Police to anyone providing information leading to arrests and convictions

• No arrests have yet been made, but police are in communication with federal agencies and pursuing all leads .

🙏 Final Thoughts

Eric’s death is not only a tragic loss for a loving family, but a blow to the broader communities of UMass Amherst and Washington, D.C., who celebrated his bright future. His story reflects a young leader with a passion for public service who was struck down by meaningless violence. As the investigation moves forward, his legacy of kindness and dedication shines brighter—and underscores the urgent need to address street violence.