Promising UMass Student and Congressional Intern Eric Tarpinian-Jachym, 21, Killed in Tragic D.C. Shooting
WASHINGTON, D.C. — A tragic shooting in the nation’s capital has claimed the life of 21-year-old Eric Tarpinian-Jachym, a promising congressional intern and finance student at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. According to Washington, D.C. police, Tarpinian-Jachym was not the intended target in the fatal shooting.
The shocking and senseless loss of Eric Tarpinian-Jachym has left his family, friends, academic mentors, and colleagues in deep mourning. What began as a summer of promise and professional growth in Washington, D.C., ended in heartbreak when Eric’s life was suddenly and unjustly cut short by gun violence. Authorities report that the shooting occurred in the early morning hours in Northwest D.C., and initial investigations suggest Eric was an innocent bystander caught in the crossfire of a dispute that had nothing to do with him.
Eric was in Washington participating in a prestigious congressional internship—an opportunity that reflected his ambition, intellect, and desire to make a meaningful impact in the world of public service and finance. A junior at UMass Amherst’s Isenberg School of Management, he had distinguished himself as a bright, driven student with a keen analytical mind and a deep sense of civic responsibility. Professors and classmates described him as intellectually curious, humble, and always willing to lend a hand to help others succeed.
Originally from Massachusetts, Eric’s journey had always been marked by his exceptional work ethic, natural leadership qualities, and a commitment to learning. He was the kind of student and intern who didn’t just check boxes—he went above and beyond, not only excelling academically but also actively engaging with policy issues, legislative processes, and the broader workings of democracy.
“He had a rare blend of intelligence, kindness, and purpose,” said one of his professors. “Eric wasn’t just learning the system—he wanted to change it for the better. He represented the best of our next generation.”
Outside the classroom and the Capitol, Eric was known for his warm personality, quick wit, and deep loyalty to his friends and family. He loved music, photography, travel, and long conversations about politics, economics, and the human condition. He dreamed of one day working in public policy or international finance, always driven by a desire to contribute to something larger than himself.
His death has sparked not only grief but also outrage. Many who knew Eric are calling for renewed conversations around urban gun violence, community safety, and how to protect the innocent from the consequences of others’ conflicts. Eric’s passing has become a painful symbol of how sudden and indiscriminate tragedy can be—and how it can rob the world of some of its brightest lights.
The Tarpinian-Jachym family, devastated by their loss, has issued a statement calling for peace and justice: “Eric was everything a parent could hope for—brilliant, kind, full of promise. He was doing everything right, working hard to build a better future for himself and others. We are heartbroken, and we ask for privacy as we try to make sense of this unimaginable loss.”
A memorial service is being planned both in Washington, D.C. and back in Massachusetts to honor Eric’s memory. His university has also announced plans to establish a scholarship in his name, aimed at supporting students pursuing careers in public service and finance—fields Eric was deeply passionate about.
As tributes pour in from around the country, the memory of Eric Tarpinian-Jachym will live on in the hearts of those he inspired. Though his life was cruelly shortened, the impact he made in just 21 years is indelible. He will be remembered not only for his academic and professional promise, but for the kindness, brilliance, and integrity that defined him every step of the way.