College Student and Congressional Intern Eric Tarpinian-Jachym Fatally Shot in Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C. – July 6, 2025
In a devastating incident that has shocked both the academic and political communities, Eric Tarpinian-Jachym, a 21-year-old college student and congressional intern, has been confirmed dead following a fatal shooting in Washington, D.C. Police officials announced the heartbreaking news late Saturday night after days of speculation and growing concern from family, friends, and colleagues.
Eric, a rising senior at a respected university in the Northeast and a well-regarded intern working on Capitol Hill, was fatally shot late Friday evening in what authorities are calling a targeted act of violence. The shooting occurred just after 9:30 p.m. in the 1500 block of Maryland Avenue NE, near the popular H Street Corridor—a bustling area known for its restaurants, bars, and nightlife.
According to a preliminary report from the Metropolitan Police Department, officers responded to reports of gunfire and discovered Eric suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Emergency medical crews rendered aid and transported him to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
The motive behind the shooting remains under investigation. Police have not confirmed whether Eric was the intended target, but detectives are actively pursuing leads and reviewing surveillance footage from nearby buildings and traffic cameras. As of Sunday morning, no arrests have been made.
News of Eric’s death has triggered an outpouring of grief across Washington and beyond. Lawmakers, professors, classmates, and fellow interns have expressed deep sorrow at the loss of a young man widely described as ambitious, kindhearted, and driven by a genuine desire to serve others.
“He was one of the most promising interns I’ve ever had the privilege of working with,” said the congressional office where Eric served as a summer intern. “He brought passion, intelligence, and sincerity to every task. His future was incredibly bright. This is a senseless and devastating loss.”
Eric had recently begun his internship in Washington and was said to be thriving in the fast-paced environment of Capitol Hill. Friends described him as politically engaged and civic-minded, with aspirations of working in public policy or social justice. At his university, he was known for his involvement in student government, debate club, and mentoring programs for younger students.
“Eric was not only a brilliant student, but he also made time to help others succeed,” said a faculty advisor from his college. “He had a rare combination of intellect and compassion that made him a natural leader.”
Family members, traveling from out of state, arrived in Washington over the weekend to meet with investigators and claim Eric’s body. In a brief statement issued through a family spokesperson, his parents expressed both devastation and gratitude for the support they’ve received.
“We are heartbroken beyond words at the loss of our beloved son Eric,” the statement read. “He was a light in our lives, and in the lives of everyone who knew him. We ask for privacy as we grieve and await answers.”
Vigils are being planned both in Washington and at Eric’s college campus to honor his memory and call attention to the rising tide of gun violence in the city. Community leaders and public officials have used the tragedy as a call to action, demanding stronger preventive measures, youth intervention programs, and tighter controls on illegal firearms.
“This tragedy hits close to home for many of us in public service,” said Congresswoman Marie Gallagher, who knew Eric through an internship fair. “We cannot continue to accept this level of violence as a normal part of life in our capital.”
Washington, D.C. has seen a troubling spike in shootings throughout 2025, particularly in neighborhoods that straddle nightlife districts and residential areas. Police say they are dedicating additional resources to this case, including homicide detectives and specialized units from the Gun Recovery Task Force.
As the investigation continues, the loss of Eric Tarpinian-Jachym is being felt deeply by all who knew him—a bright, hopeful young man whose life was cut short far too soon.
Anyone with information about the shooting is urged to contact the Metropolitan Police Department at (202) 727-9099 or submit an anonymous tip via the department’s text line at 50411. A reward of up to $25,000 is being offered for information leading to an arrest and conviction in the case.
Eric’s legacy, friends say, will be defined not by how he died, but by the purpose and passion with which he lived.