Republican congressman’s intern killed in D.C. triple shooting

D.C. police on Wednesday said the man killed in a triple shooting near downtown earlier this week was a college intern for Rep. Ron Estes.

Metropolitan Police said Eric Tarpinian-Jachym, 21, died Tuesday from injuries he suffered in the shooting the night before on the 1200 block of 7th Street Northwest.

The attack also wounded a woman and a 16-year-old boy, whom authorities did not identify.

Authorities said they don’t believe Mr. Tarpinian-Jachym was the intended target of the shooting, which erupted around 10:30 p.m. Monday when multiple suspects hopped out of a car and opened fire on a group of people.

Mr. Estes, Kansas Republican, said Mr. Tarpinian-Jachym began interning at his office last month.

The victim, who was from Granby, Massachusetts, was set to become a senior at University of Massachusetts Amherst this fall. He majored in finance with a minor in political science.

“I will remember his kind heart and how he always greeted anyone who entered our office with a cheerful smile,” said Mr. Estes in a statement.

“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,” the lawmaker said.

According to local Fox affiliate WTTG, Mr. Tarpinian-Jachym, the intern is listed as a member of the 2025 Washington Fellowship program with the Fund for American Studies

The Fund said in a statement that it was “heartbroken at the tragic and untimely death of Eric Tarpinian-Jachym.”

“He was a hardworking intern, a dedicated student and was well thought of by his peers. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends,” the Fund said.

UMass Amherst said it was “in communication with the student’s family. We extend our deepest condolences to all who knew him and will be communicating with the campus shortly to offer support.”

Police said they recovered the suspects’ vehicle, but no arrests have been made so far.

Capitol Hill has been victimized by the District’s criminal element in the recent past.

During the city’s generational crime wave in 2023, Rep. Angie Craig, Minnesota Democrat, was attacked by a man in her apartment building who had a lengthy criminal record. Rep. Henry Cuellar, Texas Democrat, also had his car taken by a group of armed thieves.

A staffer for Sen. Rand Paul was severely wounded in a random stabbing along H Street Northeast that same year, and a staffer for Sen. Katie Britt was held up at gunpoint as well.