UMass Amherst Congressional intern killed in Washington, D.C. shooting, police offer reward for suspects

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A Congressional intern was shot and killed in Washington, D.C. on Monday night.

Eric Tarpinian-Jachym, a 21-year-old student at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, died after he was shot around 10:28 p.m. on the 1200 block of 7th Street, Northwest in Washington, D.C. on Monday night, according to police, and died on Tuesday. An adult female and a 16-year-old male were also shot and taken to local hospitals.

According to the Metropolitan Police Department, multiple individuals exited a car and began firing at a group of people. Tarpinian-Jachym isn’t believed to have been the intended target of the shooting, officials said. 

A White House spokesman told Fox News Digital the Trump administration will ensure justice for Tarpinian-Jachym.

“President Trump was elected to Make America Safe Again, and he’s empowering his Justice Department, federal, state, and local law enforcement, and prosecutors to hold violent criminals accountable and deliver justice to grieving families, like the family of Eric Tarpinian-Jachym,” the spokesman said. “This Administration will ensure full justice is served and is working tirelessly to end the senseless killing of innocent lives at the hands of those who seek to commit heinous acts. May God bless Eric’s memory, and may God bless and keep his loved ones.”

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Eric Tarpinian-Jachym was shot and killed on Monday. (Phillip Peterson)

Tarpinian-Jachym was an intern for Rep. Ron Estes (R-Kan.), according to a statement from his office. He was a rising senior majoring in finance with a minor in political science at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

In a statement to Fox News Digital, Tamara and Robert Jachym, Eric’s parents, said they are “devastated” by his death.

“We are devastated by the tragic and senseless loss of our beloved Eric, a 21-year-old young man full of promise, purpose, and heart. Eric was an exceptionally bright and kind soul, with a deep love for the outdoors,” his parents said. “He found joy and peace in nature—whether hiking through the woods or casting a line into a quiet stream while fishing. He loved deep sea fishing, fishing off the shore in the Atlantic, and river fishing.”

“Eric was passionate about learning and dedicated to public service. His recent internship with Representative Ron Estes in Washington, D.C. meant the world to him. He believed deeply in using his voice and talents to make the world a better, more just place,” they added.

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Eric Tarpinian-Jachym is seen fishing. (Facebook/Eric Tarpinian-Jachym )

“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.”

Phillip Peterson, one of Tarpinian-Jachym’s friends, told Fox News Digital that he “was a very easy-going person to be around.”

“We met in early January and we really started to hit things off,” Peterson said. “After the program we discussed becoming roommates, but I didn’t want to move back to D.C. because I despise the culture so much. Unfortunately that fell through. I legitimately do regret now not going back to D.C. just so I could have spent more time with my friend.”

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Rep. Ron Estes, R-Kan., leaves a meeting of the House Republican Conference at the Capitol Hill Club on Tuesday, June 10, 2025. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)

Tarpinian-Jachym also participated in a spring fellowship with The Fund for American Studies.

The Metropolitan Police Department is offering a $25,000 reward for anyone who provides information leading to an arrest and conviction, and are encouraged to contact (202) 727-9099.

Adam Sabes is a writer for Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to Adam.Sabes@fox.com and on Twitter @asabes10.