21-Year-Old Armenian-American Congressional Intern Fatally Shot in Washington, D.C.

An Armenian-American student with a bright future was killed in Washington, D.C., after gunmen opened fire in a busy part of the city late Monday night. Authorities say 21-year-old Eric Tarpinian-Jachym, a summer intern working in the U.S. Congress, was not the intended target of the shooting.

The incident took place around 10:30 p.m. at the corner of 7th and M Streets NW. According to the Metropolitan Police Department, gunmen exited a vehicle and began shooting into a crowd. Tarpinian-Jachym was struck and found unconscious at the scene. He was rushed to a nearby hospital but died the next day. A woman and a 16-year-old boy were also injured but are expected to recover.

Tarpinian-Jachym was in Washington as a summer intern for Representative Ron Estes, a Republican from Kansas. Congressman Estes released a heartfelt statement mourning the loss: “Susan and I are devastated by the tragic loss of Eric. He was a bright young man with a promising future, and our prayers are with his family.” Estes praised Eric’s warm personality and professionalism, adding that he always greeted everyone who entered the office with a smile.

Eric was a proud Armenian-American from Granby, Massachusetts. He was entering his senior year at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, majoring in finance and minoring in political science. Passionate about public service and politics, Eric had also completed a fellowship with the Fund for American Studies.

His Armenian heritage was a meaningful part of his identity. Friends and family said he was driven by values of hard work, community, and service—qualities that are deeply rooted in the Armenian experience. He was proud to represent his background while serving in the heart of the American government.

Those who knew Eric described him as kind, motivated, and full of potential. Friend Phillip Petersen said, “Eric Jachym was one of the few good, kind-hearted, honest, moral, trustworthy people in Washington, D.C., and he was excited to make a difference.”

Petersen added that Congress should consider honoring his memory with legislation aimed at improving public safety in the nation’s capital.

Massachusetts Congressman Richard Neal, who also lectures at UMass, offered his condolences. He praised Eric as someone who “embodied what it means to be part of a community committed to learning, growth, and civic engagement.”

Police have located the vehicle used in the shooting and are actively working to identify and arrest those responsible. A $25,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the successful prosecution of the suspects. The investigation is ongoing.

Eric’s sudden death has shocked many across the Armenian-American community and beyond. His life was one of promise—grounded in his roots, committed to public service, and driven by a desire to create positive change. His legacy serves as a painful but powerful reminder of the many young people working behind the scenes in Washington to build a better future.

In this time of mourning, the Armenian-American community stands in solidarity with Eric’s family, remembering a son of Armenia who gave his all to serve his country with dignity and pride.