A 21-year-old congressional intern was fatally shot in Washington, D.C. on Monday night, police say.
Eric Tarpinian-Jachym of Granby, Massachusetts was shot around 10 p.m. on Monday, June 30 near Washington D.C.’s Mount Vernon Square, according to the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia. After lifesaving measures failed, Tarpinian-Jachym died at a hospital on Tuesday, July 1.
At the scene, authorities also located an adult female and 16-year-old male who were shot. They are being treated for their injuries.
In a preliminary investigation, detectives believe Tarpinian-Jachym was caught in the middle of a shooting and was not the intended target. A suspect vehicle has been recovered.
As of Thursday, July 3, police did not have any more information to share.
The Metropolitan Police Department is asking anyone who may have information about the shooting to call 202-727-9099 or text the department’s tip line at 50411. The police department is offering a $25,000 reward to anyone who can provide information that leads to an arrest and conviction of the person or group of people associated with the shooting.
Who was Eric Tarpinian-Jachym?
Tarpinian-Jachym was a senior at the University of Massachusetts Amhers’ Isenberg School of Management. According to his LinkedIn profile, Tarpinian-Jachym was pursuing a degree in finance and political science.
Tarpinian-Jachym was in D.C. completing an internship for Kansas Rep. Ron Estes, the representative’s website states.
Rep. Ron Estes remembers intern’s ‘cheerful smile’
On Wednesday, Estes issued a statement sharing his condolences to Tarpinian-Jachym’s family.
“I will remember his kind heart and how he always greeted anyone who entered our office with a cheerful smile,” Estes said in a statement. “We are grateful to Eric for his service to Kansas’ 4th District and the country.”
Former Kansas Gov. Jeff Colyer also issued a statement about Tarpinian-Jachym’s tragic death.
“Interns are essential staff in any office. They are full of potential, dreams and an optimistic perspective about their future careers. Tragically, another dream was taken away because of a senseless attack,” Colyer said. “No one should head to our nation’s capital to be an intern and not know if they’re going to come home or not.”
USA TODAY has reached out to Estes’ office.
Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Story idea? Email her at gcross@usatoday.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 21-year-old congressional intern fatally in D.C., police say
