The family of Eric Tarpinian-Jachym, a 21-year-old Capitol Hill intern, is speaking out after he was shot and killed just one mile from the White House—a tragic reminder of the ongoing lawlessness in Washington, D.C.
Eric, a Minnesota native and intern for Rep. Ron Estes (R-KS), was gunned down on the 1200 block of 7th Street NW, near downtown DC. The shooting also injured a 16-year-old boy and an adult woman, both of whom survived.
No arrests have been made. Police are offering a $40,000 reward for information leading to a conviction.
Mother to Mayor: “This Isn’t a Joke”
Eric’s mother, Tamara Tarpinian, urged DC officials to act swiftly.
“This is a serious crime. A mile from the White House. This isn’t a joke,” she said, referencing another recent shooting that killed 3-year-old Honesty Cheadle during Fourth of July weekend.
“They will do it again,” she warned. “The mayor has to get serious with this.”
“Kind, Gentle Soul” Lost to DC Violence
Eric was a rising senior at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst, set to graduate in 2026. His sister, Angela, said the family is devastated:
“It’s a horrible loss, and I don’t know if we’ll ever recover. We’ll just learn to cope, but the pain will always be there.”
Rep. Estes described Eric as a “bright and talented young man” with a “kind heart,” recalling how he welcomed every visitor to the office with a cheerful smile.
DC Homicides Keep Climbing
Eric was the 85th homicide victim in the city this year. The number has since risen to 91 murders in 2025, reflecting a continued surge in violent crime under Democrat-run city leadership.
The city has been plagued by rising carjackings, robberies, and broad-daylight shootings, prompting growing calls for change.
Trump Floats Federal Takeover of DC
In response to rising violence, President Donald Trump recently floated the idea of a federal takeover of Washington, D.C., citing failed leadership and a lack of law and order under Mayor Muriel Bowser (D).
“We want a capital that’s run flawlessly,” Trump said.
“The crime would be down to a minimal. It wouldn’t be hard for us to do it.”
Trump confirmed that White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles is “working very closely” with Mayor Bowser but hinted at stepping in if city leaders don’t get results.
