Promise Silenced in the Capital”: D.C. Mourns the Tragic Loss of Eric Tarpinian-Jachym
A brilliant future was cut devastatingly short when Eric Tarpinian-Jachym, 21, a congressional intern and finance student at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, was killed in a tragic shooting in Washington, D.C. Authorities confirmed that Eric was not the intended target in the attack — a senseless act of violence that has left his family, friends, and colleagues shattered. WASHINGTON, D.C. July 2, 2025
The shooting occurred late Tuesday evening as Eric was walking near his temporary housing after finishing a long day of work on Capitol Hill. According to D.C. police, gunfire broke out between two individuals in a dispute unrelated to Eric. A stray bullet struck him, fatally wounding a young man who had come to the capital not for conflict, but to serve, learn, and lead.
Eric had arrived in Washington, D.C. just weeks earlier, filled with excitement for his internship under a U.S. Representative. Known for his sharp intellect and deep empathy, Eric had dreams of entering public service to create meaningful change. His professors at UMass Amherst described him as “driven, principled, and compassionate” — the kind of student who inspired those around him.
“He believed in government because he believed in people,” said a classmate. “He wanted to make the world fairer, and now the world feels unbearably unfair.”
Originally from Massachusetts, Eric carried with him the hopes of his family and community. A first-generation college student, he worked tirelessly to achieve academic excellence while volunteering with financial literacy programs for underserved youth. He was passionate about policy, community development, and lifting others up through education and opportunity.
His family released a heartfelt statement:
“Eric was the light of our lives — thoughtful, passionate, and full of promise. He had dreams not just for himself, but for the betterment of this country. That his life was taken in a place he came to serve is a tragedy we can never fully understand.”
On Capitol Hill, tributes poured in from interns, staffers, and members of Congress who had interacted with Eric in recent weeks. Flags outside the office where he interned have been lowered to half-staff in his honor. A moment of silence is scheduled for later this week.
Police are continuing to investigate the shooting and are urging any witnesses to come forward. As of now, no arrests have been made.
In a city shaped by ideals, one of its brightest young voices has been silenced. But Eric Tarpinian-Jachym’s life — though heartbreakingly brief — will continue to speak through the impact he made, and the legacy of kindness and ambition he leaves behind.
