The mother of a council intern, tragically killed in Washington, D.C., made a profound appeal on Thursday, expressing her heartbreak while decrying the rising crime in the city.
“Our lives will never be the same,” said Tamarata Pinianyachim, reflecting on the loss of her 21-year-old son, Eric, who was shot multiple times on June 30 and passed away the following day in the hospital.
Her husband shared a painful wish, saying he wished he could have taken the bullet for their son, highlighting just how severe the situation feels.
In an interview, Tamara described the moment she learned of her son’s fate, saying, “I never expected to hear that my son would be brutally murdered; he wasn’t just injured. Eric was a good boy, and he didn’t deserve this. No one does. It’s heartbreaking for all innocent victims.”
At the time of the incident, Eric was interning for Rep. Ron Estes (R-Kan.) in Washington, D.C. Authorities have stated that he wasn’t the intended target of the shooting, which also injured a 16-year-old boy and an adult woman.
Tamara informed Fox News’ Carly Simkus that, as far as she knows, no suspect has been apprehended yet, and it appears that the 16-year-old was meant to be the target.
She expressed her frustration to city officials, stating that they need to reevaluate their crime policies, which seem to prioritize the interests of criminals over the safety of residents and visitors.
President Trump has threatened to intervene through federal means regarding the capital’s ongoing issues with crime unless significant changes are implemented.
Tamara echoed this sentiment, insisting that change is crucial. “The [D.C.] Council has to step up their actions. They shouldn’t put any conditions on crime reduction. Gangs need to be dismantled, or people will continue to be victimized.”
“This is our nation’s capital,” she emphasized. “It should be the safest place in the country, and other states need to look at how to keep their cities safe. It’s truly frightening in America.”
After the tragic event, Trump reached out to the Tarpinian Jachym family, and Tamara expressed that his gesture meant a great deal to her, also noting that the office of Rep. Estes has been supportive following their loss.
