Intern Fatally Shot in Washington, D.C.

A Congressional intern was fatally shot in Washington, D.C. on Monday night.

Police reported that Eric Tarpinian Yachim, a 21-year-old student from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, was shot around 10:28 PM in the 1200 block of 7th Avenue and succumbed to his injuries the following day. An adult woman and a 16-year-old male were also shot and have been taken to a nearby hospital.

According to the metropolitan police, several individuals exited their vehicles and began shooting at groups of people. Officials later clarified that Tarpinian Yachim was not the intended target.

Reactions to the Tragic Incident

In a statement, Tarpinian Yachim was identified as an intern for Rep. Ron Estes (R-Kan.). He was pursuing a degree in finance with a minor in political science.

Estes expressed his sorrow, noting, “I remember his kindness and the way he always welcomed anyone who came into our office with a cheerful smile. I am grateful to Eric for serving Kansas’ fourth district and the country. Please keep Susan and me in your thoughts during this heartbreaking time and respect their privacy.”

One of his friends, Philip Peterson, described him as an easy-going person. “We met in early January and really clicked,” Peterson recalled. “After the program, we talked about becoming roommates, but I hesitated about returning to D.C. because of my spending habits. It didn’t work out, unfortunately.”

Tarpinian Yachim had also been involved in a spring fellowship with the American Research Fund, and he hailed from Aberdeen, Mississippi.

The Metropolitan Police Department is offering a reward of $25,000 for any information that leads to an arrest and conviction. They encourage the public to contact them at (202) 727-9099.