ASHINGTON, D.C. — A wave of grief and urgent demands for accountability has followed the tragic shooting of 21-year-old Eric Tarpinian-Jachym, a promising congressional intern and University of Massachusetts Amherst student, who was fatally shot on June 30 in the nation’s capital. His sudden and violent death has left his family, peers, and community reeling, and has ignited calls for swift justice and greater protections for young people in Washington, D.C.
Eric, a bright and engaged student known for his compassion, intellect, and dedication to public service, was interning on Capitol Hill with a U.S. Representative at the time of his death. He was spending the summer gaining firsthand experience in the political world he aspired to enter — a world he believed could be used to create meaningful change.
His mother, Tamara Jachym, has courageously spoken out in the wake of the tragedy, calling for urgent action from law enforcement and city leaders. “This could happen to your child,” she said, her voice filled with sorrow and conviction. “Our young people come to D.C. full of hope and ambition. They should not return home in a coffin.” Her heartbreaking plea has resonated far beyond the D.C. metro area, sparking an outpouring of support and a rising public demand for justice.
A Life Full of Promise Cut Short
Eric was a political science major at UMass Amherst, admired by faculty and classmates alike for his thoughtful perspectives, respectful demeanor, and strong sense of purpose. Professors described him as an “exceptional student” who regularly went beyond expectations, deeply engaged in topics surrounding democracy, justice, and civic participation.
Friends remember him as a kind soul with a quick wit and a deep sense of loyalty. Whether organizing student-led discussions, helping others navigate college life, or volunteering in his community, Eric was always looking to make a difference. “He believed in people. He believed in change,” said one classmate. “He was the kind of person who made you want to be better.”
A City’s Problem, A Nation’s Loss
According to D.C. police, Eric was shot on the evening of June 30 in what authorities are describing as a targeted attack, although details remain under investigation. No suspects have been named, and no arrests have been made as of yet — a fact that has only heightened the anguish of Eric’s family and fueled public frustration.
“This city cannot allow young people to be gunned down without consequence,” said a family friend. “He wasn’t just our son, our classmate, or our colleague — he was a symbol of what this country can be.”
Eric’s death has also underscored the persistent issue of gun violence in Washington, D.C., even in areas close to the nation’s most powerful institutions. Advocates are renewing their calls for stronger community safety measures, expanded youth protections, and better citywide surveillance and prevention infrastructure.
Grieving and Remembering
In the days since his death, tributes to Eric have poured in from across the country. Members of Congress, university leaders, friends, and fellow interns have shared messages of grief and remembrance. Candlelight vigils have been held in both D.C. and Massachusetts, with many carrying signs reading “Justice for Eric” and “Protect Our Youth.”
“He was a beacon of hope,” said one mentor from UMass. “Losing him is not just a personal tragedy—it’s a collective one.”
Tamara Jachym has launched a fund in Eric’s name, aimed at supporting young people pursuing public service and promoting safety initiatives in urban environments. The fund’s mission is to ensure that Eric’s passion lives on, even as his life was stolen far too soon.
Seeking Justice, Demanding Change
As the investigation continues, Tamara and those close to Eric are determined to see his death not fade into silence. They are calling on D.C. police to dedicate every resource to solving the case and bringing the perpetrator to justice. They are also urging lawmakers to address the systemic issues that allow such tragedies to occur, especially in the very city where laws are made.
“We will not stop speaking Eric’s name,” Tamara said. “He had so much more to give, and I will spend the rest of my life making sure the world remembers who he was — and fights for who he could have been.”
Eric Tarpinian-Jachym will be remembered not only for the life he lived, but for the promise he represented — a young man devoted to justice, taken by injustice. As his family, friends, and community mourn, they also carry forward the light he brought into their lives, vowing to transform grief into purpose.
May he rest in peace, and may justice come swiftly.
