Innocent Intern GUNNED DOWN Near White House

U.S. flag in front of Capitol building dome.

Two teenagers have been arrested and charged as adults with first-degree murder in the killing of congressional intern Eric Tarpinian-Jachym, exposing the deadly consequences of D.C.’s rampant youth violence that now threatens even those serving our government.

Story Highlights

Eric Tarpinian-Jachym, 21-year-old congressional intern, killed by stray bullet near White House
Two 17-year-olds arrested and charged as adults with first-degree murder
Third suspect remains at large as investigation continues
Victim was innocent bystander walking less than mile from White House

Innocent Intern Gunned Down Steps from White House

Eric Tarpinian-Jachym, a 21-year-old University of Massachusetts Amherst student interning for Rep. Ron Estes, was fatally shot on June 30, 2025, at 7th and M Streets NW in Washington, D.C. The rising senior was struck by a stray bullet during a shooting that occurred just before 10:30 p.m., less than a mile from the White House. Eric died later at the hospital, becoming another tragic victim of D.C.’s escalating urban violence that continues to plague the nation’s capital.

Swift Justice as Teens Charged as Adults

U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro announced on September 5, 2025, that two 17-year-old suspects have been arrested and charged as adults with first-degree murder. The decision to prosecute juveniles as adults reflects the serious nature of the crime and sends a strong message about accountability for violent acts. A third suspect remains at large as law enforcement continues their investigation into this senseless killing that robbed a promising young American of his future.

Congressional Tribute Honors Fallen Intern

Rep. Ron Estes honored Eric’s memory on the House floor on July 15, 2025, stating that “Eric’s life was tragically cut short by a senseless act of violence in our nation’s capital.” The tribute highlighted Eric’s dedication to public service and his bright future that was stolen by criminals who show no respect for innocent life. This tragedy underscores the dangerous reality facing young Americans who come to Washington to serve their country, only to encounter the lawlessness that Democratic policies have allowed to fester.

D.C. Violence Crisis Threatens Public Safety

The murder of Eric Tarpinian-Jachym represents the broader failure of liberal governance to protect citizens in America’s capital city. U.S. Attorney Pirro noted that Eric’s death serves as “a stark reminder of how fragile life is and how violence too often visits us in the nation’s capital.” This incident raises serious questions about the safety protocols for congressional interns and the need for stronger law enforcement measures to combat the youth violence epidemic that continues to claim innocent lives in Democrat-controlled urban areas.

The ongoing search for the third suspect demonstrates that while justice may be served for two perpetrators, the threat to public safety persists. This tragedy should serve as a wake-up call for stronger policies that prioritize law and order over the failed progressive approaches that have made American cities dangerous for law-abiding citizens seeking to contribute to their communities through public service.