Teenagers arrested in killing of Kansas D.C. congressional intern

WASHINGTON, D.C. (KSNT) – Police in the nation’s capital have arrested two people in connection to the shooting death of a Kansas congressional intern.

U.S. Attorney for D.C. Jeanine Pirro announced on Sept. 5 that two suspects have been arrested in connection to the deadly shooting of 21-year-old Eric Tarpinian-Jachym in late June. She said Tarpinian-Jachym was an innocent bystander in a shooting “that was not meant for him.”

“He was hit four times,” Pirro said. “The scene involved two rifles, one .9 millimeter, and 79 rounds on the ground.”

Pirro said charges will be filed against two 17-year-olds allegedly involved in the shooting with police still searching for a third suspect. Both 17-year-olds are expected to be charged with murder in the first degree.

“These juveniles have prior violent juvenile records in the family court,” Pirro said. “This is why, from day one when I came here, that we were missing a whole segment of criminals in D.C., in our nation’s capital, because the D.C. Council thinks these kids need to be protected. They don’t need to be protected, they need to be made accountable and we need to be protected.”

Tarpinian-Jachym was an intern serving in the office of 4th Congressional District Representative Ron Estes and a student at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst at the time of his death. He was killed as a result of a deadly shooting on June 30. Police initially said that several people exited a vehicle and began firing at a nearby group.

“We hope news of these two arrests, and the third one pending—I’m confident we’ll get the third one—gives Eric’s loved ones some sense of peace as they continue to grieve a tremendous loss,” said Metropolitan Police Department Chief Pamela Smith.

Tarpinian-Jachym died the following day on July 1. Estes released a statement shortly after the shooting, saying he would miss Tarpinian-Jachym’s “kind heart” and “cheerful smile.” He released a new statement on Sept. 5 which can be seen below:

“Today, U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro announced that two arrests were made for the individuals who shot and killed my intern, Eric Tarpinian-Jachym, on June 30, 2025,” Estes said. “Although nothing can reverse this horrific act of violence that took the life of a kind and bright young man, my hope is that today’s announcement will bring peace and closure to the family and friends of Eric, and all who knew and loved him. Thank you to U.S. Attorney Pirro, the detectives at the Metropolitan Police Department, and all who worked to make the arrests for this violent crime.”

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