Two teenagers have been arrested and charged as adults for the murder of a congressional intern who was gunned down by a stray bullet in Washington D.C.
Story Snapshot
- Eric Tarpinian-Jachym, 21-year-old congressional intern, killed by stray bullet in D.C. shooting
- Two 17-year-olds arrested and charged as adults with first-degree murder
- Third suspect remains at large with $50,000 reward offered for information
- Victim was innocent bystander caught in neighborhood crew dispute near White House
Promising Young Life Cut Short by Street Violence
Eric Tarpinian-Jachym embodied the American dream of hard work and perseverance. The 21-year-old University of Massachusetts Amherst student had overcome personal challenges as a neurodiverse individual to secure a prestigious congressional internship with Rep. Ron Estes. On June 30, 2025, while walking near 7th and M Streets NW in downtown Washington, multiple suspects exited a vehicle and opened fire, striking Tarpinian-Jachym and two others. He died from his injuries the following day.
The shooting occurred less than a mile from the White House in what should have been a safe area for young professionals. Authorities determined Tarpinian-Jachym was not the intended target but became an innocent victim of what investigators describe as a neighborhood crew dispute. This senseless act of violence robbed America of a dedicated public servant who had worked tirelessly to contribute to his country through government service.
Eric Tarpinian-Jachym, a 21-year-old Congressional intern was m*rdered in D.C. by a stray bullet in a drive-by shooting
His mother just said that Trump’s remarks on the crime in D.C. are “spot on” and her son “hasn’t died in vain.”
America won’t forget you, Eric 💔 pic.twitter.com/7pkfTrWSSz
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) August 12, 2025
Justice Delayed as Suspects Finally Arrested
After more than two months of investigation, U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro announced the arrests of two 17-year-old suspects on September 5, 2025. Both teenagers have been charged with first-degree murder as adults, signaling prosecutors’ commitment to seeking maximum penalties for this heinous crime. The Metropolitan Police Department and federal authorities collaborated extensively to identify and apprehend these dangerous individuals who terrorized the nation’s capital.
However, justice remains incomplete as a third suspect, 18-year-old Naqwan Antonio “Qwan” Lucas, remains at large. Authorities have offered a $50,000 reward for information leading to his capture. This ongoing manhunt highlights the urgent need for swift action to remove violent criminals from D.C.’s streets before they claim more innocent lives.
Watch: https://youtu.be/PfEsbVJcqDc?si=qVHuxZ7e5t0_58tm
Capitol Security Crisis Demands Immediate Action
The murder of a congressional intern blocks from the White House exposes alarming security vulnerabilities in America’s seat of government. Rep. Ron Estes honored Tarpinian-Jachym on the House floor, calling attention to the dangers faced by young Americans serving their country in Washington. This tragedy raises serious questions about whether adequate protections exist for congressional staff, interns, and visitors to the capital.
Congressional offices may now be forced to implement enhanced safety protocols and reconsider internship programs that bring America’s brightest young minds to serve in Washington. Universities might hesitate to recommend D.C.-based placements, potentially depriving students of valuable government experience. The chilling effect of urban violence threatens to undermine the very foundations of democratic participation and public service.
Sources:
Arrests expected to be announced in murder of Capitol Hill intern Eric Tarpinian-Jachym
Rep. Estes Honors Eric Tarpinian-Jachym on House Floor
Rep. Estes Statement on Arrests in Murder of Intern Eric Tarpinian-Jachym
2 teens charged in murder of Capitol Hill intern from UMass Amherst
