The Metropolitan Police Department announced on Thursday that federal authorities are collaborating with the D.C. police in the investigation of the fatal shooting of a 21-year-old congressional intern in the District. The victim, Eric Tarpinian-Jachym from Granby, Massachusetts, was tragically killed by a stray bullet near the 7th and M Street intersection on Monday night.
The FBI and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) have joined the investigation to assist in locating the suspect responsible for the shooting. Although the incident was targeted, Tarpinian-Jachym was not the intended victim, according to investigators. Additionally, a woman and a 16-year-old boy were also injured in the shooting. The woman is in stable condition, while the juvenile, believed to be associated with the group involved in the shooting, remains hospitalized.
D.C. Police Chief Pamela Smith informed the media that they have obtained video footage of the incident, albeit of slightly poor quality. The FBI’s expertise is being sought to enhance the video for better clarity. The police have recovered the suspect vehicle and are working with the FBI and ATF for ballistics analysis.
Smith described the shooting as a tragic event, emphasizing the city’s stance against such violence. The altercation between two groups escalated into gunfire at the location on Seventh Street, northwest, leading to the unfortunate incident. As of now, a weapon has not been recovered by the D.C. police.
Tarpinian-Jachym, an intern for Rep. Ron Estes of Kansas since June, was a senior at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, majoring in finance with a minor in political science.
