Mother of Slain DC Intern Calls for Action Against Rising Violence in the Capital

The mother of a slain congressional intern has voiced a poignant appeal for change amid a troubling surge in violence in Washington D.C. Tamara Tarpinian-Jachym, whose 21-year-old son Eric was fatally shot in a drive-by incident, shared the devastating impact the tragedy has had on her family.

“Our lives will never be the same. My husband wishes he could have taken the bullets meant for our son. This is the depth of our pain,” Tarpinian-Jachym recounted, reflecting on the aftermath of her son’s untimely death on June 30. Eric succumbed to multiple gunshot injuries the following day at a local hospital.

In an emotional interview with the media, Tamara recounted the surreal moment she received the devastating news of her son’s murder. She highlighted how unthinkable it is for a parent to learn that their child has been brutally murdered.

Heartbreak and Loss

“You never expect to hear that your son has been murdered—especially not with multiple gunshot wounds. Eric was a good boy, and he didn’t deserve this fate. No innocent person deserves to endure what we are experiencing. Many families are suffering similarly,” she expressed tearfully.

At the time of the tragic event, Eric was interning for Rep. Ron Estes, a Republican from Kansas. The shooting incident did not specifically target Eric, although it also left a 16-year-old male and an adult female injured.

Call for Accountability

Tarpinian-Jachym expressed frustration that no arrests have been made in connection to her son’s murder. According to her, the 16-year-old male victim was believed to be the intended target of the attack. She urged city officials to cease their perceived leniency towards violent criminals.

“The city must stop coddling these criminals and adopt stricter policies to protect the community. Our leaders must prioritize public safety for D.C. residents, visitors, and workers alike,” she insisted.

Presidential Response to the Crisis

In a related note, President Donald Trump has suggested he may take federal action to address violence in Washington, D.C., unless significant changes occur. Tarpinian-Jachym welcomed the notion that someone needs to take decisive action to improve the current situation.

“Until the D.C. council gets its act together, things will not improve. It might never happen, but I have faith that it should. There can be no contingencies on public safety. Violence must cease, and gang activity must stop. Without action, people will continue to suffer, and lives will be lost,” she stated.

The Right to Safety

According to Tarpinian-Jachym, Washington D.C. should be the safest city in the country because it is the nation’s capital. She believes that safety standards in D.C. should serve as a model for other cities tackling crime. “It’s alarming what’s happening in America. All citizens deserve to feel safe in their communities,” she emphasized.

A Letter from the President

In the midst of this tragedy, Donald Trump sent a letter to the Tarpinian-Jachym family, which the grieving mother appreciated immensely. She also praised Rep. Estes’ office for their compassion and support following the incident.

Remembering Eric

Tamara Tarpinian-Jachym described her son as an exceptional individual who was intelligent, articulate, and humble. She shared tender memories of Eric, emphasizing his kindness and love for family activities.

“[Eric] had a natural affinity for connecting with older individuals. He was passionate about fishing and adored his father. Those two were inseparable. He was my baby; I had him later in life. He was my gift from God, and his siblings deeply miss him. My husband is heartbroken. Our lives forever changed on that fateful day,” she stated with a breaking voice.

The family is now left grappling with the loss of a beloved son and brother, as they navigate a world that feels unbearably altered.

Fox News’ Adam Sabes contributed to this report.