A 21-year-old congressional intern was tragically gunned down in Washington D.C. this week in what police believe was a case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Eric Tarpinian-Jachym, a rising senior at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, was fatally shot near the Walter E. Washington Convention Center late on Tuesday night (July 1), WWLP reports.

Police say he was not the intended target but was caught in a spray of bullets just after 10:30 p.m. The gunfire also hit a 16-year-old boy and an adult woman, both of whom survived. Eric, however, was found unconscious at the scene and later died at hospital.

He was in the capital for a summer internship with Kansas Congressman Ron Estes, and had been pursuing a degree in finance with a minor in political science. Originally from Granby, Massachusetts, Eric had big plans for a future in public service.

His death has left both Capitol Hill and his hometown community shaken. “I will remember his kind heart and how he always greeted anyone who entered our office with a cheerful smile,” said Rep. Estes in a statement the following day, via ABC News. “We are grateful to Eric for his service to Kansas’ 4th District and the country.”

Massachusetts Rep. Richard Neal, who also teaches at UMass, called the shooting “heartbreaking.”

“Eric was in D.C. interning on Capitol Hill, pursuing his passion for public service. As a lecturer at UMass,

I know firsthand the caliber of students who walk through those doors,” Neal said. “Eric embodied what it means to be part of a community committed to learning, growth, and civic engagement.”

He added: “Any parent will tell you there is no greater pain than the pain of losing a child.”

The Metropolitan Police Department confirmed Eric’s identity on Wednesday and said the investigation is ongoing. No arrests have been made yet.

The motive behind the shooting remains unclear, but according to The Washington Post, detectives believe Eric was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time, likely a bystander in a shooting aimed at someone else.

The MPD is now offering a $25,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction. Anyone with tips is urged to call (202) 727-9099 or text 50411.

Eric’s death marks yet another tragedy in a city grappling with rising gun violence. As tributes continue to pour in from lawmakers, classmates, and friends, many are remembering him not just as a promising student, but as someone who genuinely wanted to make a difference.

His loss isn’t just personal, it’s political. A life that could have helped shape the future was cut short on a random Tuesday night.

And now, his loved ones (and a community) are left searching for answers.