Eric Tarpinian-Jachym, a 21-year-old congressional intern and UMass Amherst student, was fatally shot in Washington, D.C., on Monday evening. He was caught in gunfire near the Walter E. Washington Convention Center while interning for Kansas Rep. Ron Estes. Police said he was *“not the intended target.”*

Multiple suspects exited a car and opened fire on a group of people. Eric, a woman, and a 16-year-old boy were hit. While the woman and teen are recovering, Eric died from his injuries the next day.

Rep. Estes remembered him for his warmth, saying, *“I will remember his kind heart and how he always greeted anyone… with a cheerful smile.”* Rep. Richard Neal called Eric *“a Granby native and passionate public servant.”*

Eric, a finance major and political science minor, was known for his dedication to public service, and his death has deeply impacted both Capitol Hill and the UMass community.

The Metropolitan Police are offering a \$25,000 reward for information. Tips can be shared by calling (202) 727-9099 or texting 50411.