Mugshots Released in Capitol Hill Intern Shooting
The murder of Capitol Hill intern Eric Tarpinian-Jachym, 21, has shocked Washington, D.C., and drawn national attention. DC police have released the mugshots of two 17-year-old suspects charged in connection with the fatal drive-by shooting. The case highlights ongoing concerns about youth violence and gun crime in the nation’s capital.
On the evening of June 30, Tarpinian-Jachym was walking in the city when shots were fired from a moving vehicle. He was rushed to the hospital but later died on July 1. The tragedy has devastated his family, classmates, and colleagues, as the young intern had a promising future in politics and public service.
Who Was the Victim?
Eric Tarpinian-Jachym was a student at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and was interning for Congressman Ron Estes, a Republican from Kansas. Friends and mentors described him as intelligent, kind, and dedicated to making a difference. His death just blocks from the White House serves as a painful reminder of how gun violence can strike anyone, anywhere.
Congressman Estes released a statement expressing heartbreak over the loss, calling Eric a “bright young man with limitless potential.” The Congressman also extended condolences to the victim’s family and urged authorities to bring those responsible to justice.
The Suspects Identified
Police identified the two 17-year-old suspects as Kelvin Thomas Jr. and Jailen Lucas. Both teens were arrested and are being charged as adults with first-degree murder while armed. Authorities believe the attack was deliberate and carefully planned.
In addition to the two arrested teens, law enforcement is actively searching for a third suspect. Naqwan Antonio Lucas, 18, remains at large. The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), the FBI, and U.S. Marshals are offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to his arrest and conviction.
Other Victims Injured
The drive-by shooting did not only claim the life of Tarpinian-Jachym. Two others were also injured during the attack: a woman and a 16-year-old boy. Both victims survived but were left traumatized by the violence. Community leaders in D.C. have raised concerns about rising youth crime and the impact of illegal firearms in the city.
Public and Political Reaction
The case has drawn attention from lawmakers and community advocates, many of whom are calling for tougher gun control measures and increased youth intervention programs. Residents of Capitol Hill expressed outrage that such violence could occur so close to the nation’s center of government.
Advocacy groups have stressed the need for early intervention in at-risk communities to prevent teenagers from being drawn into violent crime. The arrests of two 17-year-olds underscore the ongoing struggle to address systemic issues surrounding youth violence.
The Ongoing Investigation
Authorities are urging the public to come forward with any information that may help locate the third suspect. The FBI and U.S. Marshals have joined MPD in what they describe as a high-priority manhunt.
Meanwhile, the families of both the victim and suspects are grappling with the tragedy. Tarpinian-Jachym’s loved ones continue to mourn a young man whose life was cut short, while the suspects’ families face the reality that their children are now facing adult charges with potentially life-long consequences.
A Community in Mourning
The death of Eric Tarpinian-Jachym is more than just a headline—it is a personal loss to his family, his university, and Capitol Hill colleagues. Candlelight vigils have been held in his honor, and classmates have shared memories of his dedication to public service.
This tragic event not only exposes the harsh reality of urban gun violence but also sparks a broader conversation about how to protect America’s youth—both from becoming victims and from being drawn into cycles of crime.
Conclusion
The Capitol Hill intern shooting has left Washington, D.C., grieving and searching for answers. With two suspects in custody and one still at large, law enforcement continues its pursuit of justice. The release of the mugshots marks another step in the case, but the pain of a lost life will remain for years to come.
