Mother of Slain Congressional Intern Backs Donald Trump’s DC Crime Crackdown [WATCH]

The mother of a congressional intern killed in a drive-by shooting earlier this year is praising President Donald Trump’s decision to take control of public safety in Washington, D.C., saying she believes the move will help prevent other families from experiencing the same loss, as reported by The New York Post.

President Trump announced Monday that his administration will federalize the Metropolitan Police Department and activate the District of Columbia National Guard in an effort to address violent crime and public safety concerns in the city.

On Monday, Eric Tarpinian-Jachym, a 21-year-old intern for Congressman Estes, was murdered in Washington, DC.

We send our deepest condolences to Eric’s family, his friends, Congressman Estes, and his staff, and urge anyone who may have information to contact the Metropolitan… pic.twitter.com/lr2aFaBtqp

— Office of Congressman Abe Hamadeh (@RepAbeHamadeh) July 3, 2025

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Tamara Tarpinian-Jachym’s son, 21-year-old Eric Tarpinian-Jachym, was killed in June while working as a congressional intern. She said the president’s remarks gave her hope.

“Washington, D.C., the shining city on a hill… has really become a failure.”

Eric Tarpinian-Jachym’s life was senselessly taken earlier this summer while in D.C. for a Congressional internship.@POTUS won’t sit idly by as this carnage plagues our nation’s capital. https://t.co/7wmsVvWLZ6 pic.twitter.com/bbfBweP1ES

— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) August 11, 2025

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“When I heard the news today, and he mentioned my son, not by name, and mentioned the others who have been victims of violent crime, I was so happy and I said, I looked at Eric’s ashes, and I said ‘Eric, you haven’t died in vain,’” Tarpinian-Jachym told The Story on Monday.

“Things will change so other people are safe when they go visit DC or work in DC and that’s my goal, to make people safe.”

She said she has been told there is surveillance footage from the shooting but described the images as grainy. When she traveled to D.C. to identify her son’s body, she said cab drivers warned her about the dangers of the area at night.

No arrests have been made in the case. In July, President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump sent a letter to Eric’s parents expressing condolences.

Editorial: A Deafening Silence from Massachusetts Leaders as a Young Life Is Lost.@MassGovernor should be ashamed.

On July 1st, Eric Tarpinian-Jachym a bright, 21-year-old UMass Amherst senior, summer aide to Congressman Ron Estes, and proud son of Massachusetts was senselessly… pic.twitter.com/f0dFpPcKBf

— All Politics is Local with Jon Fetherston (@LocalPoliticsis) July 19, 2025

“While we may never fully understand the impact that Eric has had during his meaningful life, we know he will be remembered for his kindness, faithfulness, and devotion to your family and his many friends,” the letter read.

“He will also be remembered for his commitment to our country. I know how proud Congressman Estes was to have Eric represent his office, the people of Kansas’ Fourth Congressional District, and our Nation.”

Tarpinian-Jachym said she still has unanswered questions about her son’s death.

“I don’t know exactly how many bullets hit my son. All I know is from what the death certificate says, several bullet wounds,” she said. “I know nothing and maybe that’s for the better, so they can catch this person or these persons. I am praying it will happen.”

She expressed confidence in U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro, who is overseeing the case.

“She doesn’t pull punches. She’s for victims and I respect that woman and I respected what she told me, ‘It’s going to take a long time, Mrs. Jachym. We’re going to do our dual diligence’ and I believe her. She is for victims,” Tarpinian-Jachym said.

Eric Tarpinian-Jachym was an example of an intern who was excited to be here in Washington D.C. and able to participate in actually helping make our government run.

My interview this morning on @foxandfriends: pic.twitter.com/Hjw8cUo5i9

— Rep. Ron Estes (@RepRonEstes) July 22, 2025

She added that people should be able to walk around the city without fear. “The interns are from other parts of the country. They didn’t know how dangerous D.C. was. It was like a well-kept secret, if you want my honest opinion.”

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