A mourning mother whose son, a congressional intern, was shot to death in Washington, DC, is commending President Trump for taking control of public safety in the capitol.
Eric Tarpinian-Jachym. 21, was killed in a senseless drive-by shooting in June, a tragedy invoked by President Trump during his watershed announcement of a federal takeover of DC police.
The announcement — and the mention of her departed son Eric — gave solace and hope to Tamara Tarpinian-Jachym, who shared her feelings with Fox News.
Grieving mother Tamara Jachym’s son, Eric, was killed in a shooting in DC. Fox News“When I heard the news today, and he mentioned my son, and mentioned 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,’” the mother told Martha MaCallum on “The Story.”
Eric Tarpinian-Jachym with his mother celebrating. He was killed in a shooting. Tamara Jachym“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.
The Massachusetts native further expressed confidence in DC US Attorney Jeanine Pirro, who the president has said will be instrumental in turning the culture of law enforcement in the capitol around.
Trump announced on August 11 that he was taking over police in Washington, DC, to curb crime in the city. REUTERS
“She doesn’t pull punches,” Tarpinian-Jachym said of Pirro.
“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 due diligence’ and I believe her. She is for victims,” she said.
The grieving mother stated that she knows very little regarding the motivation behind and the investigation into her son’s killing.
Federal law enforcement agents in Washington, DC, on Monday, August 11, 2025. AP“I know nothing,” she lamented. “I don’t know exactly how many bullets hit my son. All I know is from what the death certificate says, several bullet wounds.”
“I don’t know where he was hit, but I have an idea. I know nothing and maybe that’s for the better, so they can catch this person or these persons,” Tarpinian-Jachym said, adding, “I am praying it will happen.”
Congressional intern Eric Tarpinian-Jachym was shot and killed in a drive-by shooting in June. LinkedinTrump did not mention Eric by name during Monday’s landmark press conference but did write the family a letter when he passed away from the shooting on July 1.
“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,” Trump wrote in the letter.
“He will also be remembered for his commitment to our country. I know how proud Congressman [Ron] Estes was to have Eric represent his office, the people of Kansas’ Fourth Congressional District, and our Nation.”
