Crime
Eric Tarpinian-Jachym shot and killed in Northwest DC
Authorities have confirmed that he was not the intended target of the shooting.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — A 21-year-old congressional intern was fatally shot Monday night in what authorities believe was a targeted attack that tragically claimed the life of an unintended victim in Northwest Washington, D.C.
The victim, Eric Tarpinian-Jachym of Granby, Massachusetts, had been serving as a summer intern for U.S. Representative Ron Estes (R-Kan.) since June.
He was also a rising senior at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where he was studying finance with a minor in political science.
According to the Metropolitan Police Department, the shooting occurred at approximately 10:28 p.m. near the intersection of 7th and M Streets NW.
Investigators say multiple suspects exited a vehicle and opened fire on a group of individuals in what is believed to have been a targeted attack.
Three people were struck by gunfire, including Tarpinian-Jachym, an adult woman, and a 16-year-old male.
While the other two victims were conscious at the scene, Tarpinian-Jachym was found unresponsive.
All three were transported to nearby hospitals, where Tarpinian-Jachym succumbed to his injuries on Tuesday.
Authorities have confirmed that he was not the intended target of the shooting.
Police have since recovered the suspect vehicle, and the investigation remains active. A reward of up to $25,000 is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.
In a statement, Rep. Ron Estes and his wife, Susan, extended their heartfelt condolences to the Tarpinian-Jachym family.
“Eric was an exceptional young man with a kind heart who always welcomed visitors to our office with a cheerful smile,” Estes said. “We are deeply grateful for his service to Kansas’ 4th District and our country. His loss is a tragic reminder of the senseless violence that continues to affect our communities.”
Rep. Estes has represented Kansas’ 4th Congressional District since 2017 and currently serves on the House Committee on Ways and Means, the Budget Committee, and the Joint Economic Committee. He also chairs the Social Security Subcommittee.
Anyone with information related to the shooting is urged to contact the Metropolitan Police Department at (202) 727-9099 or submit anonymous tips via text to 50411.
Crime
Venezuelan national Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis shot in the leg by an immigration agent in Minneapolis
On January 14, 2025, federal law enforcement personnel were engaged in a targeted enforcement operation involving Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis, a Venezuelan national who has been present in the United States since 2022.
The operation escalated into a high-speed pursuit, a physical confrontation, and an ambush by multiple subjects, necessitating the use of a defensive firearm discharge by a federal agent.
At approximately 6:50 PM, federal officers initiated a targeted traffic stop of a vehicle operated by Sosa-Celis.
The subject refused to comply with law enforcement commands and attempted to flee the scene.
During the pursuit, the subject’s vehicle collided with a stationary, parked car.
Following the collision, the subject abandoned the vehicle and fled the scene on foot.
A federal agent pursued the suspect on foot and successfully intercepted him. As the agent attempted to effect an arrest, the subject became combative, resulting in a violent struggle on the ground.
During this confrontation, two additional male subjects emerged from a nearby residence to intervene.
These individuals reportedly ambushed the agent, utilizing a snow shovel and a broom handle to strike the officer.
The situation escalated when the primary suspect, Sosa-Celis, regained his footing and joined the two additional subjects in the assault.
Reports indicate the suspect struck the agent with a blunt object (identified as either the shovel or broom handle).
Citing an immediate threat to his life while being outnumbered and actively assaulted by three individuals, the agent discharged his service weapon in self-defense.
The discharge struck Sosa-Celis in the lower extremity (leg). Following the shot, all three suspects retreated into a nearby apartment complex and initiated a barricade situation.
Following a brief standoff, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) successfully secured the perimeter and apprehended all three individuals without further injury.
Both the federal agent and Sosa-Celis were transported to a local medical facility for treatment.
Images from the scene showed Sosa-Celis conscious and alert during transport.
All three subjects involved in the assault are currently in the custody of ICE.
Further charges related to the assault on a federal officer and resisting arrest are pending review by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.