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
Saylor Graham, 7, Fights to Recover After Silver Rail Elementary School Shooting as Teacher Becky Drury Faces Long Recovery
BEND, Oregon — Seven-year-old Saylor Graham is recovering from life-threatening injuries after being shot at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon, on October 15, 2026. Meanwhile, 54-year-old teacher Becky Drury is beginning a lengthy recovery after suffering gunshot wounds to her left arm and right hand during the deadly school shooting.
The latest updates from the two families offer a glimpse of the difficult road ahead for survivors of a tragedy that claimed the lives of three children and a teacher, leaving families, classmates, and the wider Bend community grieving.
Saylor Graham, described by her family as a loving, feisty girl with a strong determination to thrive, was shot in the jaw during the shooting, according to the information shared by her family and supporters. She was airlifted from Bend for medical treatment.
Her family says the 7-year-old has already faced numerous medical challenges throughout her young life. Now, she is confronting another devastating ordeal, with her parents remaining by her side as she receives treatment and begins the recovery process.
Updates shared about Saylor’s condition have differed. An earlier account described her as being in critical condition, while a later update reported that she was in serious but stable condition. Her latest status should be confirmed with her family or an official source before publication.
For Saylor’s parents, the emotional strain is accompanied by significant financial uncertainty. Both parents are self-employed, and the demands of remaining at the hospital have sharply limited their ability to work. They must also manage medical expenses, transportation, lodging, household bills, and the needs of their other child.
A GoFundMe fundraiser has been organized to help Saylor’s family manage the financial pressures arising from her injuries and ongoing treatment.
The fundraiser describes Saylor as a daughter, sister, and niece whose determination has carried her through numerous medical challenges. It explains that the family is facing uncertainty as they remain close to her during recovery.
The appeal states that donations will help cover hospital bills, time away from work, lodging, transportation, and other urgent family expenses.
The fundraiser also asks supporters to keep Saylor and her loved ones in their thoughts and prayers, emphasizing that every contribution and act of kindness can make a difference during this difficult time.
Readers who wish to support Saylor’s recovery can find the fundraiser through the link shared by her family or the original organizer. The campaign details and donation link should be verified before being shared.
Becky Drury, 54, a teacher at Silver Rail Elementary School, was also wounded in the shooting. She suffered gunshot injuries to her left arm and right hand and has undergone surgery.
Her husband, Will, shared a hopeful update, saying the operation went well. However, the injuries to her left arm were extensive, and she is expected to require additional procedures and a prolonged recovery.
Despite the difficult road ahead, her husband’s message offered a moment of relief amid the grief surrounding the shooting.
“The good news is she will be ok and we all get to keep that magnificent woman we love so much in our lives,” he said.
His words reflect the gratitude of a family facing a frightening and uncertain recovery while knowing that Becky survived.
The shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School left three children and one teacher dead, according to the information provided in reports about the incident.
Five-year-old Rhoam Summer has been publicly identified among the children killed. Megan Lambert, 25, a teacher also known as “Coach Megan,” was identified as the adult victim. Two other children, ages 8 and 11, were also killed.
Their deaths have left four families facing an unimaginable loss. While Saylor and Becky continue their recoveries, the families of those who died are beginning a different and heartbreaking journey of grief.
The contrast between the survivors’ fight to recover and the families’ permanent loss has become one of the most painful realities of the tragedy.
For Saylor’s family, every update about her condition carries enormous significance. Her parents are navigating the uncertainty of their daughter’s recovery while trying to remain present for her and care for their family.
For Becky Drury’s loved ones, the successful surgery has brought relief, even as further treatment and rehabilitation lie ahead.
Their stories do not erase the devastating loss experienced by the families of the victims. Instead, they highlight the many ways the shooting has changed lives and the long road that survivors and loved ones must now face.
As Bend mourns the children and teacher who did not return home, the community continues to hope for Saylor’s recovery and for Becky to regain her health.
Saylor Graham and Becky Drury are among those still fighting their way forward after the Silver Rail Elementary School shooting. Their families are asking for support, compassion, and privacy as they face the difficult days ahead.