Two Teens Arrested in Murder of Capitol Hill Intern Eric Tarpinian-Jachym

Why this matters: The arrest of the suspects brings a measure of justice to a case that has highlighted concerns about safety in the nation’s capital and the vulnerability of young people working in Washington, D.C.

Eric Tarpinian-Jachym, a 21-year-old intern, was killed in a shooting on June 30, 2025, near the Mount Vernon Square Metro station. According to the Metropolitan Police Department, multiple suspects exited a vehicle and opened fire on a group of people, also injuring a woman and a 16-year-old boy. Tarpinian-Jachym was a senior majoring in finance with a minor in political science and had previously served as a fellow with the Fund for American Studies.

The recent arrests of Jaylin Lucas and Kevin Thomas Jr. mark a significant step in the investigation. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro confirmed that both suspects face charges of murder while armed and will be tried as adults, given their prior violent juvenile records. The FBI, MPD, and the Justice Department collaborated to bring the suspects into custody. This case underscores the ongoing challenges of crime and public safety in Washington, D.C., and the importance of continued efforts to ensure the safety of all residents and visitors.

Eric Tarpinian-Jachym was a 21-year-old University of Massachusetts Amherst student interning for Kansas Rep. Ron Estes.

The shooting occurred near the Mount Vernon Square Metro station in Northwest D.C.

Jaylin Lucas and Kevin Thomas Jr. are charged with murder while armed and will be tried as adults.

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