The mother of a congressional intern who tragically lost his life on the streets of Washington, D.C., has spoken out and praised President Trump for his commitment to making the District of Columbia safe again by activating the National Guard and taking control of the Metropolitan Police Department to crack down on violent crime in the city.
For background, on August 11, 2025, Tamara Tarpinian-Jachym, whose son Eric was killed at 21 in a drive-by shooting in Washington, D.C., while working as a congressional intern, spoke on Fox’s “The Story” about how the president is “spot on” in his response to the rampant crime in the nation’s capital. She told Fox that she is “praying” that the killer who took her son’s life will be caught, and that President Trump’s federalizing of D.C. will save lives.
Speaking on “The Story,” Tarpinian-Jachym said, “When I heard the news today [about President Trump’s federalization of D.C.], 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.’”
Continuing, the bereaved mother said that thanks to the president, “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 went on to praise Judge Jeanine Pirro, the newly appointed U.S. Attorney for the District of Colbubia, saying, “She doesn’t pull punches. She’s for victims.”
Sadly, Tarpanian Jachym also said that she still has many unanswered questions about her son’s tragic death, explaining, “I know nothing. I know about what’s happening,” adding, “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. I am praying it will happen.”
Moreover, Fox reported that Tarpanian-Jachym had received a letter from President Trump that expressed sincere condolences for the loss of her son. The president wrote, “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.”
In addition, the president wrote that Eric “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.”
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Importantly, President Trump declared federal control of Washington, D.C., on August 11, 2025, writing on Truth Social, “Washington, D.C. will be LIBERATED today!” The Defense Department clarified that, on President Trump’s orders, the National Guard would begin filling “administrative and logistical roles, as well as providing a physical presence in support of law enforcement.”
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