Son’s death turned into a ‘partisan issue,’ with Trump letter, Healey no call

The mother of the Massachusetts college student shot and killed in D.C., says she feels like her son’s death has been made into a “partisan issue,” as she’s received a letter from President Trump but no messages from Gov. Maura Healey.

Eric Tarpinian-Jachym, 21, of Granby, was interning for U.S. Rep. Ron Estes, a Kansas Republican, when he got caught as an unintended target of a shooting the night of June 30. He died from his injuries hours later, early the following morning.

Tamara Tarpinian-Jachym has said she and her family have received an outpouring of support from Republicans in the aftermath of their tragic loss, with a letter from President Trump coming as a surprise.

Massachusetts Republican Party Chairwoman Amy Carnevale read the letter from the president and First Lady Melania Trump during a funeral mass on Thursday for the University of Massachusetts rising senior.

“It just made me feel so good,” Tarpinian-Jachym said of the letter. “People call (President Trump) a monster, but he’s not. He’s such a human. He is so kind to kids. I just couldn’t believe that he did this.”

“My son was working on Capitol Hill, learning, interning,” the mother continued, during a Friday radio interview on the Howie Carr Show. “He loved his job, he loved everybody there. He liked people on both sides of the aisle, and he worked with kids who were Democrats and Republicans. That letter just drove it home.”

Eric Tarpinian-Jachym traveled to D.C. to join Estes’ office in early June. Two other victims were shot at the site and survived. Metropolitan Police have stated that detectives believe Tarpinian-Jachym was not the intended target of the shooting.

His mother said that there has been silence from the “other side.” She pointed out how she has not received a call from the governor in the aftermath of her son’s death.

“I was hurt,” she said. “It felt like someone took a dagger into my heart, put it in and twisted it.”

Tamara Tarpinian-Jachym added that she also hasn’t heard from Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey. She said she has spoken with Congressman Richie Neal and University of Massachusetts President Marty Meehan.

“It felt like he worked for a Republican, they didn’t care,” the mother said. “I don’t care who you work for. When you take a job, sometimes, you might not like your boss, but you take the job.”

“I felt this was a partisan issue,” she said. “If he worked for a Dem, that call would have been made. That’s my opinion, no one can take that away from me.”

In a social media post on Thursday, Carnevale called it an “honor” to surprise the  Tarpinian-Jachyms with Trump’s letter. She said she was present in the House Gallery when Estes and Neal paid tribute to Eric Tarpinian-Jachym last Tuesday.

Tamara Tarpinian-Jachym said her son’s wake, drawing hordes of people the family did not know but who wanted to show support, calling him a “beautiful person.”

The letter from the president and first lady reads in full:

“Melania and I are devastated by the senseless act of violence that took your beloved son Eric Tarpinian-Jachym from us, and we are heartbroken for your entire family.”

“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. He 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.”

“Eric will be held in my heart, and I promise to never forget or forgive the terrible act that took him from us. Please know that my Administration will not stop fighting to clean up our streets and ensure law and order.”

“May God hold Eric in His eternal love and care and provide you and your other incredible children, Angela and Jeremy, with abiding peace and unending strength.”

When asked whether she would still welcome a call from Healey, Warren and Markey, Tamara Tarpinian-Jachym responded, “You know? My son is already buried. He died July 1. Today is July 18. No. … The people in Massachusetts showed their true colors.”