YOTEL Shooting in D.C.: Family Identifies Victim as Akim Toure, Pleads for Justice
WASHINGTON, D.C. — A tragic shooting inside the upscale YOTEL hotel in Washington, D.C. has left one man dead and an entire family devastated. The victim has been identified by a family member as Akim Toure, a young man whose promising life was cut short in the early hours of Sunday morning. As police continue to search for the suspect, loved ones are speaking out, calling for accountability and urging the person responsible to come forward.
The incident occurred just after 2:00 a.m. inside the YOTEL hotel located on New Jersey Avenue NW, in the bustling NoMa neighborhood, just blocks from Union Station and Capitol Hill. According to D.C. police, officers were dispatched to the scene following reports of gunfire inside the hotel. Upon arrival, officers found Toure suffering from a gunshot wound. Despite the efforts of first responders and emergency medical services, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police have released limited details about the circumstances leading up to the shooting. However, they have confirmed that it took place on one of the guest floors of the hotel and that the suspected shooter fled the scene before law enforcement arrived. No arrests have been made, and authorities are actively reviewing security footage and speaking with potential witnesses.
A person who identified themselves to WUSA9 as Akim Toure’s cousin said the family is “shattered beyond words” by the sudden and violent loss. The relative described Akim as a bright, kind-hearted, and peaceful young man, who had dreams of building a better future for himself and those around him.
“We are absolutely heartbroken,” the cousin said. “He was full of life, full of dreams. Whoever did this took away a piece of our family we will never get back. We are pleading with the person responsible—turn yourself in. Please.”
Toure’s loved ones are now left searching for answers in the wake of a senseless tragedy that has gripped the D.C. community and reignited urgent conversations about gun violence and public safety—even in areas once considered secure.
The YOTEL brand, known for its modern, high-tech accommodations and sleek urban design, issued a brief statement expressing condolences to the victim’s family and confirming they are working with law enforcement.
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic incident that occurred on our property. The safety of our guests and staff is our top priority. We are fully cooperating with the Metropolitan Police Department as they conduct their investigation,” the statement read.
As word of Toure’s death spread, tributes began appearing on social media, with friends and acquaintances expressing shock, grief, and disbelief. Many described him as a loyal friend and someone who always carried himself with humility and respect.
“He didn’t deserve this,” wrote one friend in a Facebook post. “Akim was one of the good ones. Always had your back. Always had a smile.”
D.C. police have asked for the public’s assistance in identifying the suspect, whom they believe may have left the area on foot or in a vehicle shortly after the shooting. Detectives are combing through hours of surveillance footage and urging any hotel guests or nearby residents who may have seen or heard something to come forward.
“We are treating this case with the highest priority,” said Commander James Boteler of the MPD’s Homicide Division. “This was a brazen act of violence inside a busy hotel. We’re asking anyone with information—no matter how small—to contact us. The family deserves justice.”
A reward of up to $25,000 is being offered to anyone with information leading to an arrest and conviction in the case. Tips can be submitted anonymously by calling the MPD tip line at (202) 727-9099 or by texting 50411.
A candlelight vigil is reportedly being organized by Toure’s family and friends for later this week, with details to be announced. In the meantime, the family is asking for prayers, support, and privacy as they process this unimaginable loss.
“Akim had so much more life to live,” said his cousin. “We can’t bring him back, but we can fight for justice. That’s all we want now—justice.”
As D.C. continues to confront rising incidents of gun violence in both public and private spaces, Akim Toure’s name now joins the growing list of victims whose lives were senselessly taken—and whose families are left to carry the weight of grief, unanswered questions, and the hope that justice will be served.
