Omar Sykes, Beloved Howard University Student, Killed In Attempted Robbery

Family and friends are mourning the tragic loss of beloved Howard University student, Omar Sykes.

Omar Sykes killed

Sykes was killed during a random robbery attempt in Washington, DC not far from the campus. A second student was struck with a handgun and is recovering.

Omar Sykes, a community-oriented young man, was the leader of of Howard’s chapter of Alpha Phi Omega, a coed service fraternity.

He was also a member of the Noble Black Society, an organization founded at Howard that defines itself on its website as a “family oriented entertainment collective focused on the purpose of Redefining Black.”

According to the Washington Post, the family of Skyes asked for privacy, however released in a statement said that they were “deeply saddened and devastated by the unexpected loss of our son and brother, Omar Adam Sykes.”

“With grateful hearts, we send our sincerest appreciation for the tremendous outpouring of love and prayers that we have received,” the family wrote.

Friends and classmates of Sykes expressed over their loss:

One of my best friends was shot and killed last night.The world just lost one of its most amazing men and brightest futures.RIP Omar Sykes

— Fuze the Mc (@fuzethemc) July 5, 2013

R.I.P. to my #Howard bruh Omar Sykes, who was destined for greatness http://t.co/XnKxO9tAK3 and just wrote http://t.co/exgLZ6wxtj

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— David Castain ® (@DavidCastain) July 5, 2013

Robbery attempt

According to police, Sykes and another student, were assaulted about 11:30pm on Georgia Avenue and Fairmont Street NW , walking distance away from the Howard University campus.

Police say the pair were approached by assailants with guns and announced a robbery.

“Unfortunately, senseless acts of violence are too commonplace in communities around the nation and we must do more to ensure that promising young men and women have the opportunity to reach their full potential,” Howard University President Sidney A. Ribeau wrote in a letter to the campus community.

Police are looking for two men who were involved in the shooting.

The Howard University Department of Public Safety is assisting MPD with the investigation.

Howard University is telling students to be cautious and vigilant as the search continues for the suspects.

A $25,000 reward has been offered by the MPD for information leading to the arrest of suspects in the shooting.

Unheard Voices sends its condolences to Omar Sykes family.