Celebrity chef Tobias Dorzon, known for his appearances on Food Network and his two successful restaurants in Hyattsville, Maryland, is recovering after a violent attack that left him and his girlfriend hospitalized. The incident, which has garnered widespread attention, unfolded on Tuesday, November 5, as Dorzon and his girlfriend were ambushed by five armed assailants while returning home. This horrific event, partially captured on surveillance video, has left the local community shaken.
Dorzon, a former NFL running back turned chef, described his gratitude for surviving the attack in a statement shared on his restaurant’s Instagram pages, expressing relief at being on the road to recovery. In a heartfelt post, he addressed the incident, acknowledging how deeply it affected him, his family, and his community, while also thanking friends, patrons, and well-wishers for their outpouring of support. He also expressed pride in the strength of his restaurant team, who continue to serve the community despite the recent trauma.
The harrowing footage captured in Hyattsville shows the attackers descending on Dorzon and his girlfriend on Kirkwood Place, a suburb of Washington, D.C., just after 10 p.m. Authorities report that the attackers arrived and fled in a white SUV with a sunroof. Clad in jackets and hoods, three of the suspects wielded semi-automatic handguns, while a fourth was reportedly armed with a short rifle. In the video, Dorzon can be heard pleading for his life as shots are fired, shouting, “Please don’t kill me, bro! Please don’t kill me!”
Following the ambush, Hyattsville Police Chief Jarod J. Towers condemned the brutality of the attack, describing the actions of the perpetrators as “barbarous” and indicative of a disturbing willingness to use violence. Local officials and community leaders have rallied around Dorzon, with many expressing their horror over the attack and pledging support to bring those responsible to justice. Prince George’s County Councilmember Wanika Fisher, a longtime friend of Dorzon’s, spoke out in defense of her fellow community member, decrying the “senseless violence” that had taken place and vowing to see the attackers held accountable. She emphasized that such a horrific act should not have befallen a person as beloved and respected as Dorzon.
The shooting has left a lasting impact on the Hyattsville and larger DMV (District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia) community, where Dorzon’s two restaurants, Huncho House and 1123 By Chef Tobias, have become local institutions. Known for his culinary creativity and celebrity clientele, Dorzon has become a treasured figure in the area. Earlier this year, he was named 2024 Chef of the Year by the Restaurant Association of Maryland, a recognition of his skill, hard work, and dedication to the culinary arts. His influence is evident not only in the world of food but also in his enduring popularity on social media, where he shares glimpses into his life, his food, and his friendships with notable athletes and entertainers.
In the wake of the incident, Dorzon has shared updates on his health and outlook, expressing optimism and resilience. In a brief post on November 9, he assured his followers that he is “still here” and encouraged patrons and supporters to visit his restaurants, make reservations, and enjoy the meals his team has worked hard to create. In this way, Dorzon is signaling his determination to not only recover but to continue leading his restaurants and nurturing his passion for cooking despite the recent trauma.
Messages of encouragement have poured in from supporters near and far. Friends, fellow chefs, and fans of his cooking have extended their well-wishes, underscoring the strength of Dorzon’s connections within the community and the culinary world. On social media, he has often shared motivational reflections, once writing about the importance of telling loved ones how much they mean to us, reminding followers that life is precious and never guaranteed.
As of the latest reports, Hyattsville police continue their search for the suspects involved in the shooting. The incident remains under investigation, with officials urging anyone with information to come forward. The community, meanwhile, rallies behind Dorzon and his girlfriend, hoping for their swift recovery and for justice to be served.
