Gunfire erupted just outside the perimeter of the highly anticipated restaurant launch, prompting a massive police investigation and leaving one man dead.
LONG BEACH, Calif. — A celebratory afternoon in downtown Long Beach was abruptly halted on Sunday when gunfire broke out near the grand opening of a new Marathon Burger location. The fatal shooting left one man dead and two other victims wounded, triggering a large-scale police investigation in the heart of the city’s busy commercial district. Authorities have confirmed that the violence occurred just outside the perimeter of the restaurant’s launch event, sending hundreds of bystanders running for cover.
Detailed Incident Breakdown
The incident unfolded on Sunday afternoon, March 1, 2026, shortly after a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the fast-food chain’s newest location at 245 Pine Avenue. According to official incident reports, the Long Beach Police Department (LBPD) received multiple calls of shots fired at approximately 3:32 p.m.
Hundreds of people had gathered along a stretch of Pine Avenue, which had been cordoned off to traffic to accommodate the massive crowds. The grand opening was a highly anticipated community event for Marathon Burger, a rapidly growing brand founded by the family of the late rapper and community activist Nipsey Hussle. The launch drew significant public attention and was attended by local dignitaries and celebrities, including Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson, radio host Big Boy, and musicians Stevie Wonder, Snoop Dogg, and YG.
Despite the heavy presence of attendees and security for the event, chaos erupted when the sound of gunfire echoed from approximately half a block south of the restaurant, near the intersection of Broadway and Pine Avenue. Witnesses described a chaotic scene lasting several seconds as panicked crowds scattered for safety. Social media footage from the aftermath showed onlookers fleeing the area as police officers quickly descended on a nearby parking garage on Broadway to secure the immediate scene.
Law Enforcement Statement
The Long Beach Police Department rapidly established a heavy presence, blocking off portions of downtown Long Beach to secure storefronts and manage the fleeing crowd. LBPD spokesperson Andrea Moran addressed the media, confirming the foundational details of the police investigation.
“The motive, circumstances of the shooting, and suspect information remain under investigation,” Moran stated on Sunday. She further confirmed that no arrests had been made in connection with the deadly incident. Detectives from the department’s homicide and gang divisions have assumed control of the investigation, processing the crime scene for ballistic evidence and canvassing the area for surveillance footage that might identify the shooter or shooters.
Victim Information
First responders from the Long Beach Fire Department arrived promptly to provide emergency medical aid. According to a Fire Department spokesperson, three male victims were located at the scene suffering from gunshot wounds. Emergency personnel treated the individuals on stretchers before transporting all three to a local trauma center.
Hospital officials and police authorities later confirmed that one of the victims succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at the facility. The two other victims were admitted and are currently listed in stable condition. In accordance with standard law enforcement protocol, the identities of the victims have not been officially released, pending formal identification by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner and the notification of next of kin.
Investigation Status
As of Monday, the area surrounding Broadway and Pine Avenue remains a focal point for the ongoing police investigation. Detectives are urging anyone who was attending the grand opening or who was in the vicinity of the parking garage on Broadway at the time of the shooting to come forward. Investigators believe that the dense crowd likely means numerous individuals either witnessed the altercation that led to the shooting or captured relevant footage on their mobile devices. The exact sequence of events leading up to the gunfire remains unclear, and authorities have not indicated whether the shooting was a targeted attack or an isolated altercation that escalated into lethal violence.
Community and Official Reactions
The violence cast a dark shadow over what was intended to be a celebratory milestone for the Long Beach community and the family of Nipsey Hussle.
Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson, who participated in the ribbon-cutting ceremony earlier in the day, released a statement Sunday night condemning the gun violence. “I am outraged and saddened by this shooting,” Richardson said. “This violence is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. Let me be clear: we will not allow violence to define our downtown or undermine the progress we are making. We will not retreat from investing in safe, active public spaces.”
Representatives for Marathon Burger also released a formal statement clarifying that the violence was not directly associated with their operations. “The opening was a huge success with strong community support,” a spokesperson for the restaurant said. “There was an incident nearby, but it was not connected to the event. The opening itself proceeded safely and without issue.” The restaurant reportedly remained open into the evening to serve those who stayed in the area.
Eric VanDyke, a relative of Nipsey Hussle, spoke to local reporters about the emotional toll of the incident. “It was disappointing because I know that Nip and Blacc Sam [Nipsey Hussle’s brother] wanted this to be a happy occasion, so it’s unfortunate