Shooting reported during the opening of Nipsey Hussle burger restaurant hosted by Snoop Dogg

Gunfire shakes Long Beach during Marathon Burger grand opening

A new restaurant honoring Nipsey Hussle opened in downtown Long Beach, bringing excitement and attention to the area. What was meant to be a day of celebration and community connection quickly turned tense as an unexpected incident unfolded nearby.

Fans, locals, and business enthusiasts watched as the scene shifted, leaving questions and concerns in its wake. Explore the full story of Marathon Burger’s grand opening, the surrounding events, and how the city responded.

Shooting shocks Long Beach community at event

At approximately 3:34 p.m. on March 1, 2026, gunfire broke out near the Marathon Burger grand opening, prompting a swift response from the Long Beach Police Department and the Long Beach Fire Department.

Police were called to reports of multiple people shot in the area of Broadway near Pine Avenue, which is just south of the restaurant site, and began rendering aid while securing the scene.

Witnesses described hearing several shots and people nearby scrambling for cover as officers and rescue personnel worked to help victims and control the situation. Bystander videos circulated on social media showing the rapid arrival of emergency responders and people being taken to safety amid the chaotic scene.

Multiple victims transported to hospital after gunfire

Three men were shot during the incident near the Marathon Burger opening, and Long Beach Fire Department crews transported all three victims to local hospitals for treatment, police and fire officials confirmed.

Two of the wounded were reported in stable condition, while the third victim was later pronounced dead from injuries sustained during the shooting, according to authorities.

Hospital officials have not publicly detailed the specific nature of injuries or the identities of the victims, and family notifications were underway as part of the ongoing emergency response. Law enforcement has stated that the investigation remains active, with officers working to gather evidence and statements from witnesses near the scene.

Police respond and secure the scene

Long Beach Police Department units remained on site after the shooting, establishing a perimeter around the area where shots were fired and conducting interviews with witnesses to determine what occurred.

Officers coordinated with fire crews to ensure wounded individuals received necessary medical care and to provide crowd control as the investigation unfolded.

Investigators are canvassing the downtown area and reviewing any available surveillance footage to build a clearer picture of the events that led up to the gunfire. Authorities have not yet publicly identified any suspects or disclosed a motive for the shooting as the inquiry continues.

Authorities clarify the shooting location relative to event

Police have made clear that the shooting did not occur inside the Marathon Burger restaurant itself but on the streets adjacent to the grand opening event, near Broadway and Pine Avenue.

Emergency responders and forensic investigators worked together to collect shell casings and other evidence to help determine the direction the shots came from and to separate the event site from the nearby street scene.

Officers urged anyone with footage or eyewitness observations to come forward with information that might assist in identifying those responsible for the violence. Area streets were partially blocked as law enforcement preserved the scene and documented evidence from the shooting.

Restaurant and community leaders respond to incident

Representatives connected to Marathon Burger expressed concern for the victims and sympathy for their families in the aftermath of the shooting, while also emphasizing that the actual restaurant opening proceeded without incident prior to the gunfire nearby.

Marathon Burger’s leadership reiterated its focus on community‑oriented business and honoring Nipsey Hussle’s legacy through investment and economic development.

Local business owners in downtown Long Beach echoed those sentiments, noting that while the shooting was tragic, it should not deter ongoing efforts to build safe, active public spaces for residents and visitors.

Civic leaders stressed the importance of continued collaboration between law enforcement, community groups, and business owners to support downtown vitality.

Local residents react with shock and concern

Many Long Beach residents and community members expressed shock on social media after learning of the nearby shooting during what had been a celebratory business event.

Comments on local forums and social platforms reflected both sadness over the violence and concern for long‑term safety near downtown businesses and public events.

Some residents called for increased public safety measures and stronger coordination between law enforcement and community stakeholders to prevent similar incidents in the future. Others offered heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and urged the community to remain united in the face of tragedy.

Investigation continues with limited suspect information

As of the latest public updates, the Long Beach Police Department has not released details on specific suspects or arrests related to the shooting near the Marathon Burger opening.

Investigators are continuing to comb through evidence, witness statements, and video footage to determine how and why the gunfire occurred.

Police officials have stressed that the matter remains under active investigation and have discouraged speculation while they work: “The motive, circumstances of the shooting, and suspect information remain under investigation.” Continued inquiries aim to provide clarity and accountability as more information becomes available.

Marathon Burger brand’s background and growth

Marathon Burger was launched as part of the broader Marathon brand that the late rapper and entrepreneur Nipsey Hussle helped build prior to his death in 2019, focusing on community engagement and economic opportunity.

Samiel “Blacc Sam” Asghedom, his brother, expanded the brand into the restaurant industry, opening multiple locations, including in Los Angeles and Venice, before bringing the concept to Long Beach on March 1, 2026.

Followers of Hussle’s work saw the restaurant’s opening as a continuation of his efforts to blend entrepreneurial ambition with cultural impact. The brand’s future plans include further growth and investment in communities across Southern California.

City officials address downtown safety

In the wake of the shooting, local government officials highlighted the need to balance downtown economic growth with public safety efforts to protect residents, businesses, and visitors.

Statements from city leaders emphasized support for local commerce while reinforcing that violent incidents must be thoroughly investigated and addressed.

City officials also encouraged community members to share their perspectives on safety initiatives and to support collaborative efforts to make public spaces more secure for large gatherings and events. They affirmed that ongoing revitalization efforts would continue despite the setback.

Long Beach’s downtown economic context

Downtown Long Beach has experienced growth in recent years with new business openings, development projects, and community events attracting visitors and residents alike.

Increased activity in the area reflects broader trends in urban revitalization, where city centers draw investment and cultural engagement.

The Marathon Burger opening was part of this momentum, showcasing renewed business energy on Pine Avenue. The neighborhood’s evolution underscores the importance of balancing vibrant economic life with robust community safety planning.

Community reflections after violence

In conversations following the shooting, many in Long Beach emphasized the importance of healing and working together to prevent future violence near public gatherings. Community groups, civic organizations, and local advocates voiced intentions to hold dialogues and develop strategies that prioritize resident safety without discouraging positive local activity.

Efforts to support families affected by the incident have included outreach from nonprofit organizations and neighborhood groups, reflecting a collective desire to strengthen social ties. Residents continue to express hope for constructive solutions that can bring about lasting improvements.

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Looking forward after a difficult moment

As investigations proceed, downtown Long Beach residents, business owners, and leaders are contemplating how to move forward after a violent incident near a celebratory event. The focus remains on supporting wounded individuals, honoring the memory of the victim who died, and improving safety at future gatherings.

Ongoing cooperation between law enforcement, community stakeholders, and civic leaders aims to build resilience and reduce the risk of similar occurrences. The Marathon Burger community and downtown Long Beach continue efforts toward growth and revitalization in the days and weeks ahead.

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