Shooting Disrupts Grand Opening of Marathon Burger in Long Beach

A celebratory event turned chaotic in Long Beach when gunfire erupted during the grand opening of Marathon Burger, founded by Nipsey Hussle's family. Emergency services quickly responded, and the area was cordoned off for investigation. Witnesses described a scene of panic as people fled. Authorities are currently investigating the incident, seeking information from the public while confirming no arrests have been made yet. The situation remains active as officials work to clarify the circumstances surrounding the shooting.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 2, 2026, 07:40 IST

Shooting Incident at Marathon Burger Launch

A festive afternoon in downtown Long Beach took a sudden turn when gunfire erupted near the grand opening of Marathon Burger on Pine Avenue. The incident occurred shortly after 2 p.m. at 245 Pine Ave., #110, where a large crowd had gathered to celebrate the launch of the burger chain’s first location in Long Beach. Marathon Burger, established by the family of the late rapper Nipsey Hussle, had attracted considerable attention prior to its opening.

Emergency Response and Scene Management

Within moments of the shooting being reported, units from the Long Beach Police Department arrived at the scene. Emergency personnel and ambulances were seen responding as officers set up a perimeter and redirected pedestrians away from the area.

Social media videos depicted numerous emergency vehicles lining the street, with paramedics attending to at least two individuals on stretchers. The footage also showed officers navigating through the crowd and securing nearby storefronts along the bustling avenue.

Authorities confirmed they were looking into the gunfire reports but did not immediately disclose details about the number of victims, the extent of injuries, or if any suspects had been apprehended. Pine Avenue faced partial closures as detectives began gathering evidence.

Witnesses recounted a scene of chaos, with individuals fleeing as shots rang out. Nearby businesses reportedly closed early while police operations continued into the night.

Investigation Underway

As night fell, crime scene tape surrounded the storefront while investigators examined the area outside the restaurant. Detectives were anticipated to review surveillance footage from local businesses and traffic cameras to piece together the events leading to the shooting. Officials urged the public to refrain from speculation and requested anyone with video or information to reach out to the police. No arrests had been reported as of Monday morning.

The opening of Marathon Burger had created local excitement, especially due to its connection to Nipsey Hussle’s legacy and reported expansion efforts. Authorities have yet to confirm if the event was specifically targeted or if the shooting was unrelated. Police characterized the situation as an active investigation, with further updates expected as officials clarify the details surrounding the gunfire and assess the condition of the injured.