LONG BEACH, Calif. — Three people were shot Sunday afternoon near the area of Broadway and Pine Avenue in Downtown Long Beach, prompting a large police and fire response and sending shockwaves through a crowded grand opening event.
At approximately 3:34 p.m. on March 1, 2026, Long Beach Police Department (LBPD) and Long Beach Fire Department (LBFD) responded to reports of a shooting. Authorities confirmed one victim sustained a gunshot wound to the upper body, while a second victim was struck in the lower body. Officers immediately began rendering medical aid until paramedics arrived. Police also confirmed that two individuals were detained at the scene.
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At 3:42 p.m., LBPD advised there was a third shooting victim, though the location of that injury was initially unclear. By 3:47 p.m., LBFD began transporting the first victim to a local hospital, followed shortly after by the second victim. The third victim was brought by LBPD to the area of Pacific Avenue and Pine Street for an expedited transfer to an LBFD rescue unit and was later transported to an area hospital as well. All three victims were hospitalized; their conditions have not been released.
The shooting occurred a few hours after the grand opening of Marathon Burger’s new Long Beach location on Pine Avenue. The incident unfolded as Rex Richardson was posting a video of the ribbon cutting and photo opportunity. Witnesses described scenes of panic, with people screaming and running for safety as gunfire erupted near the crowded event.
One witness on scene said, “I’m in downtown Long Beach, where there is a strong police presence. Eyewitnesses say a verbal argument inside Marathon Burger, which just opened today, spilled into the street and became violent. We are currently hearing bystander reports of at least six shots fired, with police returning fire. One victim has been transported to the hospital. There has been no official statement yet from the Long Beach Police Department.”
The grand opening had drawn significant attention, with Marathon Burger’s Long Beach debut featuring high-profile appearances by Snoop Dogg, Lauren London, and Slink Johnson, celebrating the brand’s expansion and the entrepreneurial legacy of Nipsey Hussle. Large crowds packed the area, with cameras flashing and long lines forming for the restaurant’s opening.
Authorities have not released details on a suspect or motive. The investigation remains ongoing, and the area around 3rd Street and Pine Avenue was secured for evidence collection and interviews as detectives work to determine what led to the shooting.