Marathon Burger Long Beach grand opening overshadowed by nearby Pine Avenue shooting that left one dead
A shooting near the Marathon Burger Long Beach grand opening on Pine Avenue left at least one person dead and multiple victims injured, bringing a heavy law-enforcement response to the scene during the afternoon event. The proximity of the violence to a packed restaurant launch, which drew celebrities and city officials, forced authorities to secure the area while organizers say the opening itself continued without incident.
Marathon Burger Long Beach opening draws crowd, celebrity attendees
The newest Marathon Burger location was holding a grand opening on the 200 block of Pine Avenue when the shooting occurred around 3: 30 p. m. A spokesperson for the burger chain — founded by the brother of the late rapper Nipsey Hussle — said Snoop Dogg and Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson were among those in attendance and characterized the opening as "a huge success with strong community support. " The spokesperson added there was an incident nearby but that it was not connected to the event and that the opening "proceeded safely and without issue. "
Videos circulating from the scene showed a large crowd gathered outside the restaurant and emergency personnel treating and moving people. Purported footage displayed multiple people being carried into medical vans on stretchers, though authorities have not confirmed the exact number of injured individuals.
Long Beach Police Department secures Pine Avenue; investigation ongoing
Long Beach police were called to the 200 block of Pine Avenue at about 3: 30 p. m. after reports of a shooting. Officers described the incident as involving "multiple victims, " and confirmed that at least one victim died. The Long Beach Police Department identified the location as near the Pine Square shopping center and established a perimeter that included police tape blocking a parking garage; images from the scene showed medical waste on the ground outside the garage and a long line of officers positioned close to the crowd.
SkyCal aircraft flew over the area as law enforcement gathered. Police have not released a final count of victims or confirmed how many suspects, if any, were involved. Investigators described the matter as an ongoing investigation and said updates would be provided as they become available.
Emergency response and local impact
The shooting prompted an immediate, visible emergency response: multiple officers were deployed to secure the site, and medical transport activity was evident in social media footage. The presence of a large public crowd at the grand opening appears to have concentrated both potential victims and first responders in a confined area, which increased the urgency of the police and medical reaction.
