A deadly Nipsey Hussle restaurant shooting has left one person dead and two others injured after gunfire broke out near the grand opening of the late rapper’s burger restaurant in Long Beach, California, on Sunday afternoon.
Police confirmed that shots were fired at around 3.30pm on the 200 block of Pine Avenue, just half a block from the new Marathon Burger location.
The incident happened as thousands gathered to celebrate the launch, attended by high-profile guests including rapper Snoop Dogg.
Authorities say the investigation is ongoing, and they have not yet confirmed a motive.
What happened at the Nipsey Hussle restaurant opening?
The shooting erupted during what was meant to be a celebratory block party marking a new location of Marathon Burger, founded by the estate of Nipsey Hussle following his death in 2019.
According to Long Beach police, gunfire broke out shortly after 3.30pm local time on Sunday. Emergency crews rushed to the scene and transported three victims to the hospital.
A shooting in Downtown Long Beach near the grand opening of Marathon Burger on Pine Avenue Sunday left one person dead and two others wounded. Officers arrived shortly after 3:30 p.m. following reports of multiple victims. Three people were taken to the hospital from a nearby… pic.twitter.com/Zln6ZylwAM
— DatPiff (@DatPiff) March 2, 2026
Long Beach Fire Captain Jack Crabtree told local media that one victim was initially listed in critical condition but later died from their injuries. The identities of those involved have not yet been released.
Witness accounts describe panic
Bennie Randall, 60, who attended the opening, told reporters: “People were running everywhere. I saw a lot of cops chasing the two guys in the alley over there, and they got them in the alley right there.”
He added, “It’s supposed to be a good thing for people to come out… and then something like this happens. It’s terrible.”
Another attendee, Damia Gordon, shared her experience on Facebook, describing how celebrations quickly turned chaotic: “All of us were having a great time, then all of a sudden we saw a lot of people migrating in one direction. Then we heard shooting.”
Police have not confirmed whether any suspects are in custody.
Was the shooting linked to Marathon Burger?
Business partner Casey Parker reportedly told local outlets that, to his knowledge, the shooting was not connected to the restaurant itself.
The event had drawn a large turnout, including Snoop Dogg, who cut the ribbon and was seen flipping burgers inside shortly before gunfire erupted nearby.
Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson, who also attended the opening, said: “Thousands of residents gathered peacefully in downtown today to celebrate a proud moment for our community.
Let me be clear: we will not allow violence to define our downtown or undermine the progress we are making.”
Authorities continue to investigate the motive and circumstances surrounding the incident.
Why does this incident carry wider significance?
The name of Nipsey Hussle remains deeply symbolic for many fans worldwide, including in the UK, where his music and entrepreneurial efforts attracted a strong following.
Hussle was shot and killed in Los Angeles in 2019 outside his clothing store. His killer, Eric R Holder Jr, later received a sentence of 60 years to life in prison.
The Marathon brand has since become part of Hussle’s legacy, focusing on business ownership and community investment. The grand opening in Long Beach aimed to celebrate economic development and local jobs.
For UK readers, this story once again highlights the ongoing issue of gun violence in parts of the United States, particularly during large public gatherings.
What happens next in the investigation?
Police have not publicly named suspects or confirmed arrests. Investigators will review CCTV footage from nearby businesses and speak to witnesses.
Authorities are expected to release further updates in the coming days.
