A flashy celebrity-backed burger launch in Southern California turned into a nightmare Sunday afternoon when gunshots rang out — leaving one person dead and several others wounded.
The chaos unfolded just after 3:30 p.m. in downtown Long Beach as hundreds gathered for the grand opening of Marathon Burger, a new fast-food spot tied to the estate of slain rapper Nipsey Hussle. The event had the feel of a red-carpet premiere, with music blasting, crowds cheering, and cameras rolling.
Headlining the celebration was rap superstar Snoop Dogg, who helped cut the ribbon and even stepped behind the counter to flip burgers for fans. But the upbeat energy didn’t last long.
Suddenly, gunfire erupted near Third Street and Pine Avenue.
Panic spread instantly. Witnesses described people screaming and running for cover as police and paramedics flooded the scene. Video circulating online shows at least one victim being rushed away on a stretcher.
The Long Beach Police Department confirmed that multiple victims were shot and that one person has died. Authorities have not released information about a suspect or what may have sparked the violence.
What was meant to be a feel-good business launch quickly became a crime scene — another public event shattered by deadly gunfire.
Investigators are still working to determine exactly what happened, but for those who came out for burgers and celebration, the afternoon ended in tragedy instead of triumph.
