Shooting Near Long Beach Burger Spot Leaves 1 Dead, 2 Injured

Police searching for suspects after violence erupts near Marathon Burger grand opening.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A 20-year-old man was killed and two others were injured in a shooting near the grand opening of a new Marathon Burger restaurant in downtown Long Beach, California. The incident is believed to have originated in or near a parking garage close to the restaurant's location, with witnesses reporting verbal altercations turning violent before gunfire erupted.

Why it matters

The shooting highlights ongoing public safety concerns in Long Beach, which has seen an uptick in violent crime in recent years, particularly around high-profile events and gatherings. The incident also raises questions about security measures for new business openings in the area.

The details

According to police, the deceased victim has been identified as 20-year-old Bryan Lofton, who died from a gunshot wound to the head. Two other male victims in their teens to early 20s suffered non-life-threatening gunshot injuries and were taken to a local hospital. Witnesses reported seeing at least nine shots fired, with people fleeing the area near the parking garage close to the Marathon Burger location.

  • The incident occurred around 3:30 pm on March 5, 2026, a few hours after a noon ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Marathon Burger restaurant.

The players

Bryan Lofton

A 20-year-old man who was killed in the shooting near the Marathon Burger grand opening.

Marathon Burger

A Los Angeles-based burger chain that was founded by the late rapper Nipsey Hussle and was opening a new location in downtown Long Beach.

Long Beach Police Department

The local law enforcement agency investigating the shooting incident and searching for suspects.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

Police are continuing to investigate the incident and search for suspects. They are asking anyone with information to contact the LBPD homicide detectives or submit anonymous tips to Crime Stoppers.

The takeaway

This tragic shooting underscores the need for enhanced security measures and community engagement efforts around high-profile business openings and events in Long Beach, in order to prevent future outbreaks of violence and protect public safety.