Two People Shot Outside Wingstop in Long Beach; Police Launch Investigation into Broad Daylight Violence
LONG BEACH, Calif. — June 17, 2025 — A quiet Tuesday afternoon turned violent outside a popular Wingstop restaurant in Long Beach, where a sudden burst of gunfire left two individuals seriously wounded and the community shaken. The Long Beach Police Department is now actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting, which occurred just after 3:00 p.m. in a busy commercial area.
The incident took place in the parking lot near the intersection of Long Beach Boulevard and 20th Street, a location frequented by families, students, and working professionals. Witnesses described a chaotic scene as gunshots rang out — an estimated six to ten rounds — prompting customers and nearby pedestrians to scatter for cover.
“I heard pop, pop, pop… like fireworks, but way louder. Then I saw a man fall to the ground,” said Maria Hernandez, an employee at a nearby convenience store. “People were screaming and running. It was terrifying.”
Victims Found Critically Injured
When officers arrived at the scene, they discovered an adult male lying on the pavement in front of the Wingstop. Bystanders were attempting to perform CPR in a desperate bid to save his life. Within minutes, paramedics from the Long Beach Fire Department responded and rushed the victim to a nearby trauma center. As of Tuesday evening, he remained hospitalized in serious condition.
Authorities later confirmed that a second victim, identified only as a male juvenile, had been shot multiple times in the upper body. According to Long Beach police, the young man managed to transport himself to a hospital, where he was treated and listed in critical but stable condition.
No further information has been released about the victims’ identities or whether they knew each other. Police have not stated whether either individual was the intended target of the shooting.
A Community Rattled
The shooting has rattled residents and business owners in the area, many of whom say the neighborhood has been experiencing an uptick in violence over the past year.
“It’s broad daylight. Kids walk through here after school, families eat here. This should be a safe place,” said Devon Little, a barber at a shop across the street. “We need more patrols, more visibility. This can’t keep happening.”
Nearby businesses temporarily closed as investigators roped off the scene with yellow crime tape and combed the area for evidence. Surveillance cameras from several nearby establishments are expected to play a key role in identifying suspects and clarifying the sequence of events.
Investigation Underway
The Long Beach Police Department confirmed that their Gang Enforcement Section and Violent Crimes Detail are assisting in the investigation. Officers were seen canvassing the area, interviewing witnesses, and collecting shell casings from the scene.
At this time, no arrests have been made, and police have not released any suspect descriptions. Detectives are working to determine a motive and whether the shooting was gang-related, retaliatory, or the result of an altercation that escalated.
Authorities are urging anyone who witnessed the incident or has information that may assist in the case to come forward. Tips can be submitted anonymously to LA Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS or online.
Public Officials Respond
In response to the shooting, Long Beach Councilmember Rex Richardson issued a brief statement:
“We are heartbroken by the senseless violence that occurred in our community today. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families. We are working closely with Long Beach Police to ensure a thorough investigation and to continue our efforts toward making every neighborhood safer.”
Ongoing Concern Over Gun Violence
This shooting is the latest in a series of violent incidents that have gripped parts of Long Beach in recent months. Residents and advocacy groups have increasingly called for more preventive measures, including youth outreach programs, stricter gun control enforcement, and more community policing initiatives.
As the investigation continues, those who knew the victims are left grappling with shock and worry. While both individuals remain alive, the community waits anxiously for updates — and for answers.
Authorities have not indicated whether the Wingstop location was specifically connected to the incident or if it was simply the backdrop to a tragic confrontation.
Long Beach police are expected to release additional details as their investigation progresses. For now, a community remains on edge, yearning for justice and a return to peace.