The annual tree lighting ceremony in downtown Concord, North Carolina was meant to usher in the joy of the season, but just before 7:30 p.m. on Friday night, the mood changed when gunfire rang out on Union Street South near Corban Avenue. What should have been a festive gathering instead became a chaotic scramble as four people were struck and the crowd scattered in fear.
The annual event — complete with Santa and Mrs. Claus, food trucks, a screening of The Grinch and fireworks — was attracting families and children from across the community. But around the moment the tree lighting was to take place, the sound of celebration turned to terror as several shots were fired and hundreds rushed to get away. One local later said she initially thought fireworks had gone off, only to realise they were gunshots.
The Concord Police Department confirmed that four individuals suffered gunshot wounds. Three are in critical condition and one is listed as stable. Importantly, authorities stress this was not a random act aimed at the public or the holiday event itself — the shooting stemmed from a conflict between individuals who knew each other.
Police quickly identified the suspects. One is an 18-year-old local, Nasir Ahmad Bostic, who is also among the four wounded and remains in critical condition. He faces charges of assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury with intent to kill, and inciting a riot; authorities say they will serve the warrant once he’s released from hospital. A second shooter — a juvenile whose identity is protected under state law — was also critically wounded and is being charged with similar serious offenses including two counts of discharging into an occupied property. A third suspect, 17-year-old Keyvyonn Rayshaund Bostic, was arrested shortly after the incident and is charged as an adult with accessory after the fact and inciting a riot. He was not injured.
The two other victims were both 17 and unrelated to the conflict, according to police. One has since been released from the hospital; the other remains in critical condition. Significantly, no bystanders were struck — the victims were directly linked to the confrontation.
Amid the chaos, first responders — including local police, fire crews and EMS teams — rushed to evacuate the scene and assist those injured. Downtown businesses locked doors and sheltered families until the immediate threat passed. “A night of celebration… was interrupted by senseless violence,” said Concord Police Chief Jimmy Hughes, praising the quick actions of the community in preventing further harm.
Investigators are still combing through video footage, collecting witness accounts and have asked anyone with photos or video from the event to submit them. While the city has confirmed no additional suspects are being sought, the inquiry remains active.
What began as a glowing evening of holiday cheer in Concord wound up a stark reminder of how quickly violence can erupt—even in places built for joy. Families once laughing and shopping for cocoa were suddenly ducking for cover and holding their children tight. The community now faces the slow start of recovery, asking how a happy annual tradition became a nightmare—and hoping peace returns soon.
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