Concord, North Carolina — A festive Christmas tree-lighting ceremony in downtown Concord turned into a scene of chaos Friday evening when gunfire broke out, leaving four people injured, authorities reported. The incident occurred around 7:30 p.m. on Union Street South, near Corban Avenue, during the city’s annual holiday celebration.
Emergency responders, including Concord Police, Fire, and EMS teams, who were already on site for crowd control, rushed to the scene to provide medical care and evacuate attendees safely. Of the four victims, three are in critical condition, while one sustained injuries classified as stable.
Authorities emphasized that the shooting was not random. Police say the gunfire erupted from a confrontation between individuals who knew each other, rather than targeting the crowd. This assessment helped prevent widespread panic and allowed emergency teams to focus on the victims quickly.
Law enforcement identified 18-year-old Nasir Ahmad Bostic as a primary suspect involved in the shooting. He faces multiple charges, including assault with a deadly weapon, intent to kill, and inciting a riot. A second suspect, a juvenile, was also injured and hospitalized in critical condition. Additionally, 17-year-old Keyvyonn Bostic was arrested and charged with being an accessory after the fact and inciting a riot.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as the shots rang out. Video footage captured crowds scattering while emergency vehicles swarmed the area. One witness initially mistook the gunfire for fireworks before realizing the severity of the situation.
Mayor Bill Dusch addressed the community the following day, condemning the violence and urging resilience. He confirmed that Concord’s annual Christmas parade will continue as scheduled, with enhanced security measures to ensure public safety.
Concord Police Chief Jimmy Hughes praised the swift response of officers, first responders, and downtown businesses, crediting their coordination with preventing additional injuries. Police continue to review surveillance footage, interview witnesses, and call on anyone with video or photos of the incident to come forward.
The shooting serves as a sobering reminder that even community celebrations can escalate unexpectedly. While the event was meant to bring joy and holiday cheer, tensions between a few individuals transformed it into a dangerous situation, impacting residents and families who had gathered for a peaceful evening.
Authorities continue their investigation, aiming to piece together the timeline of events and hold all responsible parties accountable. Meanwhile, the community is rallying around the victims and their families, highlighting the importance of vigilance and public safety during large gatherings.
Concord officials have reiterated their commitment to ensuring future events remain safe, secure, and enjoyable for all attendees, despite the tragic disruption that occurred during this year’s holiday celebration.
Watch video below :
