What started as a festive evening under twinkling lights turned into a scene of terror when gunfire ripped through the Concord Tree Lighting Ceremony on Friday, November 21, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time in downtown Concord, North Carolina. Four people were shot—three of them critically—including two suspects who were also victims. The Concord Police Department quickly determined this wasn’t random violence, but a targeted clash between people who knew each other. The community’s most cherished holiday tradition, drawing over 5,000 residents, was abruptly canceled. Mothers sprinted with children. Strollers were abandoned. And for the first time in decades, the lights went dark before the tree was fully illuminated.
WCNC photographer Pierre Simmons described the chaos as something out of a nightmare. "I heard several gunshots," he said. "Then thousands of people took off running. There were so many children. People left everything—coats, phones, strollers. It was pure panic." Witnesses reported seeing a child lying in the street, bleeding. "I’m not worried about myself," one attendee told reporters. "I’m just worried about the kids. I had to see that."
The Nasir Ahmad Bostic, 18, of Concord, was among the wounded. He’s now in critical condition at a local hospital—but police say he’s also the primary instigator. Authorities have issued warrants for his arrest on charges of assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury with intent to kill (N.C.G.S. 14-32(a)) and inciting a riot (N.C.G.S. 14-288.2). His arrest will be processed once he’s medically stable.
Two other suspects have been identified: Kievon Rashand Bostic, 17, and an unnamed juvenile, also 17, who was shot and remains in critical condition. Both are believed to be connected to Nasir. The fourth victim, another 17-year-old, was treated and released. The police confirmed the shooting was not directed at the public, but the impact on the community was universal.
Concord, a city of about 110,000 in Cabarrus County, has hosted this tree lighting for 97 years. It’s more than a tradition—it’s a ritual. Families gather. Local bands play. Children sip hot cocoa. This year, the event was meant to mark the official start of the holiday season. Instead, it became a symbol of something darker.
"Our annual tree lighting event is one of our most cherished and celebrated events in downtown Concord," said Police Chief Jimmy Hughes. "That sense of safety was shattered tonight by senseless gunfire."
One resident, who declined to give her name, said, "I’m pretty shaken up about it. I’m kind of scared to come back for next year’s. I don’t know what’s going to happen." Her fear echoes through social media, local forums, and even the city council’s private messages. Parents are asking: Is any public gathering safe anymore? And why now?"
Concord Police, with help from the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation and federal partners, are reviewing over 120 video feeds from downtown businesses. They’ve received more than 400 public submissions through the official portal at concordpdnc.evidence.com (link provided for public use). Investigators are analyzing audio clips, timestamps, and even the direction of muzzle flashes to reconstruct the sequence.
"The quick actions of our downtown businesses, the public, first responders, and law enforcement enabled us to quickly evacuate the area, prevent additional injuries, and identify all suspects involved," Chief Hughes said. That collaboration saved lives. But the emotional toll lingers.
By Saturday morning, the city faced a choice: cancel the rest of the holiday events—or double down on community spirit. They chose the latter. The rescheduled tree lighting drew nearly 6,000 people the next night. Children held hands. A local choir sang "Silent Night" as snowflakes fell. And at 7:45 p.m., the tree blazed to life.
"It’s not about forgetting," said Mayor Linda Thompson. "It’s about refusing to let fear win."
The 97th annual Christmas parade went on as scheduled Saturday evening. Thousands lined the streets. Some wore ribbons in memory of the victims. Others carried signs that read: "We are Concord. We don’t run."
"Given the Christmas joy," one elderly man told a reporter, "it’s given what it needs to give."
The investigation continues. Nasir Ahmad Bostic’s condition remains critical; his ability to stand trial is uncertain. The unnamed juvenile may be tried as a minor. Kievon Rashand Bostic has not yet been apprehended. Police say they’re confident he’ll be found.
City officials are now reviewing security protocols for all large public events. They’re considering adding metal detectors at future gatherings, hiring off-duty officers as volunteers, and launching a community safety hotline. But the deeper question lingers: How do you protect joy from violence? And who gets to decide when a community is safe enough to celebrate?
The three suspects are 18-year-old Nasir Ahmad Bostic, who was shot and is in critical condition but faces charges of assault with intent to kill and inciting a riot; 17-year-old Kievon Rashand Bostic, who remains at large; and an unnamed juvenile also shot and in critical condition. All three are believed to be connected, and police say the shooting was not random but stemmed from a personal conflict.
The event was canceled immediately after the shooting to ensure public safety and allow emergency responders to secure the area. But with overwhelming community support, city leaders rescheduled it for the next night. Over 6,000 people attended the rescheduled ceremony, showing resilience and a refusal to let violence erase tradition.
No. Concord Police Chief Jimmy Hughes confirmed the shooting was not random. Investigators determined it was a targeted confrontation between individuals who knew each other. While innocent bystanders were injured, the violence was not directed at the crowd, which has led to both relief and deeper unease about underlying tensions in the community.
The response has been deeply emotional. Many residents are shaken, with some expressing fear about attending future events. But others have rallied—attending the rescheduled tree lighting, participating in the Christmas parade, and sharing messages of unity. Local churches and nonprofits have offered free counseling, and a community fund has been set up to support the victims’ families.
Police are analyzing over 120 video feeds from downtown businesses, audio recordings, and more than 400 public submissions via their evidence portal. They’re also examining shell casings, ballistic reports, and cell phone data to track movements before and after the shooting. Facial recognition is being used to confirm identities, especially for the unnamed juvenile suspect.
Yes. City officials are reviewing security for all large gatherings, including possible metal detectors, increased police presence, and a new community safety hotline. But they’re also resisting over-policing, fearing it could erode the very spirit of the event. The debate now centers on balance: safety without sacrifice of community warmth.
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