Concord: North Carlina : November 22, 2025] A celebration turned into fear and chaos due to Concord NC Tree Lighting Shooting, a holiday season in Concord City in North Carolina turned into a traumatic scene filled with fear, sorrow and heartbreak, as on Friday night when gunfire erupted at the city’s 28th annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony. Four people, including two teens and two alleged shooters, were hospitalised after the free shootout around 7:30 p.m. on Union Street South near Corban Avenue, sending hundreds running into panic, many mistaking the blasts for festival fireworks.
Concord police responded swiftly and identified three suspects, including an 18 year old and a juvenile, charging them with assault and inciting a riot in what they described as a targeted dispute among acquaintances, not a random act of violence. As the community reels from the Concord NC tree lighting shooting, authorities requested masses to help the ongoing probe, here’s what we know about the latest Concord NC news.
Chaos at the Ceremony due to Concord NC Tree Lighting Shooting turned Festive Lights to Flashing Sirens:
The event, advertised as a family friendly gathering, and live entertainment event, attracts crowds to downtown Concord’s bustling streets just 19 miles northeast of Charlotte. Kicking off at 6 p.m., the tree was slated for an 8 p.m. lighting amid holiday cheer, but 40 minutes early, the mood shattered.
Witnesses recounted the terror: Balloon artist Brett Ford told WCNC Charlotte, “We had a line of probably 250 to 300 people, and then all of a sudden, you heard what you thought was fireworks. And then all panic broke loose. Everybody scattered, everybody started running, people were falling down”. Longtime resident Teresa Harris, who hid in a nearby pizzeria’s bathroom, expressed fury, “A night of celebration interrupted by senseless violence”. Marquis Jenkins, another attendee, mistook the seven to eight rounds for fireworks, only to realize the horror as his daughter did the same.
Cellphone videos captured the pandemonium: Crowds sprinting from the scene, emergency lights piercing the night, and sirens wailing as police vehicles swarmed Union Street. The remainder of the ceremony was cancelled immediately, with the city advising visitors to seek alternate routes and avoid the area.
Victims and Heroes: Swift Response Saves Lives
Four individuals sustained gunshot wounds, rushed to a local hospital by on site emergency crews from Concord Police, Fire, and Cabarrus County EMS, who were already present for the event. As of Saturday morning, three remained in critical condition, while one was stable and released.
The uninvolved victims, both 17 year old bystanders highlight the shooting’s tragic collateral damage. Among the injured, Suspected shooter 18 year old Muslim Nasir Ahmad Bostic, also in critical condition and facing charges of assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury and intent to kill, plus creating a riot like situation. A juvenile suspect, the second alleged shooter, is likewise hospitalized in critical condition, with juvenile justice petitions filed.
Concord Police Chief Jimmy Hughes praised the response, “Our community showed great strength and resilience as everyone came together to help one another and our officers”. Maj. Patrick Tierney noted the rapid intervention likely prevented worse outcomes.
Suspects Charged: Targeted Dispute, Not Mass Attack
In a faster investigation, Concord PD identified three suspects by early Saturday, confirming the Concord shooting tree lighting stemmed from a personal altercation among known parties, no broader threat to the public. Alongside Bostic and the unnamed juvenile, 17 year old Kavyonn Rayshaund Bostic (possibly a relative) was arrested without injury and charged as an accessory and for inciting a riot.
Police are reviewing event footage and witness statements, urging anyone with photos or videos to submit via an online portal, https://concordpdnc.evidence.com/axon/community-request/public/cpd2517448
Also tippers can be called in anonymously to 704-920-5027. Motive details off this incident makers is remain under hidden wraps, but officials stress it was isolated.
On X handle, reactions poured in: @geotechwar shared videos of the chaos, noting “78 gunshots” mistaken for fireworks, while @CalltoActivism decried it as “all too tragic and familiar”. @InfoR00M highlighted the teen victims, calling it “holiday horror”.
Key Timeline at 6:00 p.m. Nov. 21, when the Ceremony begins with crowds, Santa, and festivities, at 7:30 p.m., Gunfire erupts, atleast 7 to 8 rounds (up to 78 per some reports) which cause mass panic. Immediate, On-site EMS responds was deployed by lcoal authorities, after the local news at least 4 people hospitalized (3 are in critical condition) due to this firing.
It results in immediate event cancelled, by Late Nov. 21, Police confirm targeted incident, to seek video evidence. In Early Nov. 22, 3 suspects are identified and arrested by investigating agency and charged naming Nasir Ahmad Bostic (18), juvenile shooter, Kavyonn Rayshaund Bostic (17) and One victim of this case is now released from hospital due to improved health.
Community Response: Resilience Amid Holiday Heartbreak
Concord, a vibrant suburb of 1,00,000/- known for its speedway and family events, now grapples with the Concord Christmas tree lighting shooting’s shadow. Mayor Will Cutlar echoed firm as, “Affecting everyone who was there”, vowing support for victims and families.
This incident joins a string of U.S. public shootings, amplifying calls for safety at gatherings. As X user @JohnCremeansX posted, “Gunfire erupted, chaos rised from a dispute between known individuals”. The probe continues, with no further threats reported.
Concord NC news outlets like WBTV and WSOC TV are live-updating, stay tuned for charges and victim updates. How can the community heal from this? Share your thoughts below.
Concord NC tree lighting shooting, Concord shooting November 2025, Concord Christmas tree lighting shooting, Concord NC news, North Carolina shooting tree lighting, Concord North Carolina shooting, holiday shooting Concord NC, concord nc, concord nc, concord tree lighting shooting, concord shooting, concord christmas tree lighting shooting, concord nc tree lighting shooting, concord, north carolina, concord shooting tree lighting, concord nc news, concord north carolina,
