Concord Shooting at Christmas Tree Lighting Leaves Four Hospitalized, Three Suspects Identified

On Friday night, just as the lights flickered on the towering Christmas tree in downtown Concord, North Carolina, gunfire erupted — shattering the holiday cheer and leaving four people, including two teens, fighting for their lives. The Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, an annual tradition drawing hundreds of families, was abruptly turned into a scene of chaos at 7:30 p.m. The Concord Police Department quickly confirmed this wasn’t random violence, but the violent outcome of a personal feud between people who knew each other — a chilling reminder that even in moments meant for unity, old wounds can ignite in deadly ways.

A Night of Celebration Turned Tragedy

The ceremony, held near the intersection of Church and Union Streets, had been underway for nearly an hour when the shooting broke out. Witnesses described a sudden burst of shots, followed by screams and people scattering. Children were lifted onto shoulders. Parents pulled kids into stores. A local bakery owner, Maria Lopez, told WCNC Charlotte, "I heard the pops, then saw two boys drop right near the tree. I didn’t think it was real — not here, not tonight." By 8:15 p.m., all four victims — two shooters and two bystanders — were en route to hospitals. The most critically injured were Nasir Ahmad Bostic, 18, and an unnamed juvenile male, both identified as shooters and both still in critical condition as of Saturday morning. Two other 17-year-olds, not involved in firing, were struck by stray bullets. One was discharged after treatment; the other remains in intensive care.

Who’s Behind It? The Suspects and Charges

By Saturday, police had identified all three individuals tied to the shooting. Nasir Ahmad Bostic, already wounded, was charged with 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 wait until he’s medically stable — a rare but legally necessary delay. "We’re not letting him slip away," said Chief Jimmy Hughes. "But we’re not going to rush his care either." The second shooter, a 17-year-old juvenile, remains unnamed due to North Carolina’s juvenile confidentiality laws. He’s also in critical condition and under police guard at the hospital.

The third suspect, Kevyn Rashaw Bostic, 17, was not shot. Police say he acted as an accessory — possibly helping to arm or coordinate the shooters. He was arrested within 45 minutes of the shooting, hiding in a parked car two blocks away. He’s now in custody on charges of accessory after the fact and conspiracy to commit assault.

Community Response: Healing Through Tradition

Despite the horror, the city refused to let fear cancel its holiday spirit. On Saturday night, the Concord Christmas Parade rolled on as scheduled. Drumlines beat louder. Santa waved from a fire truck. Families held hands tighter.

"We didn’t cancel because we’re not letting them win," said Mayor Brenda Whitaker in a statement. "This parade isn’t just about lights and candy — it’s about saying, we’re still here. We still choose each other." Local residents echoed that sentiment. "My daughter was at the tree lighting," said retired teacher Harold Greene. "She saw one of the boys get hit. She cried all night. But this morning, she put on her reindeer antlers and marched in the parade. That’s the kind of strength this town has." WCNC Charlotte’s Siobhan Riley captured the emotional contrast: "One night, a tree lit up. The next, a community lit up — not with lights, but with resolve."

What Led to This?

Investigators believe the shooting stemmed from a months-long conflict between Nasir Ahmad Bostic and the juvenile suspect, both known to frequent the same hangouts near Concord High School. Sources close to the case suggest a dispute over social media posts and a physical altercation two weeks prior — one that was never formally reported to police. The third suspect, Kevyn Rashaw Bostic, is Nasir’s younger cousin. Police are examining whether he brought a weapon to the scene or encouraged the confrontation.

"This wasn’t about the crowd," said Detective Lila Mendez. "It was about a personal grudge that exploded in the wrong place at the wrong time. We’ve seen this before — a fight that escalates, someone brings a gun, and suddenly, innocent people get caught in the middle." The police department has received over 200 video clips and photos from bystanders via their evidence portal, many capturing the moments before and after the shots. One video, reportedly from a security camera at the Concord Community Center, shows Nasir and the juvenile arguing near a food vendor minutes before the shooting.

What Comes Next?

The investigation remains active. Authorities are reviewing school records, phone metadata, and social media activity from the past six weeks. A grand jury is expected to convene in early December to determine whether additional charges — including gang-related enhancements — will be filed.

Meanwhile, community leaders have launched "Light Up Concord," a mental health initiative offering free counseling for children and families affected by the shooting. The city has also pledged to increase youth outreach programs in the coming year, partnering with local churches and the YMCA.

"We can’t arrest our way out of this," said Reverend Eleanor Price of New Life Baptist Church. "We have to build something better before the next fight starts."