Shooting at Concord Christmas Tree Lighting Injures Four, Suspects Identified

Four Injured at Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony in Concord

Concord, North Carolina – A festive community event turned chaotic on Friday, November 21, 2025, when a shooting incident at the city's annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony resulted in injuries to four people. The incident, which occurred in downtown Concord between approximately 7:30 p.m. and 7:40 p.m., prompted an immediate response from emergency services and led to the cancellation of the remainder of the event.

The shooting took place on Union Street near Corbin Avenue, an area central to the celebration. Initial reports indicated that three of the victims were in critical condition, while one was stable. Witnesses described a scene of panic, with attendees, including families with children, fleeing the area. One balloon artist, Brett Ford, recounted hearing what he initially thought were fireworks before 'all panic broke loose' and 'everybody scattered, everybody started running, people were falling down.'

Police Identify Suspects and Detail Charges

The Concord Police Department quickly launched an investigation, confirming that the shooting was 'not a random act of violence' but rather an altercation between individuals who knew each other. Police have identified three suspects in connection with the incident. Nasir Ahma Bostic, an 18-year-old from Concord, has been identified as one of the shooters. He was among the four gunshot victims and remains hospitalized in critical condition. Warrants have been issued for his arrest on charges of assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury with intent to kill and inciting a riot. He will be arrested upon his release from the hospital.

A juvenile suspect, also hospitalized in critical condition, faces similar petitions through the North Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice, including charges for assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury with intent to kill, two counts of discharging into an occupied property inflicting serious injury, and inciting a riot. Additionally, 17-year-old Keyvyonn Rayshaund Bostic of Concord was charged as an adult with accessory after the fact and inciting a riot. He was not injured and was apprehended shortly after the event.

Victim Conditions and Community Impact

Of the four individuals injured, two 17-year-old gunshot victims were also transported to the hospital. One has since been released, while the other remains in critical condition. Concord Police Chief Jimmy Hughes addressed the community, stating, 'A night of celebration for our community was interrupted by senseless violence, affecting everyone who was there.' He commended the community's 'great strength and resilience' in coming together to assist one another and law enforcement.

The city's 28th annual tree lighting ceremony, which was expected to feature Santa and Mrs. Claus, food trucks, and fireworks, was immediately shut down following the gunfire. Authorities have urged anyone with videos or photos from the event to share them with the Concord Police Department to aid in the ongoing investigation.