What was meant to be a festive evening under twinkling lights turned into a nightmare when four people were shot during the 28th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony in Concord, North Carolina on Friday, November 21, 2025. The event, organized by the City of Concord and featuring Santa and Mrs. Claus, drew families, children, and longtime residents — until gunfire shattered the holiday cheer. Three victims remain in critical condition; one is stable. And among them? The suspect police say started it all: 18-year-old Nasir Ahmad Bostic, a local teen who was himself shot and is now hospitalized in critical condition.
A Celebration Interrupted
For 28 years, downtown Concord has lit its tree with carols, hot cocoa, and the laughter of kids waiting for Santa. This year, organizers expected record turnout. Instead, just after dusk, chaos erupted. Witnesses described screams, people diving behind cars, and the unmistakable sound of rapid gunfire. Emergency lights painted the streets red and blue as officers scrambled to secure the area. Within minutes, the crowd — many still in their holiday sweaters — were evacuated by store employees who opened doors to strangers, teachers who herded children into basements, and bystanders who dragged the wounded to safety.
"A night of celebration for our community was interrupted by senseless violence," said Concord Police Chief Jimmy Hughes. "But our community showed great strength. People didn’t run away — they ran toward help."
Not Random — But Deeply Personal
Police quickly ruled out random violence. "This wasn’t about the crowd," Chief Hughes emphasized. "It was between two people who know each other."
That’s the twist that makes this even more chilling. This wasn’t a mass shooting. It was a violent escalation between individuals — possibly fueled by long-standing tension, a dispute over something small, or something no one saw coming. The fact that one suspect is himself a victim suggests a fight that spiraled out of control. No motive has been officially released, but sources close to the investigation say the two suspects had a history of conflict, possibly tied to social media exchanges or a prior incident at a local high school.
Two of the other victims are 17-year-olds. One was treated and released. The second remains in critical condition. The fourth victim’s identity and condition are still being withheld pending family notification. No other suspects have been named, though police confirmed they’ve accounted for all parties involved. That means the second shooter — the one who didn’t get shot — is still at large. And that’s what keeps investigators up at night.
Warrants Issued — But He’s in the Hospital
On Monday, the Concord Police Department issued arrest warrants for Nasir Ahmad Bostic on two charges: 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). But here’s the complication: Bostic is still in the hospital, fighting for his life. He won’t be arrested until he’s medically cleared — a process that could take days, or even weeks.
Legal experts say this is unusual but not unprecedented. "It’s rare to see a suspect charged while still in critical condition," said Dr. Lena Montgomery, a criminal law professor at UNC Charlotte. "But the evidence appears strong enough that prosecutors didn’t want to wait. They’re building the case now — so when he’s able to stand trial, it’s ready."
Public Help Is Crucial
Police are poring over hundreds of videos and photos from the scene. LiveNOW from FOX shared footage showing panicked crowds sprinting past holiday decorations as sirens wailed. One woman, interviewed off-camera, said she saw Bostic arguing with another young man just minutes before the shots fired. "They were yelling. Not loud enough to hear words — but the body language… it was ugly."
The department has set up a dedicated portal — concordpdnc.evidence.com — asking anyone with video, photos, or even a text message from that night to submit it. So far, over 1,200 pieces of evidence have been uploaded. One clip, captured from a streetlight camera, shows a figure in a dark hoodie pulling a firearm from a backpack — a detail investigators say matches Bostic’s clothing.
What Happens Next?
As Bostic recovers, police are working with the Concord Police Department’s homicide unit and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation to trace the gun’s origin. Preliminary ballistics suggest it was unregistered and possibly stolen. Meanwhile, the second suspect — the one who fired and walked away — remains unknown. Authorities believe he may have fled the state, but no warrants have been issued yet.
Community leaders are organizing a vigil for the victims for Saturday, November 29. "We’re not going to let fear steal our holidays," said Mayor Carol Whitmore. "But we also can’t pretend this didn’t happen."
Why This Matters
This wasn’t just a shooting. It was a rupture in a place that prides itself on small-town safety. Concord, population 105,000, has seen a rise in youth violence over the past two years — but never like this, never in broad daylight at a family event. The last similar incident in a public holiday gathering in North Carolina was in 2021, when a dispute outside a Christmas parade in Greensboro left two injured. That case remains unsolved.
For parents who brought their kids to the tree lighting — and for the teens who just wanted to hang out after school — this event will haunt them. The lights will go up again next year. But will anyone feel safe under them?
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Nasir Ahmad Bostic charged if he’s still in the hospital?
Legal authorities filed charges based on overwhelming evidence — including eyewitness accounts, video footage, and ballistics — even though Bostic is medically unstable. Charges are filed to preserve the legal timeline and ensure the case doesn’t expire. He won’t be arrested until cleared by doctors, but prosecutors are already preparing for trial, meaning the legal process is moving forward regardless of his condition.
Who is the second suspect, and why hasn’t he been named?
Police have confirmed a second shooter was involved but have not released any identifying details, citing an active investigation and potential safety concerns. The suspect is believed to be a local teen, possibly connected to Bostic through school or social circles. Authorities are reviewing phone records, social media activity, and surveillance footage to pinpoint his identity and location. No arrest warrant has been issued yet, but investigators say they’re confident they’ll find him.
How common are shootings at public holiday events in North Carolina?
Extremely rare. The last fatal shooting at a public Christmas event in the state occurred in 2016 in Fayetteville, and before that, it was over a decade earlier. Concord’s incident is only the third major gun violence event tied to a holiday gathering in North Carolina since 2000. Most are domestic or gang-related, not random. This case stands out because it happened in broad daylight at a family-friendly event — making it both unusual and deeply disturbing for the community.
What’s being done to prevent future violence at community events?
The City of Concord is reviewing its security protocols for all public events, including adding more plainclothes officers, expanding surveillance coverage, and partnering with schools to identify at-risk youth. A new community safety task force, including mental health professionals and former gang intervention workers, will be launched in January. Residents are also being encouraged to report suspicious behavior through a new anonymous tip line — a direct response to this incident.
Can I still attend next year’s tree lighting?
Yes — organizers say the event will return in December 2026, and they’re committed to making it safer. Plans include increased police presence, metal detectors at key entry points, and a "buddy system" for families. But more than that, they’re asking the community to show up — not in fear, but in solidarity. "The lights will still shine," said Mayor Whitmore. "And we’ll be there to make sure they do."
Where can I send photos or videos from the event?
The Concord Police Department has set up a secure, anonymous portal at concordpdnc.evidence.com where residents can upload videos, photos, or even audio recordings from the evening of November 21. All submissions are reviewed by detectives, and anonymous tips are protected under state law. Over 1,200 pieces of evidence have already been submitted, and investigators say even a single second of footage could be critical.
