A peaceful holiday tradition in Concord was shattered Friday evening when gunfire erupted during the city’s annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony, leaving four injured and sending hundreds of families fleeing for safety. The shooting took place around 7:30 p.m. on Union Street South, near Corban Avenue, turning what should have been a joyous occasion into a terrifying scene.
Investigators later confirmed that the shooting was not a random attack, but rather involved individuals who were known to each other. While the event itself and the crowd were not directly targeted, the violence nonetheless caused widespread panic. Officers swiftly arrived to secure the area, while nearby businesses took immediate action to protect people by locking their doors and offering shelter until the situation was under control.
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Authorities identified 18-year-old Nasir Ahmad Bostic as one of the suspects involved in the shooting. Bostic, who was also injured during the incident, remains in critical condition at a local hospital. Once he is stable, he will face charges including assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury with intent to kill and inciting a riot. Investigators stated that Bostic played a pivotal role in the confrontation that escalated into gunfire.
A second suspect, a juvenile, was also critically wounded in the exchange of shots. Due to state law, the juvenile’s identity is being withheld, but the charges against them are severe, including assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, two counts of firing into an occupied property, and inciting a riot.
A third suspect, 17-year-old Keyvyonn Rayshaund Bostic, was arrested shortly after the incident. Though not injured, he faces charges of accessory after the fact and inciting a riot, as police allege that his actions contributed to the chaos following the shooting. Investigators have confirmed that all involved parties are accounted for, and there are no additional suspects being sought at this time.
The violence at what was meant to be a family-friendly event is a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of public safety, as residents and businesses alike continue to process the traumatic events that unfolded during this holiday tradition.