Concord, North Carolina, November 25, 2025
A shooting at Concord’s annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony has resulted in four individuals being hospitalized, three critically. The incident involved known individuals and has led to several arrests and ongoing investigations. Local businesses and the community have shown resilience by continuing with holiday festivities despite the violence. Additional security measures have been implemented to ensure public safety during events.
Concord, North Carolina
Shooting at Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony Injures Four
On Friday, November 21, 2025, a shooting occurred during Concord’s annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony, resulting in four individuals being hospitalized. The incident took place around 7:30 p.m. on Union Street South, near the intersection with Corban Avenue. Three victims are in critical condition, and one is in stable condition. The shooting was not a random act; it involved two individuals known to each other. Concord police have identified 18-year-old Nasir Ahmad Bostic as one of the suspects. He is currently hospitalized in critical condition and faces charges of assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury with intent to kill and inciting a riot. A warrant for his arrest will be served upon his release. The second suspect, a juvenile, is also in critical condition and will face similar charges upon recovery. A third individual, 17-year-old Keyvyonn Rayshaund Bostic, has been charged as an adult with accessory after the fact and inciting a riot. He was apprehended shortly after the incident and was not injured. Two other 17-year-olds were transported to the hospital; one has been released, and the other remains in critical condition. The shooting disrupted the city’s 28th annual tree lighting ceremony, which was expected to feature Santa and Mrs. Claus, food trucks, the film “The Grinch,” and fireworks. Concord Police Chief Jimmy Hughes stated that the community showed great strength and resilience, with downtown businesses, first responders, and law enforcement quickly evacuating the area and preventing additional injuries. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities reviewing footage from the event and speaking with witnesses. The city has urged anyone with information to contact the Concord Police Department. Despite the incident, Concord’s 97th Christmas Parade proceeded as scheduled on Saturday afternoon, with additional security measures in place to ensure public safety. Mayor Bill Dusch emphasized the community’s resilience, stating that the city would not let the actions of a few individuals steal another tradition. He acknowledged that some families might choose to stay home but noted that many find comfort and healing in community events. The parade has been a cherished tradition for nearly a century, and the community’s support and unity were evident as residents continued to participate in holiday festivities. The incident has prompted discussions about safety measures at public events, with local authorities and community leaders emphasizing the importance of vigilance and preparedness to prevent future occurrences. The Concord Police Department continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting, aiming to bring those responsible to justice and ensure the safety of all residents and visitors during the holiday season.
Community Response and Safety Measures
In the aftermath of the shooting, Concord’s community has demonstrated resilience and unity. Local business owners and residents have come together to support each other and maintain the festive spirit. Establishments like Charros Mexican Restaurant opened their doors to provide shelter to those seeking safety during the incident. The Atilano family, owners of Charros, expressed their commitment to the community, emphasizing the importance of continuing holiday traditions despite the challenges faced. The city’s leadership has also been proactive in implementing additional security measures for public events. Concord’s 97th Christmas Parade proceeded as scheduled, with enhanced safety protocols to ensure the well-being of attendees. Mayor Bill Dusch highlighted the community’s strength, stating that Concord would not let the actions of a few individuals disrupt cherished traditions. The city’s response underscores a collective determination to uphold the spirit of the holidays and the safety of its residents.
Background on Concord’s Holiday Traditions
Concord, located approximately 25 miles northeast of Charlotte, has a rich history of celebrating the holiday season with community events. The annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony and parade are central to the city’s festive traditions, drawing residents and visitors together to celebrate the season. These events feature various activities, including live music, food vendors, and family-friendly entertainment. The community’s commitment to these traditions reflects a strong sense of unity and resilience, even in the face of challenges. The recent incident has prompted discussions about enhancing safety measures at public events, with local authorities and community leaders emphasizing the importance of vigilance and preparedness to ensure the safety of all participants. The Concord Police Department continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting, aiming to bring those responsible to justice and uphold the community’s cherished traditions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What happened during the Concord Christmas tree lighting ceremony?
On November 21, 2025, a shooting occurred during Concord’s annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony, resulting in four individuals being hospitalized. The incident took place around 7:30 p.m. on Union Street South, near the intersection with Corban Avenue. Three victims are in critical condition, and one is in stable condition. The shooting was not a random act; it involved two individuals known to each other. Concord police have identified 18-year-old Nasir Ahmad Bostic as one of the suspects. He is currently hospitalized in critical condition and faces charges of assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury with intent to kill and inciting a riot. A warrant for his arrest will be served upon his release. The second suspect, a juvenile, is also in critical condition and will face similar charges upon recovery. A third individual, 17-year-old Keyvyonn Rayshaund Bostic, has been charged as an adult with accessory after the fact and inciting a riot. He was apprehended shortly after the incident and was not injured. Two other 17-year-olds were transported to the hospital; one has been released, and the other remains in critical condition. The shooting disrupted the city’s 28th annual tree lighting ceremony, which was expected to feature Santa and Mrs. Claus, food trucks, the film “The Grinch,” and fireworks. Concord Police Chief Jimmy Hughes stated that the community showed great strength and resilience, with downtown businesses, first responders, and law enforcement quickly evacuating the area and preventing additional injuries. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities reviewing footage from the event and speaking with witnesses. The city has urged anyone with information to contact the Concord Police Department. Despite the incident, Concord’s 97th Christmas Parade proceeded as scheduled on Saturday afternoon, with additional security measures in place to ensure public safety. Mayor Bill Dusch emphasized the community’s resilience, stating that the city would not let the actions of a few individuals steal another tradition. He acknowledged that some families might choose to stay home but noted that many find comfort and healing in community events. The parade has been a cherished tradition for nearly a century, and the community’s support and unity were evident as residents continued to participate in holiday festivities. The incident has prompted discussions about safety measures at public events, with local authorities and community leaders emphasizing the importance of vigilance and preparedness to prevent future occurrences. The Concord Police Department continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting, aiming to bring those responsible to justice and ensure the safety of all residents and visitors during the holiday season.
How has the Concord community responded to the shooting?
In the aftermath of the shooting, Concord’s community has demonstrated resilience and unity. Local business owners and residents have come together to support each other and maintain the festive spirit. Establishments like Charros Mexican Restaurant opened their doors to provide shelter to those seeking safety during the incident. The Atilano family, owners of Charros, expressed their commitment to the community, emphasizing the importance of continuing holiday traditions despite the challenges faced. The city’s leadership has also been proactive in implementing additional security measures for public events. Concord’s 97th Christmas Parade proceeded as scheduled, with enhanced safety protocols to ensure the well-being of attendees. Mayor Bill Dusch highlighted the community’s strength, stating that Concord would not let the actions of a few individuals disrupt cherished traditions. The city’s response underscores a collective determination to uphold the spirit of the holidays and the safety of its residents.
What are Concord’s holiday traditions?
Concord, located approximately 25 miles northeast of Charlotte, has a rich history of celebrating the holiday season with community events. The annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony and parade are central to the city’s festive traditions, drawing residents and visitors together to celebrate the season. These events feature various activities, including live music, food vendors, and family-friendly entertainment. The community’s commitment to these traditions reflects a strong sense of unity and resilience, even in the face of challenges. The recent incident has prompted discussions about enhancing safety measures at public events, with local authorities and community leaders emphasizing the importance of vigilance and preparedness to ensure the safety of all participants. The Concord Police Department continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting, aiming to bring those responsible to justice and uphold the community’s cherished traditions.
Key Features of the Concord Christmas Tree Lighting Shooting Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Union Street South, Concord, North Carolina |
| Time | Approximately 7:30 p.m., November 21, 2025 |
| Number of Victims | Four individuals hospitalized |
| Suspects Identified | 18-year-old Nasir Ahmad Bostic, juvenile, 17-year-old Keyvyonn Rayshaund Bostic |
| Charges | Assault with a deadly weapon, inciting a riot, accessory after the fact |
| Community Response | Enhanced security measures, continued holiday festivities, support for affected individuals |
| Investigation Status | Ongoing |
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Author: HERE Charlotte
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