Charlotte, August 11, 2025
News Summary
A back-to-school fair in west Charlotte experienced chaos when gunshots were fired at the C.W. Williams Community Health Center. Over 200 attendees were present, but fortunately, no injuries were reported. The event, aimed at providing healthcare services and school supplies to local families, was attended by numerous elected officials including Congresswoman Alma Adams. The police rapidly responded, leading to the arrest of a woman on charges related to the incident. This occurrence serves as a reminder of the safety challenges faced in some neighborhoods.
CHARLOTTE – A back-to-school fair in west Charlotte turned alarming when gunshots were fired on Saturday afternoon at the C.W. Williams Community Health Center. Fortunately, no injuries were reported among the thousands who attended the annual event designed to provide healthcare and school supplies to local families.
The shooting incident occurred towards the end of the health fair, which has been a staple in the community for 11 years. The event was well-attended, featuring health screenings, back-to-school giveaways, and an opportunity for families to connect with local resources.
Congresswoman Alma Adams was present during the fair and expressed her gratitude for the absence of injuries. She acknowledged the swift actions of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) who responded to the scene. Meanwhile, the CEO of C.W. Williams Community Health Center, Debra Weeks, conveyed her disappointment about the incident occurring at an event meant for community support and engagement. Weeks emphasized her thankfulness that all attendees remained unharmed.
Witnesses reported hearing three shots fired into the air, which led to chaos among the more than 200 people present at the fair. In connection with the incident, a woman was arrested and charged with “going armed to the terror of people” as well as illegally carrying a concealed handgun. While the police have not confirmed if the arrested woman was directly responsible for the gunfire, her actions undeniably threatened the safety of fair attendees.
The police have not released additional information regarding the arrest nor any ongoing investigation into the incident. The CMPD confirmed that there were no injuries from the gunfire, and its officers were praised for their professionalism amid the distressing situation.
Numerous elected officials attended the back-to-school fair, highlighting its importance as a community engagement initiative aimed at supporting underserved populations in Charlotte. The consistent attendance at this event underscores the essential role it plays in fostering a sense of community while providing necessary resources to families in need.
This violence at a positive community event stands as a stark reminder of the challenges that some neighborhoods face when it comes to safety, especially during gatherings meant for family enjoyment and support. As Charlotte continues to grow, events like this aim to create a nurturing environment—even as they also confront the harsh realities of community violence.
FAQ
- What happened at the back-to-school fair in Charlotte?
- Gunshots were fired at the C.W. Williams Community Health Center during the annual back-to-school fair, but no injuries were reported.
- Was anyone injured in the incident?
- No injuries were reported following the gunfire incident at the fair.
- Who was arrested in connection with the shooting?
- A woman was arrested and charged with “going armed to the terror of people” and carrying a concealed handgun.
- How many people were at the fair?
- Over 200 attendees were present at the fair when the shots were fired.
- What does the C.W. Williams Community Health Center event provide?
- The annual event provides healthcare services and school supplies to families in the community.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | C.W. Williams Community Health Center, Wilkinson Boulevard, Charlotte |
| Event Type | Back-to-school fair |
| Number of Attendees | Over 200 |
| Nature of Incident | Gunshots fired, no injuries |
| Arrest Made | A woman charged with “going armed to terror of people” |
| Response | Rapid response by Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department |
| Event History | 11 years of community service and support |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Host Back-to-School Events
Gunshots Disrupt Charlotte Health Fair, No Injuries Reported
Late-Night Shooting Leaves One Injured in Charlotte
Additional Resources
- WBTV: No Injuries After Gunshots Fired at West Charlotte Back-to-School Event
- WCNC: Back-to-School Events for Charlotte Families
- WSOC-TV: CMS Hosts Back-to-School Expo at Truist Field
- QC News: No Injuries After Reported Shooting at Back-to-School Event in West Charlotte
- Wikipedia: Community Health
Author: HERE Charlotte
The CHARLOTTE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECharlotte.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Lovin' Life Music Festival, Charlotte Pride festival, and major sporting tournaments at Bank of America Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance and Foundation for the Carolinas, plus leading businesses in finance and entertainment that power the local economy such as Bank of America and NASCAR. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
