Concord Shooting at Christmas Tree Lighting Leaves 4 Hospitalized, 3 Suspects Identified

Gunfire erupted during the annual Christmas tree lighting in downtown Concord, North Carolina, on Friday night, turning a festive gathering into a scene of chaos. At around 7:30 p.m. on November 21, 2025, as crowds cheered under the lights of the towering tree at the Concord Courthouse, four people were shot — two of them suspected shooters themselves. The incident, which police say stemmed from a personal dispute among people who knew each other, shattered the holiday spirit and left witnesses stunned. "I thought it was fireworks," said Pierre Simmons, WCNC Charlotte’s photojournalist on the scene. "So did a lot of people. Then you saw them running. Strollers. Chairs. Everything left behind."

Who Was Involved? The Suspects and Victims

Concord Police Department officials have named three individuals tied to the shooting. The most prominent is Nazir Ahmad Bost, an 18-year-old identified as one of the shooters. He remains in critical condition at a local hospital, recovering from a gunshot wound sustained during the altercation. A second shooter, a juvenile whose name has not been released, is also in critical condition. Both were reportedly involved in a physical confrontation that escalated into gunfire. The third suspect, Kevyn Rashaw Bostic, 17, was not injured but was arrested shortly after the shooting and charged as an accessory. Police say he was present during the incident and may have played a role in facilitating the confrontation, though he did not fire a weapon. The other two victims — both 17-year-olds — were bystanders caught in the crossfire. One was discharged from the hospital by Saturday morning. The other remains in critical condition, fighting for his life.

"It Wasn’t Random" — Police Clarify the Motive

In a press briefing Saturday, Concord Police Chief Debra Carter emphasized that this was not a random act of violence. "This was not a targeted attack on the public," she said. "This was a conflict between individuals who knew each other — and it spilled into a place where families were celebrating Christmas." The timing made it worse. Families had gathered for the city’s cherished holiday tradition. Children were holding hot cocoa. Grandparents sat on folding chairs. A local choir had just finished singing "O Holy Night." Then — four sharp cracks. No warning. No sirens. Just the sound of something that shouldn’t belong in a town square. "I turned around and saw a man on the ground," said Linda Whitmore, a 62-year-old resident who had brought her two grandkids. "I didn’t know what it was. I just grabbed them and ran. I didn’t stop until I was three blocks away."

Community in Shock — Tradition Interrupted

The Concord Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony has been held at the courthouse for over 40 years. It’s more than a celebration — it’s a ritual. Local businesses close early. Schools dismiss students early. The mayor gives a speech. The mayor’s daughter lights the star. This year, the star remained unlit. Police tape stretched across the courthouse lawn. Officers combed the ground for shell casings. One woman was found sobbing near a discarded stroller, still holding a stuffed reindeer. "We came every year," she told reporter Siobhan Riley. "Now I don’t know if I ever will again." The city canceled the remainder of its holiday events through December 1. Community centers opened as temporary safe spaces. Counselors were deployed to schools.

What’s Next? Investigation and Accountability

Authorities are still reviewing security footage from nearby businesses and traffic cameras. They’re also interviewing over 30 witnesses — many of whom initially thought the shots were part of a pyrotechnic display. The juvenile suspect’s identity remains sealed due to his age, but prosecutors say they are preparing to charge him as an adult, given the severity of the injuries. Kevyn Rashaw Bostic is expected to face charges of accessory after the fact and reckless endangerment. Meanwhile, Nazir Ahmad Bost’s condition is being closely monitored. If he survives, he’ll face charges of attempted murder and aggravated assault — potentially as many as four counts, depending on the medical reports.

Why This Matters — Gun Violence in Small-Town Celebrations

Concord isn’t a big city. It’s a place where kids ride bikes without helmets and neighbors leave their doors unlocked. The idea that a dispute could turn deadly during a holiday event is terrifying — and not unique. In 2022, a similar shooting disrupted a Christmas parade in Palm Bay, Florida. In 2023, a fight at a New Year’s Eve party in Toledo, Ohio left three injured. Each time, the pattern repeats: personal conflict, no warning, public space, innocent bystanders. Experts say these events expose a dangerous gap in how communities prepare for violence. "We plan for weather, for traffic, for power outages," said Dr. Marcus Ellis, a criminologist at Appalachian State University. "But we rarely plan for the possibility that someone will bring a gun to a celebration."

What the Community Is Doing Now

In the days since the shooting, residents have begun organizing "Light a Candle, Not a Gun" vigils. Local churches are hosting trauma-informed listening sessions. A GoFundMe has raised over $23,000 to help cover medical bills for the victims. "We’re not letting this take our Christmas," said Pastor Evelyn Ruiz, who helped organize the first vigil. "But we’re not pretending it didn’t happen, either."