Concord Tree Lighting Marred by Violence: Three Arrested in Connection with Shooting Incident

CONCORD, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — A festive evening in downtown Concord was marred by gunfire Friday night, as four individuals sustained gunshot wounds during the annual tree lighting, according to city officials.

Authorities report that those injured include the two alleged shooters and two 17-year-olds. Currently, the shooters and one teenager are in critical condition, while the other teenager has been discharged from the hospital. The incident unfolded at an event hosted by the city on Church Street and Cabarrus Avenue.

“What should have been a joyous occasion for our community was shattered by an act of needless violence, impacting all present,” remarked Concord Police Chief Jimmy Hughes. “Our community demonstrated remarkable resilience and unity, with everyone assisting each other and our officers. Thanks to the swift actions of our downtown businesses, the public, first responders, and law enforcement, we were able to evacuate the area promptly, avert further injuries, and identify all those involved.”

Police officers rushed to the scene around 7:30 p.m. Concord Police, along with Concord Fire and Cabarrus County EMS, were already present at the event, allowing them to quickly administer medical assistance and evacuate attendees.

Attendees were asked to leave the area. Witnesses say a dance performance was taking place when the shots rang out.

“I’m older and I wouldn’t expect something like that to go on,” one attendee said. “There’s kids out here, you know, it’s a happy time.”

The city’s Christmas Parade scheduled for Saturday afternoon will continue as planned, according to Concord Mayor Bill Dusch.

We are a close-knit community with a proud history. The Concord Christmas Parade is and always has been one of our most beloved traditions.

We are a resilient community and will not let the senseless actions of a few individuals steal another tradition from us. Some families may choose to stay home and we understand and respect their decision. We also know that many find comfort, harmony, and healing in community and our parade has provided that for our City for nearly a century.

For this reason, we are continuing with the 97th Concord Christmas Parade as planned today at 2:30 p.m. The Santa Scramble 5K is also continuing as scheduled.

We remain committed to providing a safe and welcoming experience for everyone who attends. Additional security measures will be in place throughout the event.

Police have since said that this was not a random act of violence. They have arrested three people in connection with the shooting, which was between two suspects who knew each other.

The shooters were identified as 18-year-old Nasir Ahmad Bostic and a juvenile, both of whom are in the hospital with critical injuries. Both suspects will be charged once they are released from the hospital.

Bostic will be charged with assault with a deadly weapon, inflicting serious injury with intent to kill, and inciting a riot. The juvenile will be charged with assault with a deadly weapon, inflicting serious injury with intent to kill, two counts of discharging into an occupied property inflicting serious injury, and inciting a riot.

Police identified a third suspect in this case, 17-year-old Keyvyonn Rayshaund Bostic. He was not injured and will be charged as an adult for accessory after the fact and inciting a riot.

CPD said all parties have been accounted for. They are continuing to ask the public to share videos or photos from the event.

Concord Tree Lighting Marred by Violence: Three Arrested in Connection with Shooting Incident

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