What began as a festive evening of carols and hot cocoa turned into a scene of chaos when gunfire erupted during the City of Concord's annual Tree Lighting Ceremonyat the intersection of Union Street South and Corban Avenue in Concord, North Carolina on Friday, November 21, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. EST. Four people were shot — three in critical condition, one stable — all rushed to Atrium Health Cabarrus Hospital. The twist? This wasn’t random. Police say it was a targeted fight between people who knew each other, erupting in the middle of a community celebration meant to spark joy. And within hours, they had names — and charges.
Who Was Involved? The Three Suspects
The Concord Police Department moved fast. By Saturday morning, they’d identified all three shooters — and all three were local teens. Nasir Ahmad Bostic, 18, of Concord, was shot himself — and is now facing charges of assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill and inciting a riot. He remains in critical condition at the hospital, but arrest warrants are ready. The moment he’s medically cleared, he’s going straight to jail. Then there’s the unnamed juvenile — a 17-year-old boy whose identity is shielded by North Carolina’s juvenile privacy laws. He, too, was wounded. But investigators say he fired multiple rounds into the crowd. His charges? The same as Bostic’s, plus two counts of discharging a firearm into an occupied property — a rare and serious escalation. The third suspect, Keyvyonn Rayshaund Bostic, 17, didn’t fire a shot. But police say he helped the others escape and encouraged the violence. He was apprehended nearby, unharmed. He’s being charged as an adult with accessory after the fact and inciting a riot. His first court appearance is scheduled within 48 hours in Cabarrus County Superior Court.Who Were the Victims? All Locals, All Connected
The four gunshot victims? All from Concord. Two were shooters. The other two? Two more 17-year-old boys — friends, neighbors, possibly caught in the crossfire. One was released after treatment. The other remains in critical condition. No bystanders were hit, according to police. That’s chilling. This wasn’t a crowd attack. It was a personal clash, exploded in public. Police Chief Jimmy Hughes, who’s led the department since 2018, said it best: "A night of celebration for our community was interrupted by senseless violence." He emphasized how quickly downtown businesses helped evacuate people, how neighbors gave tips, how officers worked through the night. "We had eyes everywhere," he said. "That’s what caught them. Not technology. Not surveillance cameras alone. People.”
Why This Isn’t Just Another Shooting
Concord, population 110,017, isn’t a city known for violent crime. The Tree Lighting Ceremony is a cherished tradition — families, school choirs, local leaders. This wasn’t a gang incident. No evidence of drugs or organized crime. No out-of-state ties. Just three young men from the same town, caught in a spiral of rage, with a crowd of hundreds watching. The timeline is telling. Officers arrived at 7:35 p.m. The scene was secured by 7:45. All victims were en route to the hospital by 8:15. By 11 p.m., they had all three suspects identified — thanks to witness accounts, phone videos, and tips from shop owners who saw the suspects running. What’s unusual is the legal complexity. One suspect is a minor — his case will be handled by the North Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice in Raleigh. His records are sealed. He won’t be named. But the charges? They’re severe. Discharging into an occupied property with serious injury? That’s a felony that can carry years in juvenile detention.What’s Next? The Legal Fallout
Nasir Ahmad Bostic’s arrest is on hold until he’s medically stable. That could take weeks. Meanwhile, the juvenile’s petition will be filed in Cabarrus County Juvenile Court. Keyvyonn Rayshaund Bostic’s case moves fast — his arraignment is expected by Monday. The city has already announced a community forum for next week. Mayor Karen Alexander says they’re not just reacting — they’re rebuilding. "We lost a little bit of our innocence tonight," she said. "But we won’t let fear win. We’ll come back stronger." Behind the headlines, there’s a deeper question: Why now? Why here? Concord’s youth services have been underfunded for years. The city’s after-school programs are stretched thin. Some parents say they’ve been warning schools for months about escalating tensions between certain groups. No one listened — until bullets flew.
Community Response: Grief, Anger, and Resolve
At the hospital, friends of the victims held candles. At the scene, flowers piled up under the still-lit Christmas tree. One woman, who brought her two young daughters to the ceremony, told reporters: "I thought I was teaching them peace. Now I’m teaching them to run." But there’s also hope. A GoFundMe for the injured teens raised $25,000 in 12 hours. Local churches are offering free counseling. A group of high school students started a campaign: #ConcordCares — a pledge to mentor at-risk youth. The Concord Police Department says they’ve received over 80 tips since the shooting. Every one of them mattered. Because in a town this size, everyone knows someone who knows someone.Frequently Asked Questions
Why wasn’t the juvenile shooter named?
Under North Carolina General Statutes Chapter 7B, juvenile offenders under 18 are protected from public identification, even in serious cases. This law aims to preserve rehabilitation opportunities. While the charges are severe, the state keeps names confidential unless the court orders otherwise — which rarely happens unless the juvenile is transferred to adult court as an adult. His identity remains sealed to comply with state law.
How did police identify the suspects so quickly?
Rapid identification came from community cooperation: video footage from storefront cameras, eyewitness accounts from bystanders who recognized the suspects, and tips from local business owners who saw the suspects fleeing the scene. One shopkeeper identified Nasir Ahmad Bostic by his hoodie and tattoo. Another recognized Keyvyonn Rayshaund Bostic from school photos shared on social media. Police combined this with forensic ballistics and phone location data to confirm identities within hours.
What charges could the suspects face if convicted?
Nasir Ahmad Bostic and the juvenile face up to 25 years under North Carolina’s assault with a deadly weapon statute. The juvenile also faces up to 10 years per count of discharging into an occupied property. Keyvyonn Rayshaund Bostic, charged as an adult for accessory after the fact, could face 5–10 years. All are also charged with inciting a riot — a Class 1 misdemeanor that adds up to 120 days. Sentencing will depend on criminal history, cooperation, and mental health evaluations.
Is this part of a larger trend in Concord?
No — violent incidents like this are extremely rare in Concord. In 2024, the city recorded only 12 aggravated assaults citywide, with none occurring during public events. The Tree Lighting Ceremony has been held for over 40 years without a single violent incident. This is an anomaly. But it’s also a warning. Police and city officials now acknowledge that underlying youth tensions, possibly fueled by social media conflicts and lack of mentorship, may have been growing unnoticed.
Will the Tree Lighting Ceremony return next year?
Yes — and organizers say it will be more meaningful than ever. Mayor Alexander confirmed the event will proceed on December 6, 2026, with expanded security, community-led safety volunteers, and a moment of silence for the victims. "We won’t let violence steal our traditions," she said. "We’ll honor them by showing up — together." Many of the injured teens’ families have pledged to attend.
What resources are available for affected families?
The City of Concord, in partnership with Atrium Health and local nonprofits, has launched a trauma response team offering free counseling for victims, witnesses, and first responders. A dedicated hotline (704-920-HELP) is available 24/7. Schools in the area have deployed crisis counselors. The North Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice is also providing family support services for the juvenile suspect’s household, recognizing that trauma affects entire communities — not just those directly injured.
