Four people were wounded, three critically, in a shooting during a Christmas tree lighting event in North Carolina.
Four individuals sustained injuries, three of them critically, during a shooting incident that occurred at a Christmas tree lighting ceremony in Concord, North Carolina, on Friday evening. The incident unfolded around 7:30 PM on Union Street South, approximately 19 miles northeast of Charlotte, according to local law enforcement officials.
An initial investigation revealed that the gunfire erupted from a confrontation between two suspects who were reportedly acquainted with one another. Authorities emphasized that the violence was not a random attack targeting the public.
One of the suspects has been identified as 18-year-old Nasir Ahmad Bostic, who was injured during the altercation and is currently hospitalized in critical condition. Bostic has been charged with several offenses, including assault with a deadly weapon, and an arrest warrant will be issued upon his discharge from the hospital.
The second suspect, a 17-year-old male whose identity has not been disclosed, is also hospitalized with critical injuries as of Saturday morning. He faces multiple charges, including assault with a deadly weapon, infliction of serious injury with intent to kill, two counts of discharging a firearm into an occupied property, and inciting a riot.
In addition, a 17-year-old named Keyvyonn Bostic, believed to be connected to the incident, has been arrested and charged as an accessory after the fact and for inciting a riot. Keyvyonn was not injured during the shooting and was taken into custody shortly after the violence erupted.
Two additional teenage victims were hospitalized following the incident. Reports indicate that one has since been released, while the second remains in critical condition.
Concord Police Chief Jimmy Hughes addressed the incident, describing the disruption of a community celebration by what he termed “senseless violence.” He praised the resilience of the community, highlighting the efforts of attendees and law enforcement officers who came together to provide assistance.
Video footage circulating on social media depicts a scene of chaos, with attendees, dressed in festive attire, fleeing the event amidst the celebratory decorations of Concord’s 28th annual tree lighting ceremony.
Despite the violence, Concord Mayor Bill Dusch affirmed that the annual holiday parade set for Saturday would proceed as scheduled. He emphasized the city’s determination to uphold cherished traditions in the face of adversity, stating that the community would not allow the actions of a few to overshadow the spirit of the season.
As the investigation continues, local authorities urge anyone with information related to the incident to come forward.
