A joyful holiday tradition in Concord turned into a scene of fear and chaos Friday evening when gunfire broke out during the city’s annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony. The shooting, which happened just before 7:30 p.m. on Union Street South near Corban Avenue, left four people injured and forced hundreds of families and children to run for safety. What was meant to be a night of celebration quickly became a frightening reminder of how quickly violence can erupt in public spaces.
Authorities identified 18-year-old Nasir Ahmad Bostic of Concord as one of the suspected shooters. Bostic himself was struck by gunfire and remains in critical condition at a local hospital. Once he is released, he will be charged with assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury with intent to kill and inciting a riot. Detectives say he played a central role in the confrontation that led to the violence. A second suspected shooter, a juvenile whose identity is protected by state law, was also critically injured. That suspect faces serious charges as well, including assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, two counts of firing into an occupied property, and inciting a riot.
A third suspect, 17-year-old Keyvyonn Rayshaund Bostic, was arrested shortly after the incident. He was not injured but is being charged as an adult. His charges include accessory after the fact and inciting a riot. Police say his involvement came after the shooting, and his actions contributed to the turmoil surrounding the event. With all suspects identified and in custody or hospitalized, investigators confirmed that no additional individuals are being sought.
