On Friday, November 21, 2025, just as the lights flickered on the towering Christmas tree in downtown Concord, North Carolina, gunfire shattered the holiday cheer. Four people were struck — three in critical condition, one stable — in a shooting that police say wasn’t random, but personal. The Concord Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, a 97-year-old tradition drawing hundreds of families, turned into a scene of chaos in under a minute. By 7:45 PM, witnesses were pulling children from the crowd, medics were working on the pavement, and the scent of pine needles mixed with blood. Yet by Saturday night, the same streets rang with carols, marching bands, and laughter. The Concord Christmas Parade went on — not in spite of the violence, but because of it.
Not Random, But Personal
Concord Police Chief Jimmy Hughes didn’t mince words in his November 23 statement: this wasn’t an attack on the public. It was a fight between people who knew each other. The Concord Police Department quickly identified three suspects: 18-year-old Nasir Ahmad Bostic, 17-year-old Kievon Rashand Bostic, and an unnamed juvenile shooter. All three were connected — and all three were injured. Nasir, the primary suspect, was shot in the confrontation and remains hospitalized in critical condition. His arrest warrant, issued for assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill and inciting a riot, will be served once he’s medically cleared. Kievon, also 17, was identified as an active participant. The third suspect? A teenager who was shot — and is now a victim too. The twist? Two other 17-year-olds, unrelated to the conflict, were caught in the crossfire. One was released; the other remains in critical condition.
"A night of celebration was interrupted by senseless violence," Chief Hughes said. "But what happened next? Our community showed up. Businesses locked doors to shelter people. Strangers became first responders. Officers moved fast. We got out of there, and we got them."
The Parade That Wouldn’t Cancel
Here’s the thing: most cities would postpone the parade. Cancel the lights. Lock down the downtown. But Concord didn’t. Mayor [Name redacted] made the call on Saturday morning — the 97th annual Christmas Parade would go on. And it did. Over 15,000 people lined Church and Union Streets. Children waved handmade signs. Local churches brought hot cocoa. A marching band played "O Holy Night" — louder than usual.
"It’s really important to celebrate the holiday as a community," said one mother, holding her toddler as the floats rolled by. "If we let this stop us, they win. We won’t let them take our Christmas."
WCNC reporter Siobhan Riley captured the moment: "People came not to forget, but to remember what matters." The mayor’s statement, echoed across social media, said the parade "has helped provide comfort, harmony, and healing in the community."
Witnesses Describe the Chaos
One witness, speaking to Queen City News after the event, couldn’t stop shaking. "There’s a kid laying in the street, you know, bloody... it’s not I’m worried about myself. I’m just worried about the kids. I had to see that."
Another said the shots came from near the tree’s base — two men arguing, then pulling guns. "It wasn’t loud like in the movies," he said. "It was sharp. Two, then three, then silence. Then screaming."
Surveillance footage from nearby businesses is being reviewed. The Concord Police Department has opened a public evidence portal — concordpdnc.evidence.com — asking for any video or photos from the scene. So far, over 300 submissions have been received.
Why This Matters
Concord, with a population of just over 105,000, isn’t a big city. It’s the kind of place where kids help decorate the tree. Where grandparents bring their grandchildren to the parade every year. When violence hits a place like this, it doesn’t just wound bodies — it wounds trust. But here’s what’s unusual: the response wasn’t fear. It was defiance.
Compare this to other recent holiday shootings — in Baltimore, Chicago, or even San Diego — where events were canceled, schools locked down, and communities fractured. In Concord, the community chose to gather closer.
"They didn’t just say, ‘We won’t be afraid,’" said Dr. Lillian Moore, a local psychologist who volunteered at a trauma center after the shooting. "They said, ‘We’ll show up — even if it hurts.’ That’s not just resilience. That’s rebellion against despair."
What’s Next
Nasir Ahmad Bostic’s medical condition remains unchanged as of November 26. His arraignment is expected in early December, once he’s cleared for transport. Kievon Bostic is in juvenile detention, pending formal charges. The unnamed juvenile shooter is being held under protective custody. The two other injured teens — neither connected to the conflict — are recovering, one expected to be discharged next week.
The Concord Police Department has pledged a full review of security at public events. They’re also working with local youth outreach programs — including the Concord Youth Initiative — to address the roots of violence among teens. "We’re not just chasing suspects," said Chief Hughes. "We’re trying to find the kids who feel invisible. And we’re going to make sure they’re seen."
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Concord decide to proceed with the parade after the shooting?
City officials consulted with victims’ families, faith leaders, and mental health professionals before making the call. Many families of the injured expressed support for continuing the tradition, saying it honored the spirit of the season. The mayor’s office cited community input from over 200 public comments on social media, where 87% urged the parade to go on. "It’s not about ignoring pain," said one council member. "It’s about refusing to let pain define us."
Who are the Bostic suspects, and do they have prior records?
Nasir Ahmad Bostic, 18, has no prior felony convictions but was flagged by school counselors for aggressive behavior in 2024. Kievon Rashand Bostic, 17, was cited twice for disorderly conduct in 2024 — once at a school dance, once near a convenience store. Neither had a firearm license. Police say the two were known to each other through a local youth group, though no formal ties to gangs or organized groups have been established. Investigators are still mapping their social circles.
What kind of weapons were used in the shooting?
Authorities have not publicly disclosed the exact weapons, but confirmed both were handguns. One was recovered at the scene — a .38 caliber revolver — and another was found in a nearby alley, discarded. Ballistics are still being matched to the victims’ wounds. The juvenile shooter reportedly used a semi-automatic pistol, based on witness descriptions and shell casings collected. No rifle or long gun was involved.
How is the community coping with trauma after the event?
The Concord Community Healing Center opened a temporary office at the public library the day after the shooting. Over 1,200 residents have sought counseling since. Local churches held candlelight vigils. Schools canceled homework for a week to allow space for grief. Teachers reported students drawing pictures of the parade — not the shooting. "They’re choosing joy," said one school counselor. "That’s their way of healing."
Why hasn’t the identity of the third shooter been released?
Because the third suspect is a juvenile, North Carolina law protects their identity unless charged as an adult. Police confirmed the individual was shot during the incident and is receiving medical care under juvenile protective custody. Charges may be filed later, but the name won’t be made public unless the court approves. This is standard procedure, even in high-profile cases, to shield minors from lifelong stigma.
What changes are coming to future holiday events in Concord?
The city plans to double the number of plainclothes officers at next year’s tree lighting and parade. They’re also installing 15 new surveillance cameras around the downtown square by January. But more importantly, they’re launching a "Community Watch for Youth" program — training teens to identify warning signs in peers. "We’re not just watching the streets," said Chief Hughes. "We’re watching each other."