A community event turned into chaos as a shooting disrupted the annual tree lighting ceremony in Concord, North Carolina. The Concord Police Department responded to the incident, which occurred on the night of Friday, Nov. 21, when gunshots were fired around 7:30 p.m. amidst the ceremony celebrations. As per police reports, the violence was not random but a conflict between individuals familiar with each other. Spectrum News 1 detailed the immediate aftermath as hundreds of event attendees were enjoying live music and artificial snow when panic ensued from the gunshots, leading to a frenzied evacuation.
Four individuals suffered gunshot wounds during the incident, including two, Nasir Ahmad Bostic, 18, and an unnamed juvenile who were identified as the primary suspects and are now facing serious charges. Warrants for Bostic's arrest have been issued for assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury with intent to kill and inciting a riot, according to KGNS TV. The petitions filed through the North Carolina Division of Juvenile Justice for the juvenile suspect pertain to similar charges. Bostic will be arrested pending his discharge from the hospital, where he is currently recovering from injuries sustained in the shooting.
In connection with the shooting, another individual, Keyvyonn Rayshaund Bostic, 17, has been charged as an adult with accessory after the fact and inciting a riot. Having been arrested shortly after the incident, he neither was injured according to the NBC News. The other two victims, both 17 years old, have been released from the hospital after receiving treatment for their injuries. With the community shaken by this violent encounter, authorities have urged anyone with photos or videos from the scene to submit them to aid the ongoing investigation.
Mayor Bill Dusch conveyed the community's resilience and determination to continue with the upcoming Concord Christmas Parade and Santa Scramble 5K, with added security measures to ensure safety. "We are a resilient community and will not let the senseless actions of a few individuals steal another tradition from us," Mayor Dusch said in a statement sourced by both Spectrum News 1 and KGNS TV. While the community works to heal, residents like Willmarie Austin, who attended the tree lighting with her daughters and friend, reflected on the ordeal saying, "Regardless of if it’s random or not, I mean it was still projectiles going through the air that could have hit anybody," in an interview with Spectrum News 1.
As the investigation continues, former Mecklenburg County Sheriff Irwin Carmichael advised the public on staying safe during active shooter situations. Recommending a "Run-Hide-Fight" strategy and emphasizing situational awareness, he encouraged a proactive mindset in case of such emergencies, as per Spectrum News 1. These tips may now have heightened significance for attendees of future public events, after the Concord ceremony's night of merrymaking was marred by gunfire. Local businesses like Charros on Union, where owner Jaime Atilano acted swiftly to protect customers by bringing them indoors.
