Police are investigating after four people were injured in a shooting at an annual tree lighting ceremony in Concord, North Carolina, on Friday night.
The shooting broke out around 7:30 p.m. during the ceremony on Union Street S, about 30 miles northeast of Charlotte, according to the Concord Police Department. The incident was not a random act of violence and was between two suspects “who are known to each other,” police said. Police did not share a motive for the shooting.
“Concord Police, Concord Fire, and Cabarrus County EMS personnel were already at the event and responded immediately, providing medical aid and evacuating attendees,” police said in a news release.
Video from the scene prior to the shooting showed hundreds of people along Union Street enjoying a live music performance and artificial snow. Panic quickly ensued after gunshots were heard, with people running away from the scene as sirens could be heard in the background.
At least four people were injured in the shooting, three critically, and all were taken to a hospital, police said. Two 17-year-old victims, including one who was critically injured, have since been released from the hospital.
Two suspects, 18-year-old Nasir Ahmad Bostic and a minor whom police have not publicly identified, were critically injured in the shooting, according to police. Warrants for Bostic’s arrest have been issued on charges of assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury with intent to kill and inciting a riot. He will be arrested when he’s released from the hospital.
Police filed petitions through the North Carolina Division of Juvenile Justice regarding the second suspect on one count of assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury with intent to kill, two counts of discharging into an occupied property inflicting serious injury, and inciting a riot, police said. North Carolina’s privacy laws prevent sharing any identifying information about minors accused of something that would be a crime if committed by an adult.
Police did not have an update on the suspects’ conditions Saturday evening.
A third suspect, identified as 17-year-old Keyvyonn Rayshaund Bostic, has been charged as an adult with accessory after the fact and inciting a riot. He was not injured in the incident and was arrested shortly afterward, according to police.
Police are not looking for any additional suspects, a spokesperson told NBC News.
“A night of celebration for our community was interrupted by senseless violence, affecting everyone who was there,” Concord Police Chief Jimmy Hughes said in a statement. “Our community showed great strength and resilience as everyone came together to help one another and our officers. Due to the quick actions of our downtown businesses, the public, first responders, and law enforcement, we were able to quickly evacuate the area, prevent additional injuries, and identify all suspects involved.”
In a statement, Concord Mayor Bill Dusch said the city’s 97th Christmas parade will continue as planned Saturday afternoon.
“We are a resilient community and will not let the senseless actions of a few individuals steal another tradition from us,” Dusch said. “Some families may choose to stay home and we understand and respect their decision. We also know that many find comfort, harmony, and healing in community and our parade has provided that for our City for nearly a century.”
Police are asking anyone with videos or photos from the scene to submit them.
Joe Kottke and Nollaig O’Connor contributed.
