Neighbors react to Friday’s shooting at Concord tree lighting ceremony

CONCORD, N.C. — A shooting at a tree lighting ceremony in Concord on Friday, Nov. 21, shook up those who attended. 

Concord Police said it was not a random act of violence.

Police said 18-year-old Nasir Ahmad Bostic was among the four victims taken to the hospital, but was also identified as a shooter. Warrants for his arrest list charges of assault with a deadly weapon inflicting injury with intent to kill and inciting riot. 

The second alleged shooter is a juvenile. Police said they filed petitions through the North Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice for 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. 

Keyvyonn Bostic, 17, was also arrested and is being charged as an adult with accessory to the fact and inciting a riot, according to Concord Police.

Two other 17-year-olds with gunshot wounds were transported to the hospital. 

Willmarie Austin, who attended the tree lighting ceremony with her two daughters and a friend, describes the family-friendly event as a staple for the community

“It really marks a turn of the seasons and kind of like the welcome to everything,” Austin said. 

On Friday, Austin recalls she was eating right across the street at Charros on Union, where the tree lighting ceremony was expected to happen.

“All of a sudden, people just started coming and running and screaming that they were shooting,” Austin said. 

Charros Owner Jaime Atilano was on the patio of the restaurant when the shots rang out. 

“My first instinct to bring the people inside was keep everybody safe, you know, because you never know. I was thinking, you know, [there are] going to be more shots,” Atilano said. 

Concord Police said the suspects knew each other. However, even finding out it wasn’t random doesn’t make Austin feel better. 

“Regardless of if it’s random or not, I mean it was still projectiles going through the air that could have hit anybody,” Austin said. 

Her biggest worry at the time was her teenager, who wasn’t at the restaurant with her. 

“My other little baby was not with me, so I was just very worried about what was going to happen to her,” Austin said. 

Her oldest daughter was safe, and meanwhile, she and others in the restaurant took cover in the kitchen and storage room. 

The next day, Concord had its Christmas parade, and police said additional security measures were put in place. 

 “We are a resilient community and will not let the senseless actions of a few individuals steal another tradition from us. 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,” Mayor Bill Dusch said in a statement. 

Austin and her daughters, ages 5 and 16, didn’t go. 

“I really wanted to make sure that they were OK and they were still not really wanting to be in a crowd. I don’t think, it was not safe. I think it was pretty safe. I think if it was a day that was even going to be more safe was going to be the day after such an event,” Austin said. 

Charros opened for the Christmas parade, which Atilano said went well. 

“We got a strong community, and we know the police department, Concord Police Department, it was doing the best that it can,” Atilano said. 

Austin plans to attend other holiday activities moving forward. 

“Maybe pay more attention to my surroundings, but we can’t live in fear,” Austin said. 

Former Mecklenburg County Sheriff Irwin Carmichael said there are tips to stay safe when active shooter situations happen. 

He said to understand the “Run-Hide-Fight” in active shooter situations and to have situational awareness and preparedness. He added that having a proactive mindset before something happens instead of having a reactive mindset goes a long way. 

He said the planning begins when you arrive at an event, and you are aiming to answer three questions:

1. Where would I run?

2. Where would I hide?

3. What would I fight with?

Spectrum News 1 reached out to the city of Concord to learn about any additional security measures for future events but is still waiting to hear back.

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