lighting ceremony(Concord, N.C.) — A disturbance has been confirmed after a shooting in Concord last night, just before 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 21, during the city’s annual tree-lighting ceremony in downtown Concord, North Carolina.
According to official statements from the Concord Police Department, the event scheduled for the 6–9 p.m. window ended prematurely when gunfire erupted shortly before the tree-lighting portion of the program. Event organizers had set the tree-lighting at 8 p.m. with a fireworks show to follow at 8:20 p.m.
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What we know so far
- The ceremony in downtown Concord began at 6 p.m. with children’s activities, food trucks, and live entertainment.
- The shooting reportedly took place just before 7:30 p.m., prompting officials to ask attendees to leave the area immediately.
- As of this writing, no injuries have been reported by police.
- There are no additional details publicly released regarding the number of shots fired, the identity of suspects or victims, or a motive.
- The scheduled fireworks at 8:20 p.m. have been disrupted and it remains unclear whether that portion of the event will resume later.
Officials’ response
The Concord Police Department is actively investigating the incident. They have asked anyone with information about the event to contact them at (704) 920-5027. City officials also canceled the tree-lighting ceremony on short notice once the shooting occurred, urging drivers to seek alternate routes downtown.
Background & context
The annual tree-lighting event in downtown Concord is a well-attended holiday tradition. On the city’s website, the event is described as free and family-friendly, featuring live music, food trucks, a kids’ zone, Santa & Mrs. Claus, and fireworks.
Given the large crowds expected at such events, the disruption caused by the shooting raises concerns for community safety around major public gatherings.
Timeline of the incident
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 6:00 p.m. | Tree-lighting ceremony begins |
| ~7:30 p.m. | Gunshots fired, ceremony is halted |
| 8:00 p.m. (scheduled) | Tree lighting was to occur |
| 8:20 p.m. (scheduled) | Fireworks show planned |
(Times based on event schedule; confirmed shooting time just before 7:30 p.m.)
What the community should know
- Attendees who were present at the event are being urged to monitor local news or the Concord Police Department’s official channels for updates.
- Residents and visitors in the area downtown are advised to be alert and avoid the immediate vicinity while law enforcement works on the investigation.
- With no injuries reported so far, authorities are still treating the matter seriously and are appealing for eyewitnesses and surveillance footage.
Implications
This incident highlights the vulnerability of public gatherings to unexpected acts of violence. While beloved community traditions like the tree-lighting ceremony aim to bring people together, the shooting underscores the importance of robust security planning and proactive public communication. The city of Concord now faces the task of restoring public confidence and ensuring safety for future events.
Stay tuned as the Concord Police Department continues its investigation and releases more details about this shooting in Concord last night. We encourage readers to share what they know and stay updated.
