Four Wounded in Shooting at Concord Tree Lighting

Four people were wounded in a shooting that disrupted the 28th annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony in downtown Concord, North Carolina, on Friday evening, sending families and children fleeing in panic as the festive event was abruptly canceled.

The incident occurred around 7:30 p.m. along Church Street and Cabarrus Avenue, in the heart of the city about 19 miles northeast of Charlotte. Witnesses described hearing multiple gunshots that they initially mistook for early fireworks, given the planned display later in the evening. Videos captured online showed crowds scattering amid the chaos, with emergency lights flashing along the streets as police and medical personnel responded.

According to city officials, three of the victims remained in critical condition while one was stable following treatment at local hospitals. Investigators determined the shooting stemmed from a dispute among individuals who knew one another, rather than a random act targeting the crowd. Two of those hospitalized were identified as suspects, though no formal charges or motive have been released. Concord police quickly secured the area, erecting crime scene tape and directing attendees to evacuate....