Four shot at Concord Christmas tree lighting as families flee in terror

Nov 22, 2025, 5:57 AM

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Four shot at Concord Christmas tree lighting as families flee in terror

A witness at the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony in Concord, North Carolina, mentioned that it sounded as if the fireworks, which were planned for the event, had gone off unexpectedly

Four people have been rushed to hospital following a shooting at a city’s traditional Christmas lights switch on.

The event in Concord, North Carolina was swiftly cancelled after the gunman opened fire last night as crowds gathered. Distressing video shared online shows families run in fear moments after the shooter had struck in the city’s central square. Marquis Jenkins, a Concord resident at the ceremony, said: "I thought the fireworks went off. My daughter thought the fireworks went off, and here it was 78 rounds of fireworks [due to be let off]."

The Mirror has reached out to emergency services for more detail on the nature of the injuries, but the local media reports four people were taken to the hospital. Three of the victims have serious injuries, and one person is in "stable" condition, police told press in the North Carolina city.

Clips online show children in tears, clearly scarred by the horrific scenes which unfolded at the event. Organisers cancelled it minutes after the attack, and police arrived to erect a crime scene where fireworks were supposed to have gone off and entertainers were due to play music.

Concord Police said they are investigating footage from the event and speaking with several witnesses. Police asked anyone with information to call them at 704-920-5027.

One woman, who was at the switch on, told a local TV station: "There were three loud pops and, in my mind, I’m like ’no, fireworks don’t start until later’. Then I just saw a sea of people running."

Another guest said: "This has never happened before, so it definitely was a big surprise. It is unfortunate because there so many kids right there. We were standing right there, we heard the pops and there was someone lay in the street, all bloodied. I’m not worried about myself, I’m just worried about the kids. They had to see that."

The investigation into the horror continues in Concord, a city of around 110,000 people. Roads are closed and bus routes have been diverted, while the crime scene remains in place. Further events to celebrate the Christmas lights switch on, such as a parade on Saturday, remain scheduled for the weekend for now, but organisers have advised guests to monitor the website for changes.

A shooting outside a gym in Portland, Oregon, left one person dead and another injured this week. Gunfire erupted outside the 24-hour gym in the Hollywood District of the city and cops launched a manhunt for the attacker, who fled the scene. No one has been arrested in connection with this - or the Concord attack - as yet.

Naomi Sterling