Concord Christmas Chaos: Gunfire Erupts at Tree Lighting Ceremony, Leaving Multiple Injured
Image Source: Internet
A devastating shooting shattered the festive atmosphere at Concord's Christmas tree lighting ceremony in North Carolina on Friday, leaving at least four people injured. The incident occurred around 7:30 p.m., when gunshots rang out, sending panicked crowds scattering. Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with people running and falling as they fled the area. Brett Ford, a local balloon artist, was among those caught up in the mayhem. 'We had a line of around 250-300 people, and then suddenly, you heard what sounded like fireworks, but it was 40 minutes early,' he recalled. 'Panic broke out, and everyone started running.' Longtime Concord resident Teresa took refuge in a nearby pizzeria's bathroom, where she witnessed the traumatic aftermath. 'Everybody's traumatized,' she said. 'People are crying, children are shaking, and parents are trying to comfort them. This is not something you want to experience, especially at a family event.' As authorities scrambled to secure the area, police set up crime-scene tape and canceled the remainder of the event. Visitors were instructed to leave the area. While no information has been released about potential suspects, authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward. Marquis Jenkins, a Concord resident, was shocked by the sudden outbreak of violence. 'I thought the fireworks had started, and my daughter thought the same,' he said. 'But it turned out to be 78 rounds of gunfire.' The incident has left the community reeling, and authorities are working to bring those responsible to justice.
