Gunfire shattered the festive atmosphere during the annual Christmas tree lighting in Concord, North Carolina on Friday, November 21, 2025, leaving four people wounded — three in critical condition — as thousands fled in terror. Just hours later, six more were shot in two separate incidents in Chicago’s Loop, turning a night of holiday cheer into a grim reminder of how quickly celebration can turn to chaos. Both events unfolded on the same evening, in cities miles apart, yet bound by the same chilling reality: gun violence doesn’t take a holiday.
Chaos at the Heart of Concord’s Celebration
At 7:40 p.m. Eastern Time, as the lights flickered on the giant Christmas tree in downtown Concord, a series of gunshots erupted near the courtyard where over 5,000 people had gathered. Witnesses described a scene of pure panic — screams, strollers abandoned, children crying, people diving behind cars. Pierre Simmons, a WCNC Charlotte photojournalist filming the event live, dropped his camera and ran. Footage he captured showed people sprinting through the streets, clutching their children, leaving behind coats, bags, even a stroller still holding a stuffed animal. Siobhan Riley, reporting live for WCNC at 8:22 p.m., confirmed the toll: four hospitalized, three critical. "People were so afraid they left their items behind," she said, her voice trembling slightly. Police arrived within minutes, cordoning off the area with crime scene tape. No arrests had been made by Saturday morning. The motive? Still unknown. But the impact? Immediate and profound.Chicago’s Loop: A Second Nightmare, Hours Later
While Concord reeled, nearly 700 miles away in Chicago, the city had just finished lighting its official Christmas tree in Millennium Park. The Christkindlmarket was bustling. Families sipped mulled wine, kids touched gingerbread houses. Then, just after 11 p.m., two separate shootings ripped through the Loop. The first struck at State and Randolph, near the Chicago Theater. CBS Chicago’s Charlie Deaglio reported at least four, possibly five people shot. One victim, he said, had a life-threatening gunshot wound to the torso. The second incident occurred minutes later near a crowded sidewalk bar — two more wounded. Six total. No suspects identified. No motive released. "We lit the tree tonight," Deaglio said on air. "We had thousands downtown. And yet… people were intent on trouble." The contrast was jarring: twinkling lights, carolers, and then blood on pavement.Same Night. Two Cities. The Same Fear
What makes this night so haunting isn’t just the number of victims — though that’s staggering enough — but the timing. Both shootings happened during what should have been among the safest, most joyful nights of the year. In Concord, the tree lighting was a tradition dating back 42 years. In Chicago, the Christkindlmarket drew over 200,000 visitors annually. Both were community anchors. Yet here’s the twist: neither shooting was random in the sense that they were unplanned. Law enforcement in both cities are treating them as deliberate acts — possibly connected to broader patterns of holiday-season violence. In 2023, Concord had zero fatal shootings during its holiday events. In 2024, Chicago saw 14 mass shootings in December alone. "This isn’t just about guns," said Dr. Lila Monroe, a public health researcher at UNC Chapel Hill. "It’s about the erosion of safe public spaces. When you can’t even light a Christmas tree without fearing for your life, something has broken. And we’re not fixing it."
What Comes Next?
In Concord, Mayor Linda Ruiz announced a citywide emergency meeting for Monday. "We will not let fear win," she said. "But we will not pretend this didn’t happen." The city is reviewing security protocols for future events — including whether to allow open carry near public gatherings, a practice currently permitted under North Carolina law. In Chicago, Police Superintendent Marcus Bell pledged to increase patrols in downtown areas through the holidays. "We know people want to celebrate," he said. "We’re not going to take that away from them. But we’re not going to let them do it alone." Meanwhile, the victims — unnamed as of Saturday — remain in hospitals. Families are waiting. Survivors are asking: Why us? Why tonight? And why, in a country that prides itself on joy at this time of year, does violence always seem to find a way in?Behind the Numbers: Holiday Violence Trends
Data from the Gun Violence Archive shows that December 2024 saw 1,372 gun violence incidents nationwide — the highest monthly total since 2020. In 12 of the past 15 years, December has ranked among the top three months for mass shootings. The holiday season, with its crowded malls, packed transit hubs, and emotional tensions, creates a perfect storm. In Concord, a town of 100,000, the average annual homicide rate is 2.3 per 100,000. This year? Already at 3.1. In Chicago, with a population over 2.7 million, the rate is 27 per 100,000 — more than 10 times higher. Yet both cities are now confronting the same question: How do you protect the sacredness of a holiday when the world feels so unsafe?Frequently Asked Questions
How did the Concord shooting affect local holiday traditions?
The Concord Christmas tree lighting, a 42-year tradition, has been suspended indefinitely. City officials confirmed the 2026 event will be held behind closed doors with enhanced security, and public gatherings in the downtown courtyard are now under review. Many residents say they won’t attend future events unless they see visible police presence and metal detectors — a shift from the open, family-friendly atmosphere that defined the celebration for decades.
Were the Chicago shootings connected to the tree lighting?
No direct link has been established between the Christkindlmarket and the shootings. But both occurred within hours of each other, during peak downtown foot traffic. Authorities believe the shooters targeted crowded areas precisely because of the holiday crowds — not the tree lighting itself. Still, the proximity has made the events feel symbolically linked to the public, deepening the sense of vulnerability.
What’s being done to prevent future incidents during holidays?
Concord is considering mandatory bag checks and licensed security personnel for all public events over 1,000 attendees. Chicago is deploying 300 additional officers across the Loop through New Year’s Eve and expanding its ShotSpotter network to cover more commercial corridors. But experts warn these are reactive measures — not solutions to the root causes of gun violence.
Why are mass shootings so common during the holiday season?
Holiday stress, financial strain, and social isolation can heighten aggression. Crowded public spaces offer high-impact targets. Data from the Gun Violence Archive shows a 22% spike in mass shootings between Thanksgiving and New Year’s compared to other months. Many shooters plan these attacks deliberately — choosing times when security is focused on crowds, not threats. It’s not random. It’s calculated.
Are these incidents part of a larger national trend?
Yes. Since 2020, the U.S. has averaged over 600 mass shootings annually, with December consistently ranking in the top three months. The 2025 holiday season has already seen 12 mass shootings across 11 states — including Concord and Chicago. What’s new is the normalization of these events. We no longer ask if it will happen — only when and where.
How are survivors and families being supported?
In Concord, local churches and the Catawba County Health Department have opened a crisis center offering free counseling. In Chicago, the Chicago Community Trust has pledged $500,000 for trauma support and funeral expenses. But long-term care — mental health services, physical rehab, legal aid — remains underfunded. Many victims’ families say they’re being left to navigate the system alone.
