‘Targeted Incident’ At Basketball Game Leads To Changes, New Rules At Concord High School

CONCORD, NH — Concord High School is implementing new changes for sporting event attendance after a melee and “targeted incident” at a basketball game on Jan. 19.

Concord police are still investigating the incident, and charges may be filed against several people involved in a fight at the school around 7:45 p.m. According to officers at the scene, close to two dozen people were involved in the initial incident. Those involved scattered from the school shortly after the incident started.

Concord police searched the area for suspects, including on Westbourne Road, Warren Street, and nearby parking lots, to ensure no other fights were occurring outside the school. By 8 p.m., police had confirmed none of the people involved were still at the school, and there were no other fights in the surrounding neighborhoods.

On Saturday, Principal Tim Herbert informed parents about the fight, calling it “a targeted incident” and assuring everyone that game attendees were not in danger. The behavior of those involved, he said, was dangerous and unacceptable, and would not be tolerated. Herbert said the actions disrupted the culture and climate of the school community and apologized to attendees who witnessed the fight.

During the course of the last week, police, as well as the leadership team at the school, investigated the incident. Herbert said he had spent many hours eyeing video footage and speaking with students about the incident to identify all involved.

Herbert said people involved in verbal or physical altercations have received “school consequences,” and they would not be able to attend school-sponsored events “until further notice.” He expected legal follow-ups, he said. Some who were not students or part of the school community received “no trespass” orders.

“They are not permitted on CHS campus or any CHS event,” he said. “Violation of this notice will result in police involvement.”

Concord Police Deputy Chief John Thomas did not comment on whether people had been charged or charges were forthcoming, saying the investigation was still open.

The school is also taking preventative measures to ensure a similar situation will not happen again.

Herbert said doors for sporting events will be locked halfway through and late arrivals will not be permitted to attend. Reentry to an event will also not be permitted. Fans must follow the code of conduct, guidelines in the school’s student and family handbook (linked here), and school board policies. Any violation will lead to removal from events and banishment from future events. Herbert noted sporting events were an extension of the classroom. Students, parents, and guests must conduct themselves as if they were in a classroom setting. Administrators will also be attending games to maintain a safe climate, while police will be providing support at all home games.

“I cannot express how sorry I am that we had this event,” Herbert said. “We encourage fans to report any negative behavior observed at an event. This support will allow the administration to intervene and maintain a safe environment for all.”

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