North Dakota Gun Violence Statistics & Prevention
How can we measure the impact of gun violence in North Dakota, and what can employers and facility managers realistically do to keep their people safe?
At Omnilert, we specialize in AI security software and emergency notification systems. We work with organizations across North Dakota—from agricultural operations and energy sector facilities to schools and rural communities—to help address critical security scenarios, especially active shooter events.
Here, we provide objective information about gun violence in North Dakota and offer our insight on the limitations of traditional security systems for preventing casualty events. We’ll also look at how our own AI security technology can help keep people safer across our rural and frontier communities.
Where Does North Dakota Rank in Gun Violence?
The CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics conducts an annual survey of firearm mortality by state. So where does North Dakota rank for gun violence amongst all fifty states?
Gun Related Deaths: #47
103 fatalities in 2023, ranking them number 47 of 50.
Population-Based Death Rate: #34
12.8 gun-related deaths per 100,000 people.
Top 5 Most Dangerous Cities in North Dakota
- Fargo
- Williston
- Minot
- Bismarck
- Devils Lake
Top 5 Safest Cities in North Dakota
- New Town
- Lisbon
- Lincoln
- Rugby
- Carrington
Significant Mass Shooting Events in North Dakota’s Recent History
North Dakota’s rural character and tight-knit communities don’t protect against the reality of gun violence—a threat that requires preparation across all types of organizations and facilities. A mass shooting event, as defined by the Gun Violence Archive, describes an incident in which four or more people are injured by a firearm in one location around the same time.
Mandan Shooting (2019)
On April 1, 2019, the owner and three employees of RJR Management & Maintenance in Mandan were killed. Three of the victims were shot and stabbed, and a fourth victim was stabbed.
North Dakota’s Approach to Limiting Gun Violence
North Dakota lacks all of the foundational gun violence prevention laws and has only a few of the 50 key policies in place.
- Prohibits guns in bars and blocks gun possession by people with violent criminal offenses
- Community violence intervention programming funded in the state budget
- Allows law enforcement to deny gun sales if buyer poses danger
- Requires gun owners to notify law enforcement of lost or stolen firearms
- Authorizes extreme risk protection orders to temporarily prevent those in crisis from accessing guns
Gun deaths in North Dakota increased 4% from 2014 to 2023, compared to a 33% increase nationwide, suggesting the state’s approach has had a moderating effect relative to national trends. However, the vast majority of gun deaths in North Dakota occur by suicide, higher than the national average, and the state lacks all of the fundamental gun safety laws necessary to address this problem.
Why North Dakota Needs Help Why North Dakota Facilities Need Better Security Solutions to Prevent Gun Violence
Most security systems today operate with inherent limitations that make them less practical for preventing a determined active shooter. On that front, these systems are better at documenting incidents than they are at actually preventing violence.
Limitations of traditional security systems for shooter prevention:
- Surveillance cameras only help with investigations after incidents occur
- Gunshot detection waits until someone’s already shooting
- Manual monitoring fails because humans can’t watch dozens of feeds effectively
- Emergency response protocols depend on someone being available to activate them
In other words, by the time traditional systems kick in, it’s often too late.
How Omnilert Can Help Using Military-Grade AI Technology to Detect Firearms Before Shots are Fired
When seconds matter most, AI visual gun detection can identify firearms before shots are fired. Military-grade technology like Omnilert’s can integrate with your existing cameras to protect your facility and enact an automated emergency response if a threat is detected.
By themselves, security cameras can’t prevent what they can’t predict. Omnilert brings gun detection technology to facilities across the United States to transform your existing surveillance into an active threat prevention system. Instead of documenting incidents after they happen, AI-powered visual detection spots firearms the moment they appear and triggers immediate response protocols.
Benefits of Omnilert Engaging a Full-Scale Emergency Response to Active Shooters
If an active threat is confirmed at your North Dakota facility, there’s no time to waste. The situation calls for an immediate and complete emergency response. Facilities that use Omnilert initiate an automated response across multiple technologies to help protect as many lives as possible.
Instant Notifications
Multi-channel emergency notifications instantly alert staff, security, and law enforcement.
Automated Response
Automated response workflows that trigger lockdown procedures, activate alarms, and more.
Mobile Alerts
Mobile applications that keep staff informed and connected during emergencies.
Alarm Activation
Use audio and video systems to sound alarms and deliver clear safety instructions.
Access Control
Lock or unlock doors to contain threats, secure exits, and protect vulnerable areas.
Custom Response
Engage a fully-custom response using your existing security technology.
Law Enforcement
Notify local police of an active threat or verified security incident.
Liability Protection
Omnilert’s DHS SAFETY Act designation offers liability protection.
Protecting Spaces Everywhere What Types of North Dakota Industries Are Vulnerable to Gun Violence?
We provide our security platform to all kinds of industries in North Dakota. Each environment has its own security challenges, but the core need remains the same: early threat detection.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Common Questions About North Dakota Gun Violence Statistics
How many people die from gun violence in North Dakota annually?
An estimated 95 people died from gun-related injuries in North Dakota in 2024, the most recent year for which data is available, including homicides, suicides, accidents, and other incidents. In an average year, 110 people die from gun violence in the state, meaning someone dies from gun violence every three days.
What percentage of gun deaths in North Dakota are suicides versus homicides?
In 2024, 85% of gun-related deaths in North Dakota were suicides, with the remaining deaths being due to homicides, accidents, or other causes. Eighty-one percent of those deaths are gun suicides, and 15% are gun homicides.
How does North Dakota’s gun death rate compare to the national average?
In 2024, the rate of gun-related deaths in North Dakota was 3% lower than the overall rate of gun-related deaths in the US, with about 12.5 deaths per 100,000 people compared to the national average. In 2023, North Dakota had the sixteenth lowest gun death rate among the states.
Which demographic groups are at highest risk for gun deaths in North Dakota?
Males were seven times as likely to die by gun suicide than females from 2019 to 2023. White males over the age of 34 accounted for 23% of the population in North Dakota but nearly 54% of all gun suicide deaths in 2023, and 46% of all gun suicide deaths in 2023 were over the age of 44. Young people ages 15-34 accounted for two-thirds (65%) of all gun homicides in 2023.
How has North Dakota’s gun death rate changed over time?
The rate of gun deaths in North Dakota increased 4% from 2014 to 2023, compared to a 33% increase nationwide. This represents a significantly lower growth rate than the national trend.
Sources (as of December 23, 2025)
- https://everytownresearch.org/report/city-data/
- https://www.safehome.org/safest-cities/nd/
- https://www.safewise.com/blog/safest-cities-north-dakota/
- https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/north-dakota/fbi-crime-stats-2020-nd
- https://us1033.com/unveiling-the-10-most-dangerous-cities-in-north-dakota-for-2025/
- http://www.usa.com/rank/north-dakota-state–crime-index–city-rank.htm
- https://giffords.org/lawcenter/gun-laws/states/north-dakota/
- https://publichealth.jhu.edu/center-for-gun-violence-solutions
