Alabama Gun Violence Statistics & Prevention
How can we measure the impact of gun violence in Alabama, 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 throughout Alabama—from Birmingham to Mobile, Huntsville to Montgomery—to help prepare for the worst-case security scenarios, especially active shooter events.
In this guide, we provide objective information about gun violence across Alabama and offer our insight on the limitations of traditional security systems for preventing casualty events. We’ll also examine how our AI security technology can help protect Alabama workplaces, schools, and facilities.
Where Does Alabama Rank in Gun Violence?
The CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics conducts an annual survey of firearm mortality by state. So where does Alabama rank for gun violence amongst all fifty states?
Gun Related Deaths: #13
1,292 fatalities in 2023, ranking them number 13 of 50.
Population-Based Death Rate: #3
25.6 gun-related deaths per 100,000 people.
Top 4 Most Dangerous Cities in Alabama
- Birmingham
- Mobile
- Tuscaloosa
- Huntsville
Top 5 Safest Cities in Alabama
- Tuscumbia
- Southside
- Rainsville
- Piedmont
- Argo
Significant Mass Shooting Events in Alabama’s Recent History
Alabama, like many states, has not been spared from mass casualty events resulting from gun violence. 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.
Tuskegee University Shooting (2024)
A man opened fire on Tuskegee University campus during a homecoming celebration, killing one and wounding at least twelve others.
Birmingham Five Points Shooting (2024)
Four people were killed and seventeen others were wounded after multiple shooters opened fire outside a bar in the Five Points South neighborhood.
Dadeville Shooting (2023)
Gunmen opened fire at a birthday party, killing four people, and injuring 32 others. Six suspects were taken into custody.
Alabama’s Approach to Limiting Gun Violence
Alabama’s approach to gun violence has been characterized as relatively permissive compared to many other states, though recent developments show some targeted efforts to address specific violent crime issues. The approach focuses primarily on law enforcement support and enhanced criminal penalties for gun-related crimes rather than comprehensive gun control measures.
The state maintains strong constitutional protections for gun rights while attempting to address violent crime through targeted enforcement and specific prohibitions on devices like automatic conversion switches.
Key Items for Limiting Gun Violence in Alabama:
- “Safe Alabama” public safety package, proposed:
- Glock Switch Ban
- Enhanced Penalties
- Crime Suppression Funding
- Law enforcement support
- Enhanced criminal penalties for gun-related crimes
Alabama’s response to gun violence appears to have had limited measurable impact so far, with concerning trends continuing despite recent legislative efforts.
Why Alabama Needs Help Why Alabama’s 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-Inspired 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 imminent, active threat is confirmed, there’s no time to waste. 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 Alabama Industries Are Vulnerable to Gun Violence?
We provide our security platform to all kinds of industries in Alabama. Each environment has its own security challenges, but the core need remains the same: early threat detection.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Common Questions We Hear from Alabama Facilities
How does Alabama rank compared to other states in gun deaths?
Alabama consistently appears in the top five states for gun deaths and gun violence rates, placing it among the most affected states in the country by this public health crisis.
What percentage of gun deaths in Alabama are suicides versus homicides?
2023 data shows 1300 total gun deaths, this includes 633 homicides and 618 suicides. This breaks down to:
Homicides: ~49% (633 out of 1,300)
Suicides: ~48% (618 out of 1,300)
Other incidents: ~3% (accidents and other causes)
Which cities or counties in Alabama have the highest rates of gun violence?
Birmingham (Jefferson County): Birmingham consistently leads Alabama in gun violence. Birmingham experienced its deadliest year in 2024, with 153 lives lost, and Birmingham’s rate of 75.78 achieved in 2024 is more than 12 times the national rate Birmingham Police investigated 138 criminal homicides in 2024, up from 126 in 2023 and 134 in 2022
Bessemer: Bessemer has earned the designation as the “most dangerous city in America” with 2,368 violent crimes per 100,000 residents
Mobile: Urban centers like Birmingham and Mobile drive Alabama’s elevated numbers, making Mobile another significant contributor to the state’s gun violence statistics.
How have Alabama’s gun violence rates changed over the past decade?
Gun deaths increased by 51% between 2014 and 2023, representing one of the most significant increases in gun violence among all states during this period
What age groups are most affected by gun violence in Alabama?
Gun violence in Alabama disproportionately affects young adults, particularly young Black males 15-34, with stark demographic patterns that highlight the crisis’s uneven impact across age groups and communities.
Sources
- https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/state-stats/deaths/firearms.html
- https://www.gunviolencearchive.org/explainer
- https://www.safewise.com/blog/safest-cities-alabama/ – data pulled from the FBI, 2024
- https://everytownresearch.org/report/city-data/
- https://everytownresearch.org/rankings/state/alabama/
- https://www.everytown.org/state/alabama/
- https://giffords.org/lawcenter/gun-laws/states/alabama/
- https://www.wsfa.com/2025/02/06/alabama-governor-lawmakers-unveil-proposed-public-safety-bill-package/
- https://www.usnews.com/news/us/articles/2025-02-03/in-wake-of-mass-shootings-alabama-lawmakers-eye-ban-on-glock-switches-and-public-safety-bills
- https://www.wbrc.com/2025/02/04/wake-mass-shootings-alabama-lawmakers-eye-ban-glock-switches-public-safety-bills/
- https://www.wsfa.com/2025/02/12/mayors-law-enforcement-officials-advocate-safe-alabama-legislative-package/
- https://www.apr.org/news/2025-02-06/gov-ivey-officially-launches-safe-alabama-public-safety-package
- https://governor.alabama.gov/newsroom/2025/02/governor-ivey-officially-launches-public-safety-package/
- https://www.usnews.com/news/us/articles/2025-02-03/in-wake-of-mass-shootings-alabama-lawmakers-eye-ban-on-glock-switches-and-public-safety-bills
- https://www.wsfa.com/2025/05/05/gov-ivey-signs-bill-combat-city-gun-violence-into-law/
- https://governor.alabama.gov/newsroom/2025/06/a-safe-alabama-is-a-secure-future-for-alabama/
- https://www.usnews.com/news/us/articles/2025-02-03/in-wake-of-mass-shootings-alabama-lawmakers-eye-ban-on-glock-switches-and-public-safety-bills
- https://www.nraila.org/gun-laws/state-gun-laws/alabama/
- https://alabamareflector.com/2025/04/17/alabama-house-committee-oks-bill-revising-state-law-on-firearm-bans/
- https://www.usconcealedcarry.com/resources/ccw_reciprocity_map/al-gun-laws/
- https://www.wsfa.com/2025/02/12/mayors-law-enforcement-officials-advocate-safe-alabama-legislative-package/
